Audi is playing a monotonous game of spot the difference with its A6 facelift, but at least the looks will be RS6-inspired. We’ve snapped the new car, due to be unveiled at the 2008 Paris motor show this October, on test in Germany and it’s completely undisguised.
Right, what are the minor visual changes on the facelifted Audi A6?
At the front are fresh headlights with LED daytime running lights with, wait for it, newly shaped headlamp washer covers. Ooh and indeed, ahh. On this test car, thought to be the S-line model, there’s also a restyled front bumper taking cues from the RS6. The front grille has vertical rather than horizontal strakes, a styling idea pinched from the Allroad, while the number plate now sits alone on the grille, rather than with a black plastic surround.
Down the flanks of this A6 Avant you’ll find the current car’s indicators are missing, as they’re now integrated into the wing mirrors. The roof rails stand proud of the car and at the rear this A6 Avant gets the RS6’s LED taillights.
The saloon car snapped in our pictures will also feature LED rear lights and the same frontal treatment, as will the A6 Allroad.
What are the changes under the metal skin?
Mechanically Audi will subtly revise the engines and suspension settings, while the biggest news is the adoption of common-rail technology for the 2.0-litre diesel, the A6’s biggest seller.
In the cabin expect minor updates to the trim and MMI, but a source within Audi UK has told CAR that the facelifted A6 is not expected to adopt the A4’s Drive Select or the company’s Magnetic Ride. With the take-up of the Drive Select system at five percent on the A4 the former isn’t a surprise, but with Magnetic Ride appearing on the revised A3 it’s strange that Audi might not offer it on the A6.