Audi A6 Black Edition

The Audi A6 is a rival for the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class and the Lexus GS and the latest model comes with a wide range of efficient diesel engines.

Under the bonnet, the big Audi saloon comes with either a 187bhp or 215bhp 2.0-litre diesel or a more powerful 3.0-litre V6 diesel that is available with either 268bhp or 316bhp.

Fuel saving 'Ultra' tech means the most economical model is the entry-level 187bhp TDI diesel engine with the S tronic automatic gearbox. It'll return an incredible 65.7mpg, while the six-speed manual A6 returns 64.2mpg.

The big diesels are efficient considering the performance they offer. The 262bhp version will do 55.4mpg and the range-topping 316bhp model still manages 46.3mpg.

Audi hasn’t cut corners when it comes to the standard level of specification the A6 comes with, especially with the most expensive Black Edition that comes with 20-inch alloys, climate control, adaptive dampers, sport suspension, more supportive sport seats, xenon headlamps, a body kit, parking sensors, tyre pressure monitors, anti-skid control (ESP), leather seats, digital radio, sat nav, a premium sound system, Bluetooth hands-free calling and black rear tinted windows.

Good points

Widespread use of lightweight materials like aluminium that keep weight down, have transformed the A6’s driving experience compared to the old model. Through tight and twisty bends there’s little body roll and it feels far more agile than before. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel also comes with the option of Audi’s all-wheel drive (badged quattro) system, that makes the effortless performance easy to exploit, even in slippery conditions. Inside, the Audi feels beautifully built using high-quality materials and a high level of standard equipment.

Bad points

The Audi A6’s biggest rival, the BMW 5 Series, is still more fun to drive. Some of the options are very pricey on the A6 too and the huge 20-inch alloys that come standard on the Black Edition can add unwanted harshness to the Audi’s ride, making it tiring over longer distances.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Rear parking sensors
• Front fog lights
• Auto climate control
• Full leather seats
• Front electric windows
• AUX stereo input
• DAB Radio
• Cruise control
• Sat nav
• Sports suspension
• Rear electric windows
• Bluetooth

Our choice

It’s hard to justify anything more than the basic 187bhp TDI diesel in range-topping Black Edition trim. That engine offers effortless performance but still is able to return more than 65mpg.