Audi is launching the A6 with a choice of powerful, sophisticated, and highly efficient four- and six-cylinder powerplants: two gasoline engines and three TDI units. They have outputs ranging from 130 kW (177 hp) to 220 kW (300 hp). They obtain their fuel through direct injection; the 3.0 TFSI employs a supercharger to achieve boost, and the 2.0 TFSI and TDI operate with turbochargers.

Each of these engines makes use of technologies from the Audi modular efficiency platform. Much effort has gone into optimizing these engines, particularly with regard to internal friction, in keeping with the brand's innovative thermal management system. Each of the units operates with an energy recovery system combined with a start-stop system, irrespective of the type of transmission used.

The new Audi A6 is setting the standard for efficiency in the executive class. Throughout the entire model line, fuel consumption in the A6 has decreased by up to 19 percent compared with the previous models – even as its performance has increased. The 2.0 TDI requires on average just 4.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (48.00 US mpg) and emits only 129 g CO2 per km (207.61 g/mile).

The naturally aspirated 2.8 FSI is also equipped with AVS; in this case, it acts on the intake valves. The throttle can usually remain open, allowing the V6 to breathe freely. It has an output of 150 kW (204 hp) and achieves 280 Nm (206.52 lb-ft) of torque in the speed range of 5,250 to 6,500 rpm. Key data (with multitronic): 0-100 km/h (0-62.14 mph) in 7.7 seconds; top speed 240 km/h (149.13 mph); consumption in the EU cycle 7.4 liters per 100 km (31.79 US mpg), 172 g CO2 per km (276.81 g/mile). This represents an improvement of 12 percent, despite the fact that the predecessor delivered 10 kW (14 hp) less.

The most powerful gasoline engine in the A6 family is the 3.0 TFSI; its mechanical charger is situated in the 90-degree V formed by the cylinder banks. The V6 delivers 220 kW (300 hp) of power and 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque, the latter at 2,900 to 4,500 rpm. The A6 3.0 TFSI sprints from standing to backroad speed in 5.5 seconds and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). It consumes on average 8.2 liters per 100 km (26.68 US mpg) and emits 190 g CO2 per km (305.78 g/mile) – an advance of 13 percent over the previous model, which produced 213 kW (290 hp). The most efficient engine in the new A6 is the redeveloped 2.0 TDI. This four-cylinder unit develops 130 kW (177 hp). Its 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque stand at the ready between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. In conjunction with a manual transmission, it propels the Audi A6 from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.7 seconds, then on to a top speed of 228 km/h (141.67 mph). In the EU cycle, it requires just 4.9 liters per 100 km (48.00 US mpg) and emits only 129 g CO2 per km (207.61 g/mile). That is a 13 percent decrease in fuel consumption.

The newly developed 3.0 TDI is represented with two versions in the A6 family. Both stand out for their low weight, minimal internal friction, ultra high-precision tuning of the auxiliary units, and a highly sophisticated thermal management system that provides separate coolant circuits for the crankcase and cylinder heads.

In the first version, the V6 diesel generates 150 kW (204 hp) and applies 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of torque in the low range of 1,250 to 3,500 rpm. Paired with a multitronic transmission, it accelerates the A6 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.2 seconds and achieves a top speed of 240 km/h (149.13 mph). Its average consumption is a mere 5.2 liters per 100 km, a CO2 emissions level of 137 g per km (220.48 g/mile). Compared with the 140 kW (190 hp) predecessor, this represents an advance of 19 percent.

The top-of-the-line version of the 3.0 TDI delivers 180 kW (245 hp), providing 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque between 1,400 and 3,250 revolutions. The standard sprint takes just 6.1 seconds, and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). On average, this top-performing diesel powerplant uses just 6.0 liters of fuel per 100 km (39.20 US mpg) and emits 158 g CO2 per km (254.28 g/mile). As such it outperforms the previous engine, which achieved 176 kW (240 hp), by 16 percent.

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