The A6 Saloon and Avant ranges are to be updated with styling revisions, upgraded lighting options, a new infotainment system and new transmissions.

The ranges, will will continue to be offered with Ultra versions offering up to 64mpg, will open for UK ordering during September ahead of first deliveries in late 2014. Their many gains will also be shared by new A6 allroad, S6, S6 Avant and RS 6 Avant models.

“With the new Audi A6, we are writing the next chapter in an excellent success story. It represents innovative technology and Audi's premium claim,” says Ulrich Hackenberg, board member for technical development at Audi.

“The Audi A6 sets new standards in many technical fields: the lightweight body containing many aluminum components, the powerful and highly efficient engines, the sporty chassis and the advanced assistance and multimedia systems.”

Revisions have been made to the Singleframe grille, the air inlets, the bumpers, the side sills, the rear lights and the tailpipes. One particular exterior highlight is the addition of xenon headlamps as standard for UK A6 SE models, and LED headlights with dynamic ‘sweeping’ rear indicators for S line versions and above.

Matrix LED headlights, incorporating clusters of LED bulbs which can be individually dimmed when sensors detect oncoming or following traffic to automatically divert their beams around obstacles, are optional for all A6 and S6 variants and standard for the RS 6 Avant.

It now includes new versions of the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus and Audi connect elements. Based around an eight-inch retractable colour monitor, MMI navigation plus is available as an alternative to the standard navigation system.

It now uses an even more powerful Tegra 30 graphics processor from Audi’s partner Nvidia, and includes MMI touch, which enables the driver to scroll and zoom in lists and maps via a touchpad. Audi connect now brings tailored Internet-based services and new media streaming apps to the car via the latest LTE high-speed data transmission standard for ultra-fast 4G click-through and download functionality.

In the UK the engine line-up for the new A6 and A6 Avant will comprise four TDI engines with either four or six cylinders and either single or twin turbo charging. All engines comply with the limits of the Euro 6 emission standard, and their Co2 emissions have been reduced by as much as 22 percent.

As before, the most efficient engine – the 2.0-litre TDI four-cylinder with 190PS – is reserved for ultra versions of the Saloon and Avant which combine strong performance, hushed refinement and the potential to return up to 64mpg with CO2 output from as little as 114g/km. Despite its sports styling, 18-inch alloy wheels and extensive specification, even the A6 2.0 TDI ultra S line Saloon with S tronic transmission achieves these exceptional economy and emissions figures.