New Audi A6 Avant - In Depth

Page 1 - Design
Page 2 - Engines and transmissions
Page 3 - Engines and transmissions (cont.)
Page 4 - The chassis
Page 5 - The chassis (cont.)
Page 6 - The body
Page 7 - Comfort and communication electronics
Page 8 - Comfort and communication electronics (cont.)
Page 9 - Standard equipment
Page 10 - Optional equipment

Comfort and communication electronics

MMI - Multi Media Interface

In the guise of the integrated user interface MMI, Audi is now also offering an infotainment platform and operating concept for the new A6 Avant that combine ease of operation with perfect positioning and a consistent inner logic.

MMI thus reduces the driver's workload and enables him or her to concentrate fully on the main task of driving the car safely.

But this does not mean that the driver of the A6 Avant has to forego the benefits of modern infotainment and communication systems. On the contrary, MMI actually makes a greater range of functions available and is the ideal basis for incorporating further features in future.

With MMI having already set the standard in the luxury class in the Audi A8, it is now continuing its success story in the executive segment. The MMI system is available for the A6 Avant in three different configurations: MMI basic (standard), MMI basic plus, and MMI.

Control architecture

MMI in the first instance comprises the control panel (MMI terminal) in the centre console with a control button that can be turned and pressed. The control keys arranged around the control button have specific functions in the various menus.

On either side of the terminal Ã¢â‚¬â€œ apart from the Return key for exiting the menu level Ã¢â‚¬â€œ there are a total of up to eight function keys with which the user can call up the most important main menus directly.

The individual functions are subdivided into four groups in accordance with specific requirements: the Entertainment sub-group comprises the RADIO and CD/TV functions, the Communication sub-group is made up of TEL and NAME (address book for telephone numbers and navigation functions). NAV and INFO (for traffic information) form the Information group, CAR and SETUP are the Control group.

The terminal's position has been ergonomically optimised to ensure that the controls can be reached comfortably and without the driver having to change his or her seated posture while driving.

The second central MMI component, the MMI display, is located at the top end of the centre console exactly in the driver's line of vision.

The basic geometry of the screen representation corresponds in detail to the arrangement of the control keys and button on the MMI terminal, permitting an intuitive association between visual perception and hand movements.

In other words, the driver uses the top left control key to select the function displayed in the top left corner of the screen.

MMI

Fitted as an option with the full range of features, MMI comes with a 7-inch colour monitor in the new Audi A6 Avant. In addition to the high-quality audio system already featured with MMI basic plus, a double tuner and a six-disc CD changer are also included in the radio system.

Yet a further option also available in combination with MMI and MMI basic plus is the all-new BOSE surround sound system for particular listening pleasure: no fewer than five amplifier channels with a total output of 270 watts distribute sound around the listener like in a concert hall, creating a sound experience which sets new standards even in the luxury car class. The BOSE system in addition includes electronic adjustment to take account of the vehicle's specific level of background noise.

As on the A8, MMI can also be supplied with DVD navigation. A DVD provides more than ten times the storage capacity of a conventional CD ROM, coupled with a noticeably faster access time.

This kind of capacity is able to cover almost the entire Western European road network on one single data carrier, relieving the driver of the annoying job of changing the CD when crossing borders. A further advantage is that the navigation system calculates the route much more swiftly than on CD-based systems. This is particularly noticeable during map loading and when using the zoom function. This allows a flowing zooming in and out and enables the map to be moved in all four directions.

In addition, many more special navigation destinations can be stored on a DVD; these make it easy to find your destination swiftly even if you do not happen to know the name of the road.

Destinations and route options are entered in the conventional way via a menu in the MMI. As an alternative, the navigation system can also be operated using voice control.

MMI basic plus

As an option, the audio system of the Audi A6 Avant can be further upgraded by additional components. A TP memory function, for example, is able to record traffic announcements lasting up to four minutes.

Over and above the basic unit, MMI basic plus comes with a sound system incorporating a total of 10 loudspeakers (three-way combinations at the front and two-way combinations at the rear). Amplifier output power: 160 watts.

MMI basic plus can also be combined with a CD-based navigation system featuring optical route guidance using arrow pictograms and additional text information in the driver information system which are displayed directly in the driver's line of vision.

Destinations may be entered directly or, for particular convenience, via the NAME key in the MMI address book. Route planning takes all information provided by TMC traffic radio messaging into account.

MMI basic

The Audi A6 Avant comes as standard with MMI basic, featuring the terminal, a 6.5-inch monochrome display, as well as an integrated radio and single-disc CD player. Music output is via a 2x20 watt amplifier and four speakers in the front doors. Like all radios, the basic system comes with speed-dependent volume control and, thanks to the diversity aerial, excellent radio reception.

As well as the radio functions and the broadcasting of traffic information, numerous vehicle functions such as interior light configuration, air conditioning and various warning signals can be controlled via MMI, as on the Audi A8.

The components of the infotainment system are connected to each other and to the other vehicle electronics via an optical bus system (MOST).

Air conditioning

A decisive factor for ensuring the comfort of A6 Avant passengers is a highly efficient climate control system which is practically draught-free and virtually inaudible. This standard transfers the climatic comfort commonly found in the luxury class to the Avant.

Taking up a concept already well-proven in the Audi A8, the Audi A6 Avant with deluxe automatic air conditioning plus has perforated grilles on the top of the dashboard. This allows the occupants to enjoy practically draught-free ventilation, thus enhancing their comfort and well-being. At the rear there are additional ventilation louvres in the B-pillars which also provide a low-draught supply of air.

All Audi A6 Avant models come as standard with deluxe automatic air conditioning with recirculation and pollen filter as well as a sun sensor. Temperatures may be set separately for the driver and front passenger, and there are air vents on the centre console for rear passengers.

The optional deluxe automatic air conditioning plus system uses a temperature sensor dependent on the angle of the sun, an air quality sensor and a humidity sensor to analyse the in-car climate and automatically sets the temperatures selected by the driver and front passenger.

A residual heat function allows the driver to use waste heat from the engine for warming up the car after switching off the ignition.

Not only air temperature, but also air distribution and the intensity of air flow can be controlled separately by the driver and front passenger.

The centre vent also comes with separate temperature control which means that the temperature of the air emitted here can be regulated independently of the rest of the air. The advantage is obvious: while, for example, the side vents supply warm air to the side windows to prevent them from misting over, cool air can be supplied to head level from the centre vent. This considerably improves comfort and well-being for driver and front passenger alike. Air flow as such is controlled by the Setup menu on the air conditioning control panel.

Telephone systems

The new Audi A6 Avant can be fitted with either a mobile phone preparation or a built-in phone with Bluetooth technology. The customer opting for the mobile phone solution can connect his or her phone either using an electrical adapter or wirelessly by means of Bluetooth technology. The adapters have intelligent charging electronics and an interface to the outside aerial. The adapter is elegantly and practically integrated into the storage compartment in the centre armrest.

Regardless of how the mobile phone is connected, the most important functions can be operated via the MMI controls. The TEL key provides access to the operating menu as well as to the phone book integrated into the SIM card. The driver can also operate the most important telephone functions via the optionally available multifunction steering wheel without taking his or her hands off the wheel.

Like the A6 saloon, the A6 Avant is now also available with the option of a built-in dual-band phone featuring a cordless handset. Housed conveniently in the centre armrest, the cordless phone is connected to the control unit via Bluetooth. The operation and display of functions is fully integrated into the MMI system.