New 300hp V6 TDI for Audi A6 and Q5
Cutting-edge oil burner, with three electrified elements, makes a fine case for the black pump
As discovered recently with the new A6 Avant, there’s not much beating a big diesel Audi for moving lots of people lots of distance with the minimum of fuss. That being said, the regular TDI isn’t what you’d call rampantly powerful, and the A6 range was notable for launching only with four-cylinder power; whether petrol, PHEV or diesel, there was nothing larger than 2.0-litres initially. Which always seemed a bit mean. Now Audi is addressing the situation with a new version of its long-serving EA897 3.0-litre V6 oil-burner, for both A6 and Q5.
This being a new Audi compression ignition engine, EA897evo4 is a fiendishly complex unit. So while the MHEV plus technology - with a 24hp boost and electric manoeuvring possible - is familiar from cars like the S5, here the 3.0-litre is updated with an electric compressor alongside. That’s what arrived in cars like the SQ7 diesel to such pronounced effect, boosting the engine before the exhaust gas turbos could contribute. Audi says it’s the first time that MHEV plus has been used in conjunction with the electrically powered compressor, and as a result, it makes for ‘new standards compared to its predecessors.’
The benefits are said to be felt everywhere, the compressor and the powertrain generator combining to offer up to 3.6 bar nearly a second faster than before - eliminating turbo lag, according to its maker. Indeed, with the compressor wheel spinning at up to 90,000rpm in 250 milliseconds, the suggestion is of an A6 TDI that ‘closely resembles the feel of an electric drive with similar power.’ Then it just keeps going, the electric compressor improving initial acceleration - apparently it gains a car length in the first 2.5 seconds - the MHEV plus recuperating energy when slowing down, plus the fast lane of the M40 made a doddle thanks to electric helping a large-capacity turbodiesel.
Or, as Audi puts it: ‘In combination with the MHEV plus electrification consisting of a belt alternator starter and powertrain generator, the V6 TDI engine EA897evo4 delivers powerful performance in every driving situation: when starting from a standstill, accelerating out of town, overtaking, and driving on the highway.’ You wouldn’t want to have to fix it in the late 2030s, but this would surely be the master of the motorway until then.
In terms of raw stats, this is a 299hp 3.0 V6 TDI with 428lb ft - i.e. a very worthwhile upgrade over the 2.0-litre’s 204hp and 295lb ft. While performance stats aren’t yet available for either saloon or SUV, it reckons that CO2 varies from just 140g/km to 177g/km, depending on body style and options. Fuel consumption is from 41.5mpg to 53.3, which are frankly incredible numbers from a 3.0-litre V6 given how stringent tests are these days. You’ll be filling up once a month. And not even with regular crummy diesel, either, if that doesn’t suit. The EA897evo4 can use HVO fuel that conforms to European standard EN 15940 - keep up at the back. HVO standards for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, and it’s actually what the cars made at Ingolstadt or Neckarsulm will leave the factory with. It’s exactly what you think, taking used cooking oil or farming by-products to make saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons.
So fuelled, Audi reckons on a 70 to 95 per cent reduction in CO2 compared to conventional diesel. And a rush to Harry Ramsden’s from everyone sharing the motorway with the smell. In its international release, Audi states that the new V6 TDI quattro can be ordered for both Q5 and A6 right now. UK availability hasn’t been confirmed - and between ever-increasing EV requirements and an additional tax on electric cars due, it’s hard to know exactly which cars manufacturers should try and sell here. But a 50mpg Audi saloon with a V6 sounds very nice indeed. Best get planning a road trip.
The A6 Avant version costs £62k in 'S Line' trim and with 140g/km to 177g/km, that's an extra £1.3k to £3.3k in first year VED costs, and £9k a year in company car BIK tax.(40% tax payer)
It's about £1.5k per month
You have REALLY got to want to a diesel at this price !
- had been producing.
The 540d xDrive has a 3 litre straight six, 300hp and 494 lb/ft with a 18hp/148lb/ft boost from the 48v ISG motor - it's a mild hybrid.
It's been available since 2024 in non-UK markets.
It's not like selling it or not in the UK is an LHD/RHD thing, they sell it in RHD for Australia just fine.
The A6 Avant version costs £62k in 'S Line' trim and with 140g/km to 177g/km, that's an extra £1.3k to £3.3k in first year VED costs, and £9k a year in company car BIK tax.(40% tax payer)
It's about £1.5k per month
You have REALLY got to want to a diesel at this price !
I can't say any recent A6 is a common sight in the UK though, even in places where new 5 series and E classes are everywhere. I was next to one in traffic in the summer with my roof down, it's nasty clattery diesel rattling away, and it's a rare enough spot that I both registered it at the time and remember it now.
- had been producing.
The 540d xDrive has a 3 litre straight six, 300hp and 494 lb/ft with a 18hp/148lb/ft boost from the 48v ISG motor - it's a mild hybrid.
It's been available since 2024 in non-UK markets.
It's not like selling it or not in the UK is an LHD/RHD thing, they sell it in RHD for Australia just fine.
Reasons have made these sorts of cars drivetrains complex in the extreme.
The A6 Avant version costs £62k in 'S Line' trim and with 140g/km to 177g/km, that's an extra £1.3k to £3.3k in first year VED costs, and £9k a year in company car BIK tax.(40% tax payer)
It's about £1.5k per month
You have REALLY got to want to a diesel at this price !
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