Audi is on a mission! The next A6 is due to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011, and there’s still plenty to test to ensure the new executive express can match the latest BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class.

The big change for the newcomer is that it will use Audi’s new modular longitudinal MLB platform. As the new chassis has been developed to change size and even material content, it already underpins the A4, A5 and Q5 in steel form, and A8 in aluminium. However in the A7 and A6, the chassis is made up of around 20 per cent aluminium to reduce weight, but keep costs in check.

The MLB also allows engines to be mounted further back in the chassis, which should make the newcomer the best handling A6 Audi has ever made.

As well as different sizes, the chassis has been engineered to take Audi’s 4-, 6- and 8-cylinder engines, front- and quattro four-wheel drive and six-speed manual, seven-speed S Tronic and eight-speed automatic gearboxes.

Engine choices are likely to begin with 2.0-litre petrol and TDI diesel units, while six-cylinder 2.8 FSI and 3.0-litre TFSI petrols and two versions of the 3.0-litre TDI will also be offered. Stop start systems are likely. An Avant estate, and flagship performance model powered by a new 4.0-litre V8 are also expected.

Despite the more exciting underpinnings, the exterior design is set to be quite sober, with the front from the A7 mixed with the rear of the A8. The A6 is expected to sell well in China, where a long wheelbase model is likely to be offered, just as BMW and Mercedes already do with their latest 5-Series and E-Class respectively.

The interior will be typically large Audi too – very well built, soberly designed and crammed with technology, including the new touch-pad input for the sat-nav on higher spec models.

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