“In light of the positive feedback to our model initiative, we are confident and expect to see a boost in deliveries particularly in the second half of the year,” says Martin Sander, Vice President Global Marketing and Sales of AUDI AG. “Customers in Europe have recently been able to order the new and even sportier Audi A4 models and the S4, S5, S6 and S7 models with a TDI engine. Orders are now being accepted for the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e* as first car of our plug-in-offensive.”

In Western Europe, Audi sold around 68,500 cars in May, coming above the prior-year level (+1.5%). Among the large markets in the region, Germany (+3.5% to 26,457 cars) and France (+12.2% to 5,347 cars) in particular saw deliveries grow compared with the same month in 2018. Demand fell in the UK with 12,641 units delivered (-7.8%).

The interest for the new Audi Q3 continues apace in Western Europe. The new generation of the compact SUV is an important growth driver. Deliveries of the Q3 rose above-average in May in countries such as Germany (+94.8% to 2,967 cars), the UK (+27.1% to 1,391 cars) or France (+160.5% to 1,430 cars). Across all models, the cumulative deliveries in the region after five months were still down 4.4 percent at around 324,200 units. The ongoing generation changeover and knock-on effects of the WLTP transition continued to dampen the deliveries balance.

In the United States, 18,892 units delivered represent a decrease of 2.2 percent. Following the discontinuation of the Q3, the brand with the Four Rings does not offer a compact SUV in the U.S. market at present. The new generation of the sporty off-roader will be available in dealerships in the summer. The new full-size models performed well. Demand increased 26.2 percent for the Audi A6 to 1,427 cars and 75.9 percent for the A7 to 526 cars. In the North America region the company delivered around 23,400 premium automobiles in May, 5.7 percent less than a year ago.

Business in May in China continued to be adversely affected by the challenges of the ongoing model changeovers with the important A6 L and Q3 volume models. Since the beginning of 2019 the ongoing tariff dispute also provoked general uncertainty among Chinese customers. Consequently, deliveries since January fell by 1.9 percent to 253,625 automobiles, and by 7.4 percent to 47,927 units in May. Despite the competitive market environment, the long version of the A4 continued to perform well, managing to grow once again (+9.2% to 14,102 units). The A8 L is also extremely popular among customers in the Middle Kingdom and closed May with 736 automobiles sold (+87.3%).

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

After the successful launch of Audi’s proprietary platform for used car sales in fall 2017, the four rings brand is now starting digital sales of new cars. At www.audi.de, customers can for the first time ever directly purchase a model available exclusively online. “We are garnering experience and learning a lot about user and buyer structures through this pilot project,” said Martin Sander, Vice President Global Marketing and Sales.

The Audi TT Quantum Gray Edition is limited to 99 units and priced at 62,305.03 euros. The sales offer is valid throughout the European Economic Area. The model includes special equipment, such as the express red interior design package and partial matting of the “TT” clearcoat on the exterior. Both features are exclusive to this special edition. Buyers can have the car delivered at the time and place of their choosing within Germany. They can also have the vehicle registered beforehand with their desired license plate and inquire online about leasing or financing with no obligation. Audi Live Consultation is also being piloted with the special edition model. With a simple click, the customer is connected with a customer consultant, who uses augmented reality goggles to transmit live images to the customer from inside the vehicle. 

Retail dealerships are involved in the online sale of the TT Quantum Gray Edition. E-commerce for all models is an integral component of the new contracts that will enter into force in April 2020. And retail dealerships continue to play a key role for Audi. The emphasis here is on customer consultation and communication as well as service. “This much is clear: Online sales is just one pillar of future sales. Bricks-and-mortar retailing continues to be a strong and reliable partner for us even in times of digitalization,” said Sander. Together with the Audi dealerships, the company plans to market an increasing number of selected models online via an e-commerce shop beginning in early 2020.

*TT Quantumgrau Edition
45 TFSI quattro S tronic
Output: 180(245) kW(hp)
Combined fuel consumption*: 7.0 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg) 
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 161 (259.1 g/m)

**For domestic delivery, the sale price includes legally applicable German value added tax of 19%.
For tax-free delivery within the European Community and the tax-free export, the sale price includes a deposit of 19%. For deliveries to foreign destinations, a deposit of 19% will be withheld until there is documented proof of receipt of the vehicle across the border. Payment of tax on the vehicle purchase, based on the underlying net price, is to be taken care of by the buyer independently in the foreign country of destination.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

The Audi A6 allroad quattro: the big all-rounder from Audi 

The A6 allroad quattro is now entering its fourth generation as it celebrates its 20th anniversary – Audi premiered this highly versatile variant of the Avant in 1999. It is at home both on and off the road and also offers ample pulling power. The standard all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension with variable ground clearance make for enhanced off-road capabilities – yet it is just as dynamic as it is comfortable on the road. The distinctive look and extensive equipment round out the multifaceted talents of the A6 allroad quattro.

“Town, country, river” – extensive suspension features for on-road and off-road

The A6 allroad quattro body is up to 45 millimeters (1.8 in) higher than the A6 Avant. The ground clearance at standard ride height is 139 mm (5.5 in), underscoring its off-road qualities. The A6 allroad quattro is equally powerful when used as a towing vehicle – it can tow up to 2.5 tons.

The adaptive air suspension with controlled damping comes standard in the Audi A6 allroad quattro and was tuned specifically for the A6 allroad quattro to boost its off-road capabilities. It adjusts the ride height depending on the road speed and mode set in the Audi drive select system. In auto and comfort modes, the A6 allroad quattro sets off at standard ride height with a ground clearance of 139 mm (5.5 in), whichcan be actively adjusted with a speed-dependent control strategy. If the highest ride height is selected and the speed is max. 35 km/h (21.7 mph), the body is raised 45 mm (1.8 in). The body is lowered automatically when this speed is exceeded. At highway speeds above 120 km/h (74.6 mph), the ride height is lowered by 15 millimeters (0.6 in). If the A6 allroad quattro sets off in offroad mode, which covers speeds up to 80 km/h (49.7 mph), the body is 30 millimeters (1.2 in) higher than the standard ride height. Traveling at very slow speeds below 35 km/h (21.7 mph), lift mode adds another 15 millimeters (0.6 in), raising the ground clearance 45 millimeters (1.8 in) above the normal position. 

In addition to the specially adapted suspension, the A6 allroad quattro offers additional comfort features including standard hill descent control and tilt angle assist that allow it to take off-road terrain in its stride. When negotiating light terrain, the driver can call up a display on the MMI monitor, which shows the current tilt angle in the longitudinal and transverse directions – where the vehicle is at risk of tipping over, a warning appears. On a steep slope the hill descent control limits the speed in the range of 2 to 30 km/h (1.2–18.6 mph) to a figure defined by the driver and brakes all four wheels selectively and individually as necessary. On loose surfaces the system provides an additional braking wedge in front of the wheel by using a special ABS brake function. In the Audi drive select offroad mode, all the relevant dynamic handling systems through to stabilization control are tailored to off-road conditions. 

Distinctive character – striking design and model-specific look

The new A6 allroad quattro features an off-road look that is even more striking than on the predecessor model. This exterior and the individual, versatile interior solutions emphasize the new model’s strong character. 

Special attachments on the body bring to life the robust charm of the new A6 allroad quattro. The wide, low Singleframe with its vertical aluminum struts dominates its front end. The blade and the underbody protection gleam with their aluminum-look finish. The allroad-specific roof rails mounted on bars and the window slot trims, the underbody protection as well as the diffuser trim and the band between the rear lights are finished in a choice of black or aluminum look. The wheel arch trims are finished in contrasting scandium gray as standard. They are available optionally in the body color or in gloss black. The contrasting sill trims on the sides come with allroad logos.

Two optional packages further hone the look: the aluminum exterior package and the black styling package with dark attachments and trim strips. The paint range for the new Audi A6 allroad quattro comprises eleven colors, including the new allroad-specific color gavial green, which takes its cue from the specific color of the first model in 1999. 

The interior is available in three colors – black, pearl beige and okapi brown. The seats are upholstered as standard in black cloth and partial leather. Alternatively beige and brown tones as well as the stylish perforated Valcona leather grade are also available. Instead of the standard inlays in graphite gray fine paint finish, there are two wood variants and one in aluminum. 

The allroad line makes the interior even more sophisticated. This option includes sport seats with upholstery made of an Alcantara/leather combination that combines two colors – petrol gray and black. Inlays and pedals made of aluminum, illuminated door sill trims with logo projection add further highlights. Optionally, the allroad line comes with many other interior decor variants – special color combinations, contrasting stitching and piping as well as decorative trims made of fine grain birch wood and the specific aluminum strip with subtle green color highlights, matching the exterior paint. 

For discerning requirements – drive, suspension and equipment

The A6 allroad quattro targets a distinct customer group that appreciates the versatility of the allroad with its exclusive equipment lines and details, powerful six-cylinder engines and model-specific suspension tuning.

High torque for high pulling power – Audi offers the new A6 allroad quattro on European markets with a choice of three V6 TDI engines. All units generate their power from three liters of displacement and have been redesigned extensively compared with the predecessor model. 

The 3.0 TDI is available in three output ratings. The first produces 170 kW (231 PS) and – from 1,750 to 3,250 rpm – 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of torque, sufficient for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62.1 mph) in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). The WLTP values correlate to an NEDC fuel consumption for the A6 allroad quattro 45 TDI of 5.9–5.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (39.9–40.6 US mpg)* (156-152 grams CO2 per kilometer (251.1–244.6 g/mi))*. In the A6 allroad quattro 50 TDI, the engine produces 210 kW (286 PS) and delivers 620 Nm (457.3 lb-ft) of torque between 2,250 and 3,000 rpm. The data: 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.9 seconds, top speed 250 km/h (155.3 mph)(regulated), fuel consumption of 5.9–5.8 liters per 100 kilometers (39.9–40.6 g/mi) (156–152 grams CO2 per kilometer (251.1–244.6 g/mi))*. The top-of-the-line engine in the new A6 allroad is the 3.0 TDI with 257 kW (349 hp) of power and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque between 2,500 and 3,100 rpm. It accelerates the A6 allroad quattro 55 TDI from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.2 seconds and consumes 6.6–6.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (35.6–36.8 g/mi)* 
(172–168 grams CO2 per kilometer (276.8–270.4 g/mi)*.

The three TDI units transfer their power with an eight-speed tiptronic. The wheel-selective torque control is the ideal complement to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system that is also fitted standard. When driving at speed, it brakes the two wheels with reduced load on the inside of a bend slightly before they can begin to spin. The drive torque is redirected to the wheels with better traction as a result. As an option, the sport differential distributes the power infinitely variably between the rear wheels – this active torque vectoring provides the ultimate boost in terms of dynamic handling and traction.

The three TDI units come standard with Audi’s mild hybrid technology (MHEV = Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle), which makes driving even more convenient and can reduce fuel consumption in real driving conditions by up to 0.4 liters per 100 kilometers. It works on the basis of a new 48-volt main electrical system. 

The belt alternator starter as the central MHEV component recovers up to 8 kW of power during braking and feeds the electricity into a separate lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 10 Ah. The new Audi A6 allroad quattro can coast with the engine switched off over wide speed ranges; start-stop mode kicks in right from 22 km/h (13.7 mph). 

The suspension of the A6 allroad quattro combines sporty character with very high comfort and enhanced off-road capabilities. Apart from the adaptive air suspension with controlled damping it offers other highlights. The standard progressive steering becomes increasingly direct with increasing steering angle. Its control concept keeps away unpleasant jolts from the steering wheel, yet transfers transparent feedback from the road. The optional dynamic all-wheel steering combines agility and stability. At speeds up to 60 km/h (37.3 mph), the rear wheels turn as much as five degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels, reducing the turning circle and making the steering response even more spontaneous. At higher speeds the front and rear wheels turn up to two degrees in the same direction, thus enhancing stability when traveling in a straight line or changing lanes. 

Apart from the shock absorbers and bellows, the electronic chassis platform (ECP) also manages the dynamic all-wheel steering and the optional sport differential. In the Audi drive select system, the driver can adjust the operation of the controlled functions and components in six modes (dynamic, automatic, comfort, efficiency, allroad and lift). The Audi A6 allroad quattro is fitted as standard with 18-inch wheels with 225/55 size tires. The largest optional wheels – from the Audi Sport range – measure 21 inches in diameter. 

As an alternative to the standard seats, which can be equipped with seat heating and ventilation, Audi also supplies sport seats. Top-of-the-line equipment comes in the shape of the electrically adjustable customized contour seats, which can be supplemented with a massage function. Optional equipment further boosts comfort: The air quality package adds subtle fragrances to the interior and includes an ionizer. The panoramic glass sunroof brings light and fresh air into the car. In the dark, the contour ambient lighting package floods the interior in a special look. 

The new Audi A6 allroad quattro is 4.95 meters (16.2 ft) long, 1.90 meters (6.2 ft) wide and 1.50 meters (4.9 ft) high. The wheelbase of 2.93 meters (9.6 ft) provides the basis for generous amounts of space including the extensive elbow room in the front and rear and spacious knee room in the rear. Like the A6 Avant, it offers a luggage capacity of between 565 liters (20.0 cu ft) and 1,680 liters (59.3 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down. The rear seats can be split-folded 40:20:40 as standard. Standard equipment also includes the electric tailgate and the automatically opening luggage compartment cover. A rail system, a tensioning strap, a net and two bag hooks also form part of the standard specification. The optional load-securing kit with telescopic bar and strap allows the luggage compartment to be divided up into individual sections. The trailer hitch features an electric release function. There is a sense of quiet on board – courtesy of the stiff body made from an aluminum hybrid construction and the sophisticated aeroacoustics. 

Digital native – infotainment, connectivity and driver assistance 

The A6 allroad quattro features the same extensive infotainment range found in its A6 and A7 sister models. The all-digital operating system comprising a top large screen – measuring 10.1 inches in the top-of-the-line version – is used to control the infotainment. On the 8.6-inch display below, the driver operates the climate control, the comfort functions and the text input. The natural-language voice control uses both onboard information as well as knowledge from the cloud to process all input. Optionally the new A6 allroad quattro also includes the Audi virtual cockpit – its 12.3-inch display is controlled with the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel. It is complemented by the likewise optional top-of-the-line infotainment control center – the MMI navigation plus including LTE module and Wi-Fi hotspot. The navigation learns based on previous journeys and can provide the driver with suitable suggestions when choosing a route. The route is calculated online on the servers of service provider HERE and also onboard. Audi also supplies a head-up display as an option.

The Audi connect online services are split into two packages – navigation & infotainment and emergency call & service. The myAudi app connects the user’s smartphone seamlessly with the MMI; the Audi connect key lets the driver unlock/lock the vehicle, and start the engine using an Android smartphone via near field communication (NFC). The optional Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, which incorporates 19 loudspeakers and a subwoofer, also delivers 3D sound to the rear. Up to seven drivers can store around 400 functions in up to seven individual profiles. The driver assist systems in the new Audi A6 allroad quattro provide even more comfort and safety. They are divided into two packages: The Tour assist package includes functions such as efficiency assist, adaptive cruise assist and emergency assist. The City package features the intersection assist and the exit warning. The central driver assistance controller (zFAS), which continuously calculates a model of the vehicle environment, provides the data source for all these systems.

Exclusive for the market introduction – the “20 years allroad” edition model

To coincide with the introduction of the new A6 allroad quattro, Audi is launching the “20 years allroad” edition model. Both its exterior and interior have been put together individually. Three paint colors are available: gavial green as well as glacier white and Soho brown. The black styling package has been extended with specific Audi rings and exterior mirror housings. Exclusive 19-inch wheels complete the striking look. Black sport seats with leather/Alcantara upholstery, aluminum inlays and illuminated door sill trims add prominent highlights in the interior. 

The new Audi A6 allroad quattro is due to go on sale in Germany and other European markets in June. The list price of the entry-level TDI in Germany will be 61,500 euros.

Fuel consumption of the models named above

Audi A6 allroad quattro 45 TDI
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.9 – 5.8; Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 156 – 152
Audi A6 allroad 50 TDI
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.9 – 5.8; Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 156 – 152
Audi A6 allroad quattro 55 TDI
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.6 – 6.4; Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 172 – 168

* The collective fuel consumption values of all models named and available on the German market can be found in the list provided at the end of this press release. 
** Information on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well as efficiency classes in ranges depending on the tires and alloy wheel rims used.

The new drive concept comprises a 2.0 TFSI, a four-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine producing 185 kW (252 hp) and 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque, and an electric motor (combined fuel consumption: 2.4 – 2.1 l/100 km* (98.0 – 112.0 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 53 – 46 g/km* (85.3 – 74.0 g/mi)). The permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) has a peak output of 105 kW and peak torque of 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft). It and the separating clutch are integrated into the seven-speed S tronic, which uses ultra technology to transfer the drive torque to the quattro drivetrain. The hybrid SUV impresses with a system output of 270 kW (367 hp) and total torque of 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft)just above idle, namely from 1,250 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) takes 5.3 seconds; top speed is 239 km/h (148.5 mph). According to the standard for plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel consumption ranges from 2.4 – 2.1 l/100 km (98.0 – 112.0 US mpg), corresponding to 53 – 46 grams CO2 per kilometer (85.3 – 74.0 g/mi). Its electric range in the WLTP cycle is more than 40 kilometers (25.9 mi). Top speed in electric mode is 135 km/h (83.9 mph), enough even for highway driving. 

The SUV’s lithium-ion battery is located under the luggage compartment floor. It is made up of 104 prismatic cells and stores 14.1 kWh of energy with a voltage of 381 volts. For optimal temperature control, its cooling loop is connected to both the coolant loop for the climate control system and the low-temperature cooling loop into which the electric motor and power electronics are also integrated. The climate control system uses a highly efficient heat pump that pools the waste heat from the high-voltage components. With 1 kW of electrical energy, it can generate up to 3 kW of thermal heating output. That makes the car more efficient and also provides a more comfortable climate for the occupants. 

quattro permanent all-wheel drive with ultra technology
The Q5 55 TFSI e marks the first time that the efficiency-optimized all-wheel drive with ultra technology is used in combination with an electric motor. The all-wheel drive system’s intelligent control works predictively, always looking ahead by means of sensors and the continuous analysis of the data collected on driving dynamics and driver behavior. The quattro all-wheel drive system is thus always ready when needed. At low loads and a sufficient coefficient of friction between the wheels and the road surface, the transmission of power to the rear wheels is deactivated. The drivetrain then functions with high efficiency as a front-wheel drive system. All-wheel drive is deactivated whenever it is not needed, but it remains available at all times. Fast, automatic activation of the all-wheel drive system follows a three-stage strategy: proactive, predictive and reactive. By networking quattro drive with Audi drive select, drivers can adjust not just the character of the engine, but also the all-wheel-drive properties to suit their individual preferences.

Driver modes and the updated predictive efficiency assistant 
Particularly quiet and with zero local emissions in the city, with high range on long-distance trips or sportily dynamic with the combined power of the combustion engine and the electric motor: the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro** intelligently manages a number of versatile drive modes. The concept is designed so that customers can do the lion’s share of their daily driving electrically. 

The predictive efficiency assistant (PEA) adjusts coasting recuperation behavior to the situation at hand. It uses the predictive route data from the navigation database and monitors the distance to the vehicle ahead using signals from the camera and radar. Depending on the situation, the system chooses predictively between freewheeling with the engine switched off and coasting recuperation, i.e. the recovery of kinetic energy and its conversion into electrical energy.

When the adaptive cruise control (ACC) is active, the PEA supports the driver by automatically braking and accelerating with the aim of enhancing efficiency and comfort. If the driver is driving without ACC, however, a haptic signal from the active accelerator pedal and a visual signal in the cockpit and head-up display indicate the proper time to let off the accelerator to use as much kinetic energy as possible. At the same time, symbols in the cockpit indicate the reason for the reduction in speed. There are indicators for: speed limits, town signs, curves and downhill slopes, traffic circles, intersections, highway exits and traffic ahead.

The driver is free to choose whether and how to intervene in the interplay between engine and motor. There are three driving modes from which to choose:

Hybrid mode is activated automatically together with route guidance in the navigation system. It can also be activated manually using the Mode button. In this mode, the battery charge is optimally distributed over the route to reduce fuel consumption, with primarily electric driving in urban areas and stop-and-go traffic. The system chooses between freewheeling with the engine switched off and coasting recuperation. Coasting recuperation can recover up to 25 kW of power. The electric motor is responsible for all light braking up to 0.1 g, i.e. the majority of braking in everyday driving. A maximum of 80 kW of electrical energy are generated via braking recuperation at a deceleration of up to 0.2 g. The disc brakes are used for more power deceleration. If route guidance is active in the MMI navigation system, the predictive operating strategy attempts to drive the last urban segment of the route all-electrically and arrive at the destination with the drive battery nearly empty. The control function is based on a large amount of data. These include online traffic information, distance to the destination, the route profile of the chosen route, precise information about immediate surroundings from the navigation data, such as speed limits, types of roads, uphill and downhill slopes and the latest data from the onboard sensors. 

Besides Hybrid mode, the driver can also choose between EV and Battery Hold modes. In EV mode, the car is driven exclusively electrically as long as the driver does not depress the accelerator past a variable, perceptible pressure point. EV mode is the base setting each time the vehicle is started. In Battery Hold mode, battery capacity is held at the current level. 

Individual: equipment and design
The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e combines with generous list of standard equipment. LED headlights, sport seats, three-zone automatic climate control, convenience key, DIS with color display, PHEV-specific displays and 18-inch wheels in a five-arm turbine design are standard. The rear seats can be shifted longitudinally and their seat back angle adjusted. Sporty details from the S line exterior package hone the dynamic look: S line bumpers front and rear, a diffuser with a double clasp at the rear and a unique design in the Singleframe grille with various elements in dark chrome.

Convenient: fast charging in just a few hours
The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro comes standard with the Compact charging system plus a Mode 3 cable with Type 2 plug for use at public charging stations. The Compact charging system comprises cables for household and industrial outlets plus a control unit. The system features an LED status display and safety functions such as temperature and residual current monitoring. Audi also offers the optional wall-mounted holder clip, a lockable holder for the charging system. A full charge at a CEE industrial outlet with 400 V/16 A takes just 2.5 hours. The integrated charger charges the lithium ion battery with a maximum power of 7.4 kW. But even at a 230 V household outlet, an empty battery can be fully and conveniently recharged overnight in roughly six hours. Convenient recharging is also possible on the road. The proprietary Audi e-tron Charging Service provides access to some 100,000 charging points in Europe. A single card is sufficient to start charging, regardless of the provider. 

Charge management from the couch: the myAudi app
The myAudi app allows customers to use the services from the Audi connect portfolio on their smartphones, which is particularly practical with electrified models. The app can be used to check the battery and range status, start the charging process, program the charge timer and view the charge and consumption statistics. Furthermore, the route planners in both the app and the MMI navigation in the car show charging stations.

Another function of the myAudi app is preheating/precooling prior to departure. In this case the climate control system compressor and the auxiliary heater in the car are powered electrically. The customer can determine exactly how the interior should be heated or cooled while the battery is being charged. Depending on the optional equipment chosen, the same applies to the seat and steering wheel heating, heating of the windshield, rear window and mirrors, and the seat cooling. 

Orders are now being accepted for the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro at a base price in Germany of 60,450 euros. Market introduction begins in the third quarter of 2019.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com