Next-gen Audi A6 spotted testing in Pune

| Audi's 5-Series and E-Class rival is all set for a makeover |

| Edgy styling, cutting-edge tech and feature-rich interiors are on the cards |

| More powerful 2.0-liter petrol (45 TFSI) is on the way too |

Brand Audi has become synonymous with luxury SUVs in India, thanks to the undisputed success and popularity of the Q7 and its smaller siblings amongst the elite crowd in the country. But, sedans continue to be a mainstay in the German brand's portfolio just like arch-rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz. 

With the new 5-Series and E-Class already on sale in India, Audi's A6 is the only mid-size luxury sedan that's at the end of its life cycle. If these spy-shots are anything to go by, that's not going to be the case for long. The all-new, eighth-generation A6 is on it's way here and Audi was caught testing the car in the outskirts of Pune!

As always, Audi has chosen an evolutionary approach when it comes to the new model's design. The new A6 is instantly recognizable as an Audi but looks edgier and sportier for good measure. Be it the sharp new headlights, the re-profiled grille, the swanky taillights or the new rear bumper with fake chrome-tipped exhausts, the new A6 impresses all around. Crucially, the new A6 appears bigger than the current model as well which should help its cause when it comes to the all-important rear seat space and comfort. If the global model is anything to go by, the new A6's interiors will be completely new with a snazzier design, cutting-edge technology and a plethora of features as one would expect from a car in this segment and price range. 

Interestingly, Audi is bringing in a more powerful petrol engine under the hood of the new A6, as evident from the '45 TFSI' badge visible in one of the shots. This nomenclature corresponds to a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged unit in international markets that generates 245 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the power is sent to all four wheels through Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. This is a significant step up compared to the 1.8-liter mill in the current A6 that churns out 190 horsepower and sends them to the front wheels only. Those 55 extra horses and additional grip would give the new A6 owners bragging rights over those who own the cheaper A4s and Octavias that share the engine.

The 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder diesel from the current A6 is also expected to join the lineup once the necessary upgrades for making it BS-VI compliant are done.

While the current A6 retails for a little over INR 50 Lakhs, the prices of the new A6 is sure to go up with all the said improvements. Audi is still tight-lipped on the launch date but expect them to bring this as soon as they can if they don't want to continue losing out to their rivals.