Audi A6 C7 – The Seventh Generation
The Audi A6 C7 is the seventh generation of the famous business sedan from the German manufacturer, produced from 2011 to 2018. The model received a modern design, advanced technologies, and a wide range of powertrains, making it one of the leaders in its class.
Generation and Internal Designation
The A6 C7 belongs to the fourth generation of Audi A6 (counting from 1968 when its predecessor, the Audi 100, appeared). The internal factory designation is Typ 4G, indicating the platform the model is based on. The car is built on the modular MLB platform (Modular Longitudinal Matrix), which was also used in the Audi A4 B8, A5, and other Volkswagen Group models.
Production Years and Facelift
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First generation C7 (2011–2014) – debuted in 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show
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Facelift (2014–2018) – updated version appeared in 2014 with revised headlights, grille, and new technologies
After 2018, it was replaced by the next generation – A6 C8 (Typ 4K).
Modifications
The Audi A6 C7 was offered in several body styles:
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Sedan (classic A6) – most popular version
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Wagon (A6 Avant) – for practicality lovers
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Hybrid (A6 Hybrid) – with combined powertrain
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S6 and RS6 (sport versions) – powerful modifications with V8 and bi-turbo V8 engines (in RS6)
There was also an extended A6 L version for the Chinese market.
Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP-EPDM TV20<
How to Remove Front Bumper
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Open the hood
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Under the hood, remove two push pins and take off the plastic cover (held by clips)
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Under the cover, unscrew two screws (fastened top to bottom) that secure the top part of the front bumper
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From underneath, unscrew seven screws that attach the lower part to the plastic shield (you can remove the outer screws and take off the bumper with the shield)
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Turn the wheels outward
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In the wheel arches, unscrew three screws per side that secure the fender liners (front part) and one screw per side (fastened bottom to top) that attach the corners to the fenders
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Move the fender liners aside and, through the wheel arches, unscrew one screw per side on the inner part of the fenders (will require a long extension and socket)
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Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners toward you)
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With an assistant, pull the bumper forward (watch for wires and hoses)
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Disconnect electrical connectors
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Disconnect headlight washer hoses (fluid may leak, prepare a container or plug)
How to Remove Rear Bumper
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Open the trunk lid
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Near the taillights, remove the covers (held by clips, pry and pull toward you)
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Under the covers, unscrew two screws per side and remove the taillights (held by retainers)
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Under the taillights, unscrew two screws (fastened top to bottom) and remove two plastic retainers (lift with a screwdriver and pull up) that secure the top part of the rear bumper
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Unscrew three screws from underneath (fastened bottom to top) that attach the lower part
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In the wheel arches, unscrew six screws that secure the fender liners
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Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners toward you)
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Release the clips under the taillights
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Release the clips in the trunk opening
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With an assistant, carefully pull the bumper backward (watch for wires)
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Disconnect electrical connectors
Model Description
Design
The A6 C7 inherited Audi's signature style: sleek silhouette, massive Singleframe grille, clean body lines. After the facelift, it got new LED headlights, revised bumpers, and a more aggressive design.
Interior
The cabin follows the "driver-oriented" design philosophy. Premium materials throughout: leather, aluminum, wood. The MMI system with 7-inch display (8-inch after facelift) takes center stage. Top trims offered the Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster.
Technical Features
Engines:
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Gasoline: from 1.8 TFSI (180 hp) to 4.0 TFSI (450 hp in S6 and 560 hp in RS6)
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Diesel: 2.0 TDI (190 hp), 3.0 TDI (245–320 hp)
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Hybrid: 2.0 TFSI + electric motor (245 hp)
Transmissions:
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6-speed manual
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7-speed S tronic
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8-speed Tiptronic
Drivetrain:
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Front-wheel drive (FWD)
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Quattro all-wheel drive
Suspension and Handling
Base version has multilink suspension, with options including:
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Adaptive air suspension (for comfort)
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Sport suspension (in S6/RS6)
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Dynamic steering (changes ratio based on speed)
Interesting Facts
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First hybrid Audi A6 – the Hybrid model appeared in 2011 and could drive up to 3 km on electric power
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RS6 Avant – most powerful wagon with 4.0 TFSI (560 hp), 0-100 km/h in 3.9 sec
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Matrix LED technology – after facelift got smart headlights that automatically dimmed sections to avoid blinding other drivers
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Audi AI – autonomous driving system – top trims offered adaptive cruise with traffic jam assist
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Most popular engine in Europe – 3.0 TDI (245 hp) combining power and efficiency (up to 5.5 l/100 km)
Conclusion
The Audi A6 C7 represents a harmony of style, technology, and comfort. It successfully competed with the BMW 5 Series (F10) and Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212). Even today, used A6 C7s remain an excellent choice thanks to their reliability and modern features. If you're looking for a business sedan with character – the A6 C7 definitely deserves attention.