A lot after the astonishing success of BMW's 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged diesel, Audi has announced their new BiTurbo TDI, which is now available for A6 Saloon and Avant and A7 Sportback models.

The manufacturer also announced the price list for these models - £43 810 OTR for 2012 Audi A6 Saloon with BiTurbo TDI, £45 650 OTR for A6 Avant with the same engine and £51 645 OTR for the premium A7 Sportback.

The new BiTDI 3.0 liter V6 delivers 313PS (230 kW) at 3900RPM and 650Nm (480 lb-ft) at just 1450RPM. This means 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The combined cycle is 44.1 mpg and emissions of just 169 g/m CO2. The engine is mated to an 8-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox.

Other interesting highlight is the Sound actuator, which is positioned in the auxiliary channel of the exhaust system. The actuator system essentially consists of a speaker which imposes a defined oscillation pattern on the exhaust flow and transforms the typical TDI exhaust note into a more sonorous roar that is closer to the output of a high-performance petrol engine.

2012 Audi A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI Quattro

The mighty new BiTDI engine is available in conjunction with SE and S line specification in the A6 Saloon, A6 Avant and A7 Sportback. The forthcoming A6 Allroad Quattro, due to open for order in February, will also offer this exceptional unit.

Stand-out features common to all these models include satellite navigation linked to a 6.5-inch retractable colour monitor, Milano leather upholstery, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system controlling throttle response, transmission shift points and steering feel, the Audi parking system plus, light and rain sensors, cruise control and keyless go push-button engine ignition.

Audi A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI Quattro (2012) - picture 1 of 3
Audi A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI Quattro (2012) - picture 2 of 3
Audi A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI Quattro (2012) - picture 3 of 3

AUDI A6, A6 AVANT AND A7 SPORTBACK – UK OTR PRICING

MODEL TRIM PS TRANSMISSION CO2 (g/km) ECONOMY mpg (Combined) OTR
A6 Saloon 3.0 BiTDI quattro SE 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £43,810
A6 Saloon 3.0 BiTDI quattro S line 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £46,160
A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI quattro SE 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £45,650
A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI quattro S line 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £48,000
A7 3.0 BiTDI quattro SE 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £51,645
A7 3.0 BiTDI quattro S line 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £53,435

Source: Audi