AUDI’S eighth-generation A6 has been revealed early, making an online debut a week before it receives its first public showing at the Geneva Motor Show. It will enter European showrooms in June, while a local arrival will occur in the second half of 2018.

As is tradition for the conservative Audi brand, the new A6’s sheetmetal takes cautious steps forward rather than big stylistic leaps. Even so, a quartet of pumped-up guards, the availability of huge 21-inch wheels and razor-sharp creases and cutlines all over give the big sedan a more aggressive aura.

2018 Audi A8 wired for level-three autonomy

Dimensional growth is minor, with the 2019 A6 measuring just 7mm longer at 4939mm, 12mm wider at 1886mm and 2mm taller at 1457mm. Inside, the gains are greater. Back-seaters gain 13mm in legroom, all occupants see more headroom and shoulder room, and the cabin is 21mm longer overall. The boot still measures 530 litres, but a wider boot aperture means it’s now easier to load.

Some models will also be offered with four-wheel steering – similar to the new A8’s system – to help endow the A6 with greater agility, while a Sport differential will bring torque vectoring for even more athleticism.

For both engines, a smart alternator helps reduce parasitic drag when running (and thus lowering fuel consumption through regenerative braking), while also allowing the engine stop-start to function faster and more smoothly.

Driver assistance tech is also another highlight of the eighth-generation A6. Parking Pilot and Garage Pilot modes will enable owners to remotely slot their A6 into tight spaces via a smartphone app, while up to five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner help the A6 build a virtual picture of its surroundings to enable safe and more accurate active cruise control.