THE arrival in Australia of the seventh-generation Audi A6 completes the executive saloon set for the brand, joining the all-new A8 and A7.

Borrowing heavily from the lightweight construction techniques of the bigger A8, the A6 employs a spaceframe clad with a mix of aluminium and high-strength steel to slice 65kg from its waistline, making it 50kg lighter than its closest German rival.

Electric-assisted power steering and a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission – both standard on the new model – also help to chop the weight while benefiting fuel efficiency by reducing powertrain drag.

The A6 is up to 21 per cent more fuel efficient, depending on the model, while also being roomier – thanks to a 62mm longer wheelbase within shorter overhangs.

Launching with three all-quattro, all-V6 variants, the A6 has a choice of three engines – normally aspirated 2.8 FSI, turbo-diesel 3.0 TDI and flagship supercharged 220kW 3.0 TFSI petrol.

Four-cylinder front-drive variants in both diesel and petrol will arrive later in the year, ahead of high-performance S6 and RS6 models from 2012.