Driver assistance systems

A broad portfolio of driver assistance and safety systems is available for the new A6 family. The driver information system in the optional MMI radio plus includes the rest recommendation function. It uses various sensors to analyze driving behavior and warns the driver if there is any indication that he or she is starting to lose concentration.

Another new standard feature is the secondary collision brake assist. If a crash triggers the safety system, it is activated to aid the driver. It can initiate automatic braking to reduce the risks of skidding and additional collisions during the accident.

Playing the main role among the optional assistance systems is the adaptive cruise control with stop & go function. It accelerates and brakes to maintain a safe distance to the vehicle ahead. The driver can specify the distance and the control dynamics in four stages. The system covers the entire range of speeds from stationary to 250 km/h (155.3 mph) and analyzes the data from two radar sensors, a video camera, the ultrasonic sensors and additional systems. It also accesses the route data of the navigation system.

The Audi pre sense safety system is available in a variety of versions. In the standard version, Audi pre sense basic, it intervenes upon detecting an unstable driving situation via the sensors of the ESC stabilization control system. In such cases, it ensures the front seatbelts are electrically tensioned and the sunroof and the side windows are closed, leaving just a gap.

The ACC stop & go also includes the expanded version, Audi pre sense front. It helps to prevent collisions with the vehicle ahead and to mitigate their consequences. In a dangerous situation, the system uses a graduated warning concept to urge the driver to brake. If the driver remains passive, partial braking is performed autonomously provided that the vehicle ahead is moving.

In the full version – Audi pre sense plus as part of the assistance package – the system initiates full braking shortly before a crash. At speeds below 30 km/h (18.6 mph), automatic emergency braking with full power is performed even behind a stationary vehicle. Below 20 km/h (12.4 mph), this full braking in many cases prevents the accident altogether and greatly reduces the impact speed in any case.

The Audi side assist lane change assistant uses two radar sensors that monitor the space up to around 70 meters (229.7 ft) behind the car during lane changes at speeds over 30 km/h (18.6 mph). If a vehicle is in the blind spot or approaches rapidly, a warning LED in the housing of the respective exterior mirror lights up. If the driver still activates the turn signal, the LED flashes several times at high frequency. Audi side assist is coupled with the Audi pre sense rear system, which also initiates preventive protective measures.

Starting at 65 km/h (40.4 mph), Audi active lane assist detects lane markings on the road with a video camera. If the new Audi A6 approaches a lane marking without indicating, the system assists the driver in steering back into the lane by making a slight intervention in the electromechanical steering system.

The driver can choose in the MMI to have the steering wheel vibrate as well. If the driver selects an early intervention point, Audi active lane assist helps to keep the car in the center of the lane. In the new A6, the system works closely together with Audi side assist. The warning about a critical lane change may then be accompanied by a supportive intervention in the steering system.

Even greater safety: the night vision assistant
The night vision assistant uses a far infrared camera located at the front the vehicle. It reacts to the heat radiated by objects. Converted into black-and-white images, its information can be seen on the large driver information system display. The cooler surroundings appear dark, while animals and people appear strikingly bright. The system, which has a visual range of up to 300 meters (984.3 ft), can detect people and larger wild animals at up to around 100 meters (328.1 ft) away and highlights them with yellow markings.

If the computer detects a hazardous situation, the brake system can be preemptively prefilled. A warning signal sounds and a red warning appears on the driver information system’s screen and in the optional head-up display. If the new Audi A6 is equipped with the high-beam assistant or Matrix LED headlights, the person can be targeted and illuminated with three short bursts of light (outside urban areas).

The camera-based speed limit display can detect speed limit signs, their supplemental signs and the signs lifting the speed limits and display them as graphics. It uses the signals from the video camera and also compares them against the database of the optional MMI navigation plus.

Several systems are available to make parking easier; the top of the line is the park assist system with display of surroundings. It uses twelve ultrasonic sensors to create an image of the surroundings of the new A6, and steers the car into parallel and perpendicular parking spots at the push of a button. The driver only has to accelerate and brake. The system also takes over the steering when pulling out of parallel spots. A surroundings display warns of obstacles to the sides that had been recognized while driving past them. The system can be combined with a reversing camera or 360 degree cameras. The four small, wide-angle lenses mounted on the car capture images of the immediate surroundings. The driver can have the MMI monitor display the images from these cameras in a variety of views.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.