This is the next generation Audi A6, due to go on sale early next year. It’s interesting for two main reasons: 1) it’ll be the first german executive car to take a leaf out of the Lexus GS450h’s book and be offered as a hybrid. Secondly, and more importantly from where we’re standing, it’s lighter than the car it replaces.

Available with a choice of five engines, the new A6 is a big car at over 4.9 metres long, but the entry-level 2.0TDI weighs 1575kg. Not light exactly, but a long way from two tons. The weight loss has been achieved by adopting a composite steel-aluminum construction, which weighs 15 per cent less than a conventional steel structure.

As well as the 2.0-litre 174bhp diesel, the 3.0 TDI is available with a choice of either 201bhp or 241bhp, the quicker of these delivering 0-62mph in 6.1secs, while still managing to return 47.1mpg on the combined cycle and emit just 158g/km of CO2.

The hybrid, due at a later date, will closely mirror the performance of the flagship diesel. It uses the 208bhp 2.0-litre TFSI unit from the TT and combines it with a 45bhp electric motor. The dash to 62mph occupies 7.3secs, while the vital efficiency figures are 45.6mpg and 142g/km.

Initially at least the 2.0-litre won’t be available in non-hybrid guise. The only petrols being a naturally aspirated 201bhp 2.8 and the familiar supercharged 3.0-litre, here detuned from the S4 and delivering 296bhp and 325lb ft – enough to complete the benchmark sprint in 5.5secs.

All engines feature stop-start, energy recovery and other such eco-friendly accoutrements. The end result is that average fuel consumption has dropped 19 per cent.

Technology lies at the centre of this car. As well as the full gamut of sat nav, electric this and that and Bang & Olufsen, the new A6 features online services, developed through a partnership with Google, which means Google Earth on the screen, internet via Bluetooth and a WLAN hotspot providing contact to mobile terminals on board.

The acid test will come when we drive it and discover if Audi has managed to improved the ride/handling balance – previous A6’s have been disappointing in that regard. European deliveries start in early 2011, with the entry-level model priced from 38,500 euros in Germany (£32,170).