LET battle commence! Audi is gunning for arch rival BMW, pinning its hopes on its all-new A6 executive saloon becoming the choice of up-market customers who previously opted for the 5-Series Beemer.

It's always been a close run thing between these quality German manufacturers when it comes to sporty luxury motors and I think this time the new Audi A6 will take some beating.

Audi claims the new A6 is the lightest executive in its class, has the lowest CO2 emissions, is the most economical with fuel and has the lowest benefit-in-kind costs for the business user.

The all-new body includes more light-weight aluminium panels than previous models, cutting 15 per cent off its weight, making it stronger and more rigid for better handling.

Although fractionally shorter than the outgoing model it has a longer wheelbase allowing more legroom for rear seat passengers and extra boot load space.

Bodywork has been completely reworked with a curved roofline new tail lights and the dynamic and thrusting front grille, with LED daytime running lights adding to its impressive looks.

Its major makeover gives the new A6 a superb sporting style which resembles the bigger A8.

Interior quality and design are up to Audi's usual high standard.

All versions come with supportive leather seats, a wraparound dash panel housing a standard kit multi-media interface with a 6.5-inch retractable monitor giving access to the sat nav, audio controls and Bluetooth phone interface.

Other useful kit, even on the entry level SE specification model, are dual-zone climate control, four-spoke leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel with paddles for automatic transmissions, heated electric mirrors, a six-channel 180 watt sound system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, light and rain sensor, cruise control, alarm and immobiliser, plus much more.

The S line adds larger 18-inch alloys, xenon headlights, sport suspension, and exclusive S Line exterior and interior styling treatment.

Engine line-up offered at launch are a 2.0-litre TDI 177bhp, 3.0-litre TDI 204bhp, 3.0-litre TDI 245bhp and 3.0-litre TFSI 300bhp petrol.

The biggest seller by far is expected to be the 2.0-litre TDI with six-speed manual transmission which returns and impressive claimed 57.6mpg on a combined run and emits just 129g/km of CO2.

Depending on your choice of engine you can opt for the manual version or the multitronic automatic for front wheel drive versions or the new seven-speed S tronic transmission for the quattros.

Most A6 customers opt to add features to their new motor and the choice is huge, if at a price.

Audi offers night vision assist using a thermal imaging camera, a head-up display on the windscreen, side assist blind spot warning system and the Audi active lane assist lane departure detection to advise you when you stray across lane markings.

Also available is a remarkable automatic parking system, which I found fascinating. Drivers, using only the brake and accelerator, hand over the steering to the A6 which can reverse itself into parallel or reverse parking spaces on its own.

The actual driving experience is a real pleasure. I covered a fair few miles in the manual, multitronic and S tronic versions and each one came up to the mark.

Whether in comfort setting or sport the ride was always smooth and controlled with just the merest hint of wind, road or engine noise.

Acceleration is more than adequate in any A6 with accurate and responsive steering and sharp braking.

The 2.0-litre TDI 177bhp SE has a top speed of 141mph and a 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds, the 204bhp 3.0-litre TDI returns 149mph and 7.2 seconds, and the 245bhp 3.0-litre TDI can hit a limited 155mph and a sprint time of 7.2 seconds. The petrol 3.0-litre TFSI also has a limited 155mph top speed and hits 62mph in just 5.5 seconds.

Prices for the new A6 start at £30,145 for the 2.0 TDI and on up to £41,620 for the 3.0 TFSI quattro.

The A6, the seventh of its generation, is already the biggest-selling executive model in the world and this latest version can only add to its success.

Will it get the better of its BMW rival the 5-Series? It's got to be in with a shout.