AUDI is leaning to the dark side with a new Black Edition trim for its A6 saloon and Avant estate models and the A7 Sportback.

In each case the devil is in the detail as the imposing style is combined with the most extensive equipment list in each line-up.

Black Edition distinguishing features start with rotor-design alloy wheels with a dark titanium finish and either a 20-inch diameter in the A6 Saloon and Avant or 21 inches in the A7 Sportback.

That's on top of the lowered sports suspension which is a standard feature of the S line models on which the new spec is based - and in the A7 Sportback it's lowered even further.

The darker side of all three models is also shown by a black finish for the grille and number plate surrounds and the window frame strips, along with privacy glass, while the A6 Avant is also equipped with black roof rails.

Inside there are Piano Black inlays and sports seats upholstered in black Valcona leather with black headlining.

In A6 and A6 Avant models, the S line equipment list is also expanded by a BOSE surround sound system, DAB digital radio and the Audi Music Interface for iPod connection.

The A7 Sportback Black Edition gains the BOSE upgrade and already features DAB radio and AMI as standard from SE spec and above.

Standard kit includes sat-nav, light and rain sensors, Xenon all-weather headlights and LED rear lights, Audi drive select adaptive dynamics, Audi parking system plus and keyless go.

Engines comprise a 3.0-litre BiTDI diesel with 313PS and 44.1mpg in all three ranges while the A6 Black is also available with all Audi engines from the 177PS 2.0-litre TDI upwards, excluding S6 models, and with either front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive.

In the A7 Sportback, it is available in all versions bar the front-wheel drive 3.0-litre TDI 204PS and the S7 Sportback.

Audi A6 Saloon Black Edition models start at £35,010, the Avant is from £36,970 and A7 Sportback from £50,575.