For generations, the Audi A6 has evolved humbly with reserved design, solid performance and smart technology. Now in its sixth generation, the 2019 Audi A6 still flies under the radar but packs little spark of pizzazz. When I approach the dark, unassuming sedan, its headlamps and taillights spring to life with an animated illumination dance, like a high-tech German Knight Rider.

This subtle display of lighting technology is your first hint that the rest of the A6 is bursting at its tailored seams with tech, from the dashboard to the engine bay to the onboard safety systems.

3.0T Quattro power

Audi has also changed its naming convention for this generation. The simple displacement-based designations like "2.0T" or "3.0T Quattro" are out, replaced by new 55 TFSI and 45 TFSI badges that tell you next to nothing about what's under the hood.

The A6 55 TFSI is mechanically similar to its platform mates, the full-size A8 L luxury sedan and midsize A7 liftback. Which means that it's powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine that makes 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. That feels like an adequate amount of power for a vehicle of this size -- not an overwhelming force, but certainly enough oomph to make short work of interstate merges and stoplight launches.

You won't find any surprises from the rest of the powertrain: The A6 features the same seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission, Quattro all-wheel drive and 48-volt mild-hybrid system as previously paired with the 3.0-liter turbo. The A6 feels a fair bit more responsive and dynamic than the larger A8 when accelerating or changing direction, which it should, considering the 485-pound difference between the two.

The A6 45 TFSI configuration steps down to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, as well as a 12-volt version of the mild hybrid system. The seven-speed gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive are kept intact, though the 45 TFSI is about a second slower to 60 miles per hour -- it takes 6.1 seconds versus the six-cylinder's 5.1. The 45 does have a slight fuel economy advantage, however -- 27 miles per gallon combined versus 25 -- and both engines are 1 or 2 mpg or two over last year's model.

The A6's handling has been tuned for a light touch. The steering wheel has a slightly artificial, isolated nature that -- while still very responsive and precise -- keeps a lot of the steering feel to itself. Personally, I'd also like a bit more audible dynamism. Even with its Drive Mode selector in its sportiest mode, I struggled to hear the engine note. That said, I enjoyed piloting the A6 over the course of a week -- especially once I'd settled into a more relaxed driving style -- and reckon many premium/luxury drivers will appreciate the quiet performance and comfortable, controlled ride.

For the rest of us, well, we'll have to wait for a turn in the 2020 Audi S6 or RS6 Avant.