Style and quality - easy to say but hard to get.
For anyone looking to buy a mid-size prestige car there are bucket-loads to choose from. Over in the Audi garage the Audi A6 sedan is serious contender . Here is a vehicle where style delivers more than good looks and quality is obvious in every way.
And did we mention it's great value too?
What You Get
Time had marched a long way since we last tested an A6 so when a 3.0-litre TFSI V6 Quattro arrived in our garage, we were again reminded why people love Audi and why it is Australia's fastest-growing premium automotive brand.
Recently updated with refreshed styling and some new engines, the A6 range starts from $74,500 (our 3.0-litre TFSI V6 Quattro was stickered at $112,500). This V6 is one of the new engines in the A6 lineup which now includes petrol and diesel, naturally-aspirated, turbocharged and supercharged.
The A6 is a beautifully styled European mid-size prestige sedan with extensive standard equipment - and of course Audi's brilliant driving dynamics highlighted by the Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Under The Hood
The supercharged 3.0-litre V6 TFSI petrol engine is one of the new engines included in the A6 facelift earlier this year.
With 213 kW of power and a flat torque curve delivering 420Nm between 2,500 rpm and 4,850 rpm, it propels the A6 from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds - that's about the same as an SSV Commodore.
Audi went the supercharged V6 route to deliver V8-like performance but with reduced emissions and greater fuel economy. At 9.5l/100kms on the combined cycle, the A6 is certainly efficient.
The Interior
Inside is the trademark Audi quality with abundant leather and high-standard trim materials - our test car was fitted in the new pale grey leather colour.
Changes in the recent facelift include re-designed rear seats, additional aluminium trim for the switches and buttons plus new L-shaped head restraints for each seat
We also enjoyed the optional Comfort package which brought a sports leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function controls and paddle shifters for the transmission plus an electric glass sunroof.
The MMI Navigation Plus system now boasts a 7-inch high resolution 800 x 480 pixel screen and a center console joystick control. Its hard drive has a 40 GB capacity and can store up to 4,000 addresses (as well as music files for the CD/DVD audio system). A TV tuner capable of receiving digital programs is optional.
With the multi-adjustable drivers seat and steering wheel adjustable for rake and reach, driver comfort is right on the top shelf.
Exterior & Styling
Recognized globally as one of the best current exterior designs, Audi has wisely kept changes to a minimum in the A6 facelift - some new body-colour fins in the trademark large front grille, a new rear bumper with wider diffuser, LED tail lights and daytime running lights are about it.
Our 3.0-litre TFSI test car (and 2.8 FSI and 3.0 TDI models) run 18-inch alloy wheels which do look better than the 17-inch units fitted to other models.
Beautifully proportioned and elegant, the A6 looks terrific from any angle.
A couple of very handy options to consider: Audi Adaptive Light (a dynamic cornering light system which is activated when your turn the steering wheel into a sharp corner to light the way around the turn) and Audi Side Assist which detects cars up to 50 meters away on the side and illuminates a signal on the exterior mirror should changing lanes be risky. Our test car had both fitted and they are excellent driver aids.
On The Road
No surprises here - the A6 is pitched against the BMW 5-Series and E-Class Mercedes-Benz so refinement levels are high and driving dynamics pin-sharp.
As usual with European sedans, the ride is firm compared to Japanese and American-sourced vehicles but that is part of the excellent high speed handling package.
Drive is via Audi's six-speed automatic and acceleration is brisk in any gear. We certainly enjoyed the instantaneous response of the supercharged 3.0-litre V6.
Challenges
We stepped-out of the just-launched new M-B E-Class into the A6 and we did notice the engine noise of Audi's V6 was a little more noticeable under hard acceleration than the 'Benz.
And over our high-speed mountain route we would have liked a little more feel from the power steering.
Verdict
One of the great Euro mid-sizers, the A6 is a major contributor to Audi's excellent product lineup.
Value is strong too with the entry-level A6 2.0 TDI priced at $74,500 and exempt from Luxury Car Tax thanks to its sub 7.0l/100kms fuel consumption.
Thumbs-up:
Styling; performance; dynamics
Thumbs-down:
Steering a little numb at high speed; engine noise under load
