Updated A6 makes its case for best in class
EDITOR WES RAYNAL: Calling the A6’s exterior changes for 2016 subtle is an understatement, but indeed there’s quite a bit going on here. The LED front lamps look meaner, the new grille is wider, the bumpers are new and there’s more chrome. Bigger changes are under the hood, with more power in the gas engines. In this example, the 3.0-liter’s horsepower figure is up 23 on the outgoing car according to our site. Meanwhile inside infotainment is updated for more of a 3D look.
This V6-powered A6 is a lovely driver — nimble, fast, flat in corners and rock solid. When I say “fast” I don’t mean sports-car-off-the-line fast. It’s much more subtle than that. Midrange acceleration, say, on the freeway, is impressive. This 3-liter just pulls and pulls in a refined, under-the-radar way.
Ride quality is terrific, thanks to the air suspension and solid structure (I just can’t stop yapping about how stiff this chassis is — fantastic). I’ve been tooling around in comfort mode but tried the other modes. They definitely stiffen things up. I like comfort mode best — it’s not too soft.
The Audi A6 combines elegant design, innovative technologies, ample space and impressive power.
DIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY: You’re getting into serious nit-picking territory trying to find significant fault with the A6 3.0T. It’s just an outstanding German luxury sedan in every way. Take the looks: There’s a perfect balance of demure executive sedan and badass DTM racer here. There’s a gorgeous interior with matte open-pore wood trim, excellent outward visibility from a low beltline and Audi’s well-engineered MMI infotainment system taking care of connectivity (the Google Maps satellite overlay on the nav system is particularly useful).
I wouldn’t want the 20-inch wheels in a Detroit winter, but the Quattro AWD and blown V6 would make for flawless commuting. As it was, I spent some time driving in slick drizzle (the kind that’s too light to wash away the oil on the road, but just enough to get it floating) and Quattro never let a stray wiggle get through. Steering weight is near perfect, and the surge of power from the supercharger really peaks in passing maneuvers — the car isn’t a rocket off the line (the trans seems to want to think for a moment) but it’s a great point-n-squirt weapon on the interstate.
There’s a lot of fantastic hardware in this price range — E-class, 5-series, GS, CTS Vsport; each has its pros and cons, but there’s a strong case for the A6 as the overall best-in-show.
The A6 TDI clean diesel has an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with quattro all-wheel drive.
ROAD TEST EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN: The only problem with the A6 is that it might be playing the segment too safe. It easily does everything well.
Power from the supercharged V6 is great, like the guys above said, there’s a teeny bit of hesitation off the line, but less than some Mercedes of the same ilk. Passing power is smooth and the deep, baritone sound from the exhaust is fantastic. Throttle response and modulation aren’t as sharp as the 5-series, but if you’re not looking for that, this car is the bee’s knees. It straddles the luxury/sport line that Merc and BMW take opposite sides of.
The sheetmetal looks tighter and tougher all around. The changes ARE subtle, but welcomed, personally. I like the sharp new headlights, I think the fog light area has been massaged, and I’m glad Audi went back to the full, uninterrupted grille. The company split it at the bumper for a while, but I like the big mouth look.
Inside, again, it straddles between luxurious and sporty. The seats aren’t as soft as the E-class, but more comfy than the 5-series, at least to my boney behind. I continue to love the matte woodgrain trim. The shifter, rotary knobs and toggle switches all make nice, clean clicking noises. I don’t know about that piece of plastic on the lower center of the steering wheel. I’m not a fan of multi-surface parts, most of the time.
Steering is both accurate and quick, and the whole car feels planted during hard corners. There’s barely any flex in the body either. Like I said, just a great mix between luxury and sport. If you can’t decide between them, the A6 will not disappoint.
Shown here are the A6, S6 and A7.
Options: A6 prestige model including head-up display, LED headlights, front seat ventilation and passenger lumbar, BOSE sound system, warm weather package, LED interior lighting, power opening and closing trunk ($ 4,200); S line sport package including 19 inch five double spoke wheels, all season tires, sport suspension, S line exterior and S line door sills ($ 1,800); 20 inch black optic package including five arm rotor design wheels, titanium finish, summer tires, high gloss black package, supersedes 19 inch wheels and all season tires ($ 1,500); Florett silver metallic ($ 550); Cold weather package including heated rear seats and heated steering wheel ($ 500)
