With its clean lines and oversized grille, the current Audi A6 is one of the most distinctive midsize luxury cars on the market. It’s available as both a sedan and a wagon. The A6 wagon — called the Avant — is one of the few midsize luxury wagons on the market, and with a 34-cubic-foot cargo bay behind its rear seat, it makes a practical yet elegant choice for families with a large dog or double stroller in tow.
Those who purchase the A6 sedan may choose between two trims: base 3.2 and top-of-the-line 4.2. Wagons are available only in the 3.2 trim. Standard equipment is generous, and as we’ve come to expect from Audi, the A6′s interior is a case study in attractive design and quality materials. The options lineup includes a high-end audio system, voice-activated navigation system and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Most are accessed via Audi’s easy-to-use Multi Media Interface (MMI) vehicle management system. It sounds complicated, but with its logical menus and ergonomically designed, all-in-one control knob, MMI is relatively easy to learn.
In terms of performance, the Audi A6 is available with either a 255-horsepower V6 or a 350-hp V8 engine. The engines are smooth and refined, though the V6 is taxed by the A6′s 4,000-pound curb weight. Acceleration is certainly passable, but most other V6-equipped luxury cars are quicker. The A6 rides comfortably on the highway, and while it’s not the most athletic car in its class, our editors like its predictable, nimble feel through the corners. As far as transmissions go, both a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a six-speed automatic are offered. The A6 may be equipped with either front-wheel drive or Audi’s Quattro system.
The current Audi A6 is representative of the third-generation model, which dates to 2005. Overall, the third-generation car represents by far the best package of attention-getting style, entertaining driving dynamics and opulent furnishings. Those considering used third-gen models should keep in mind that the car’s V8 engine (offered on the 4.2 trim) got an upgrade a couple of years into the cycle. The A6′s current 350-hp V8 didn’t debut until 2007; prior to that, V8 models delivered 335 hp. Model year 2007 also marked the debut of the car’s available iPod integration and a rearview camera.
