2006 Audi A3
by Jim Prueter - 11/05

Can the new A6 compete with other luxury sedans?

For 2005, Audi has completely redesigned the brand’s mid-level, four-door sedan. Never heard of the Audi A6? In a U.S. market that delivers over 17 million new cars and trucks each year, the A6 -- with total sales of about 20,000 -- roam the highways in relative obscurity.
All of that’s history now with its massive, but curious, new grille. Like wearing brown shoes with a blue suit, it’s all you see when looking at the new A6. And if that weren’t enough, the horse-collar grille shape is prominently repeated on the center of the steering wheel, seemingly in an attempt to get the shape to grow on you.

New wraparound taillights and a horizontal chrome strip on the trunk lid complete the rear design. With an upswept shoulder line, the side profile bears a strong resemblance to its first cousin, the Volkswagen Passat.

The interior, on the other hand, continues to be among the classiest and most beautiful in the business. Leather, wood and aluminum trim abound, adding to the elegant appearance. Fit, finish and materials are world-class.

While the look and shape of the grille might grow on you over time, the Multi-Media Interface (MMI), a central control, joystick-operated system that performs climate, audio, navigation and information functions, will not.

MMI is the Audi version of the BMW’s maddening iDrive system that displays information on a seven-inch color display screen in the middle of the dash. The twist-and-push joystick is located on the center console behind the gearshift.

Operating the MMI requires concentration on the screen while fumbling around with the joystick and push buttons, not a good safety idea especially since you must take your eyes off the road just to change the radio station, for instance. Though less complicated than iDrive or Mercedes' COMMAND system, German auto manufacturers need to understand that many consumers are avoiding their brands for this reason alone.

The seats in the A6 are on the firm side, but comfortable nonetheless. There’s room for five, so long as you’re not the middle passenger in the back seat.

Two models are available: the A6 3.2 with a base price of $41,900 and the A6 4.2, base price of $51,500. The 3.2-liter V6 generates 255 horsepower, while the 4.2-liter generates 345 horsepower. Both models are only available in Quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. “FrontTrak,” a front-wheel drive model, is due later this year for 2006.

Available now as a 2006 model is a station wagon version that Audi calls “Avant.” Base price is $47,590 and only available with the 3.2-liter V6, Quattro and the six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

I tested the six-cylinder A6 3.2 Quattro in Canyon Red Pearl (burnt orange) with beige leather interior. Options on the tester included the Premium Package ($3,000), which adds a power tilt-slide sunroof, bi-Xenon adaptive headlights, Bose? premium sound system and wood interior trim, plus larger 17” alloy wheels for an additional $750.

Standard features include leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, AM/FM/six-CD stereo, power windows, seats, mirrors, locks, front and rear fog lights, tilt and telescopic steering column, 60/40 folding split-rear seat, and cruise control.

I’ve recently tested a number of premium sport sedans in this class including the Cadillac STS, Acura RL, Lexus GX 430, BMW 5-Series and Infiniti M45 and rank the A6 at the bottom of this group when it comes to overall driving experience.

The cabin is quiet at highway speeds, but the A6 didn’t have the agility and road-handling capabilities I experienced in other models. From a stoplight, the adaptive transmission was jerky with too many transmission up-shifts before hitting 35 mph or so. The ride became somewhat bouncy and steering feedback felt heavy and vague. However, those in snowy climes will appreciate Audi’s all-wheel-drive Quattro system. Braking performance was excellent.

Our 3.2-liter, 255 horsepower tester left us longing for more power and felt uncompetitive for this class and price of vehicle.

The A6 comes loaded with standard safety features: front, side and curtain airbags, whiplash protection active front head restraints, electronic stabilization programming, ABS brakes with Break Assist for maximum braking force in emergency stops, LATCH system for child seats, and auto-on windshield wipers.
In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal crash test results, the A6 earned the highest possible “Good” and “Best Pick” ratings.

The new A6 is a capable, comfortable, well-built luxury sedan that does most things well and some things we even loved. But therein lies the problem. The $40,000 to $50,000 sedan class is loaded with exceptional cars that go beyond doing things well, they do them exceptionally well.

We love the Quattro's beautiful cabin and Audi’s fit and finish. But for this kind of money, the A6 needs less controversial styling, more horsepower, better handling and road manners, and elimination of the complicated and distracting MMI system.


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