2005 Audi A6 3.2 quattro
02/26/2005
Shahed Hussain
Audi's A6 has been an overlooked player in the midsize luxury sedan segment. Although the previous generation A6 was blessed with attractive styling, dynamically it was not in the same league as some of its competitors. The new A6 aims to change that perception with significant improvements in nearly all areas.
Attractive styling is an Audi strength, and the new A6 does not disappoint. The front fascia features the prominent grille that is becoming an Audi signature. Although the new grille is somewhat controversial, there is no doubt that it adds a distinctive 'face' to the A6. A wedge-like, angular profile gives the new A6 more presence, and an appearance of heft and solidity that was lacking from its more curvaceous predecessor. The trunk lid is chiseled and substantial, and features a small integral spoiler. The tested A6 3.2 was equipped with handsome 17-inch, 9-spoke alloy wheels shod with 245/45R-17 all-season tires. Optional 18-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels with all-season or performance tires are also available.
The A6 has a completely redesigned interior that incorporates the new Audi steering wheel, and the MMI (Multi-Media Interface) control interface inherited from the larger A8. Matte aluminum trim contrasts with the primarily dark gray tones of the cabin. A clean, simple dashboard with teardrop-shaped speedometer and tachometer bezels has minimal buttons and controls. The MMI has absorbed the functions of many of the separate buttons that used to populate the dash. Drivers not used to MMI should spend some time getting familiar with it, since MMI controls HVAC, audio, front seat heaters, and the GPS navigation system.
There are numerous options to direct airflow, but to effectively adjust them requires the driver to take his attention away from the road for several seconds to use the MMI display. Adjusting the seat heaters also requires use of the MMI, which is unnecessary, since a rotary knob (used on the old A6) would be faster and more intuitive.
Fortunately, audio controls are relatively easy to use, since most common functions are available via buttons on the steering wheel, which minimizes use of the MMI. Also, an instrument panel screen echoes audio settings from the MMI display, which minimizes driver distraction. An unfortunate ergonomic oversight is that the 6-disc CD changer is in the glove box, probably to make way for the navigation system hardware in the center console. Although the glove box location for the CD changer is far better than the trunk, the driver will need to stop the car to change CDs, or rely on a passenger for assistance. The glove box lacks a conventional latch, and is operated by a dash-mounted switch. While this feature seems novel at first, one wonders why a regular latch wouldn't be more useful and less expensive.
The optional GPS navigation system, like other complex electronic equipment, requires significant effort to use effectively. A large 7 inch color display (part of the MMI) is clear and legible, but due to the complex interface, the navigation system is best adjusted in light traffic or when stopped.
A downside to the swoopy styling of the A6 is limited headroom, especially with the optional sunroof. Taller passengers may have to watch their heads to avoid the A-pillar when exiting the front seat. Fortunately, intrusion from the sunroof mechanism stops before it reduces rear passenger headroom.
The leather upholstered front seats are especially comfortable, and offer excellent support, but could use larger bolsters. As expected, the 12-way power seats allow plenty of adjustment for nearly any physique. Rear seat room is adequate, and is significantly improved from the previous A6. Although three people can fit in the rear seats, two passengers will be far more comfortable. The split rear seats fold down for maximum cargo flexibility. A pass-through opening to the trunk allows skis to be carried without folding the seats. The trunk is long and deep, but is surprisingly narrow.
Under the hood, the normally aspirated 3.1L V-6 offers performance comparable to the 2.7L twin-turbo V-6 it replaces. This engine is very smooth and relatively quiet under most circumstances, so the cabin stays hushed at highway speeds. The 6-speed automatic mated to this engine has closely spaced ratios, and nearly seamless shift characteristics. A sport mode makes the most of the engine's torque characteristics. Even in sport mode, the transmission hesitates before a kickdown into a lower gear. A manual mode allows the driver to choose the gear ratio by flicking the gear lever to the '+' (upshift) or '-' (downshift) markings on the shift gate. Low RPM torque from the V-6 is still lacking, but the transmission helps mask this shortcoming. Once the A6 launches, midrange performance is decent. A 10% increase in horsepower and torque would upgrade this Audi's acceleration from adequate to quick. As expected, the quattro AWD system ensures maximum traction in snow and slush. The even power distribution to the front and rear wheels makes torque steer unnoticeable.
Handling characteristics of the A6 are best described as deliberate. The longer chassis adds stability, but combined with the relatively slow steering, the A6 never feels lively. Although this Audi will attack corners, it never seems very enthusiastic about it. The culprit may be the all-season tires on the tested vehicle. Optional 18-inch wheels and summer tires should improve handling significantly. Like most German sedans, the A6 exhibits a superb combination of supple ride and firm damping. This car is best suited for comfortable high speed cruising on the interstate or the autobahn.
The new A6 is a welcome improvement from the preceding model. It offers more room, distinctive looks, and a smooth powertrain. It's unfortunate that Audi felt compelled to add MMI as a standard feature. At a price of around $50K, the A6 3.2 faces stiff competition from the BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS, and the Infiniti M, especially since these rivals now offer AWD as an option. In the end, it may be Audi's attractive styling and superb interior quality that wins buyers over to the A6.