Audi A6 (2008-) Review

On the road

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This sixth-generation A6 has always offered a decent, capable drive and the suspension tweaks carried out on this facelift haven't done anything to alter that.

Unfortunately, for those who really savour driving, both the rear-wheel-drive BMW 5-Series and recent Jaguar XF ultimately offer more involvement. However, the big Audi isn't far behind offering plenty of grip, stability at high speed and good cornering agility.

Out of the new range we sampled the all-new 286bhp supercharged petrol 3.0-litre, the new common rail diesel 134bhp 2.0-litre TDI and the revised 218bhp 2.8 FSI petrol that carries over from the pre-facelift car.

Out of all the engines it was the oldest that disappointed the most. Despite being a silky smooth V6 with an entertaining muted rorty engine note, the direct injection 2.8 needs to be worked surprisingly hard to get the most out of it, despite a healthy 207lb-ft of torque.

Further highlighting the 2.8-litre's inadequacies was a drive in the new diesel. Despite pushing out a modest 134bhp, its generous 236lb-ft of torque from a low 1,750rpm meant it actually felt quicker, despite it taking a very average 10.3 seconds to hit 62mph (three seconds slower than the 2.8).

Average is not a word you would use to describe the new blown 3.0-litre. Generating 286bhp, it has 34bhp more than the old 3.2 while matching the former 4.2 V8's 310 lb-ft torque peak. Against the clock, this makes for blistering acceleration. Thanks to the Quattro all-wheel drive, the most powerful V6 storms to 62mph in just 5.9 seconds and tops out at a limited 155mph. On the road, this translates to effortless acceleration.

But the new 3.0T isn't perfect. The less powerful diesel, for example, has clearer, more communicative steering, while the six-speed automatic is smooth but occasionally all too willing to downchange with only the merest hint of throttle. Pushing on harder through corners will also reveal a nose-heavy tendency, but less ham-handedness reveals a car with plenty of grip and balance.

Finally, the TDI E achieves its fuel savings and low emissions by using low rolling resistance tyres, an aero tweak and lengthened gearing. It's this final aspect of the E package that sends shivers down the spine for anyone who has driven the new generation of (VW) BlueMotion and (Seat) Econetic models: However, unlike the more economical versions from its sister brands, the Audi gains a six-speed gearbox and, mercifully, ratios that don't effectively kill performance and flexibility. At last, an economy special that doesn't ask for unrealistic compromises.