Audi A6 (2004-2008) Review

On the road

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Audi has done much work here to move the dynamics of the A6 closer to the competition. Along with a longer wheelbase and wider track, the front suspension has been moved forward by 83mm, which improves the load distribution on the front axles, a good thing for vehicle dynamics. Weight distribution front to rear has also been improved, and spring travel has been increased, which, says Audi, brings benefits to both ride comfort as well as lateral and directional stability over rough roads. The A6 also has rack-and-pinion steering with speed-related power assistance. This lightens the effort required at parking speeds, but firms up the steering at higher speeds to improve feel and feedback.

Audi's aim was to provide a precise and neutral-handling car that tends toward mild understeer as the limit approaches. It does all of those things, with confidence-inspiring composure and steering that makes it very easy to place precisely through corners. However, it still lacks the kind of seat-of-your-trousers chassis and steering reactions found on the likes of BMW's 5-Series. Audi does, though, have the advantage of optional quattro four-wheel drive, which really does increase confidence levels, especially in poor conditions.

The Avant version, despite its extra weight over the saloon, feels just as controlled through bends. It largely depends on which engine and suspension set-up you opt for, however. On the leaner engines (2.4 V6, 2.7 TDI), the standard suspension feels sharp, and communicates a good amount of feel to the drivers fingertips. But the air-sprung option we tried on the 4.2 V8 takes a little getting used to if youre pressing on: its habit of automatically adjusting its settings through bends removes some feedback from the driver - but it would take an awful error of judgement to unsettle the Avant, especially if it's equipped with quattro AWD.

The entry-level A6 2.4-litre V6 develops 177bhp and 170lb ft of torque between 3000 and 5000 rpm, which is good enough to hustle the A6 to 62mph in 8.9sec and on to a top speed of 145mph. Opting for the 255bhp 3.2 FSI dramatically improves those numbers, with 0-62mph coming up in just 6.9sec and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph (the four-wheel-drive quattro version is a little slower to 62mph at 7.1sec). The power delivery on offer from the 3.2 is smooth and responsive, but for those looking for the ultimate A6, that'll be the 4.2-litre V8 quattro. With 335bhp on tap, 0-62mph comes up in a fleet 6.1sec, but much more relevant is the experience of that performance. The 4.2 is definitely the most characterful A6 power unit, delivering its all with an inspiring bellow as it nears the redline. With 310lb ft available from 3500rpm, this is flexible power, too.

The 225bhp 3.0-litre V6 TDI is equally impressive. With even more torque than the V8 - 332lb ft from as low as 1400rpm - throttle response is terrific, and that's reflected in a 0-62mph sprint of just 7.3sec. It's a smoothly refined oil-burner, too. And overall fuel economy of 34mpg is good for a car this size.

The many UK customers who'll opt for the load-lugging Avant over the four-door should rest assured that their estates will be only a fraction of a second slower to 60mph, while economy is on a par with the saloon. We found that the frugal but peppy 2.7 TDI was the pick of the Avants.

All but the 4.2 and 3.0 TDI versions of the A6 are available with a six-speed manual gearbox. With a smooth, precise action, this gearbox is good to use, but a little out of keeping with the more 'grand touring' nature of the A6. The more fitting choice - and one which will be less likely to dent resale values - is the six-speed Tiptronic, available with all engines except the entry-level 2.4. And the semi-automatic Tiptronic is a peach of a 'box, with very smooth and very fast shifts whether you're up or down shifting. If you're in the mood, the steering-wheel mounted manual paddle-shift mode really does give a sporting edge to progress.