So what does the A6 come with apart from drop-dead gorgeous looks punctuated by a single frame design and dynamic lines? Let’s run down the list, shall we? The A6 2.4 Multitronic I called mine over a weekend, which is easily the "entry level" version of the three-pronged A6 attack (there is an A6 2.4 Highline and an A6 3.0 Highline), had: a nifty Multitronic transmission with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel; an Anti Slip Regulator (ASR); Electronic Differential Locks (EDL); an Electronic Stability Program (ESP 8.0); a Radio Symphony with a six-CD changer; a cool rear seatback folding capability; neatly positioned front and rear cupholders; a full-sized spare tire (European cars rarely have this in favor of more trunk space); front and rear parking sensors; a first aid kit; eight airbags; auto airconditioning in both the front and the rear cabins; and a multifunction steering wheel (whew!).
All these, in case you haven’t figured out, translate the Audi A6 driving/riding experience into one helluva ride. Whether you’re comfortable behind the wheel or in the backseat, you’ll love being inside an A6. The ASR, EDL and ESP features keep the driver from losing any sense of control over the massive sedan (it literally dwarfed my Nissan Cefiro — it‘s that big) in areas where twists, turns and potholes abound. The A6 Multitronic’s six cylinders, 30 valves and 177 horses, meanwhile, work with enough synergy to bring an adequate amount of pulling force into the fore (I could just imagine how the A6 3.0 Highline’s 220 horses could kick up a rowdier party under the hood). I’d say brisk acceleration, precise steering and a firm (but definitely not harsh) ride best describe my impressions of the car while behind the steering wheel.
In the backseat, plush leather seats and a superb sound system coupled with clean, crisp creature comforts like neatly hid cupholders and adequate interior lighting make for an exhilarating riding experience. In this writer’s book, the A6 ranks right up there with more established competitors like the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes Benz E-Class where backseat riding is concerned.
A few other features that deliver on the "wow factor" include a very easy to learn Multi Media Interface (which is in many ways similar to BMW’s patented iDrive System); a large, 16 cubic feet trunk; and an electronic handbrake (or should we say finger brake?) function that cleans up the center console of any obtrusive levers save that of the transmission’s. As you might fathom, the lines inside this vehicle are almost as clean as those outside of it. Obviously high quality aluminum, wood and leather compliment each other throughout the cabin. Heck, it even smells good!
Despite all this, the best thing about the A6, in my mind, is necessarily its impressive yet subdued demeanor. Like the competition, it commands a certain level of respect from co-motorists. Unlike the competition, however, it does not scream about its superstar lineage. The car isn’t so much a rock star as much as it is a taipan. Or, to put it another way, when you drive around in an A6, you don’t flaunt an artista as much as you take out a woman of substance. The message an A6 driver and/or rider conveys is that he knows his cars but is not necessarily the kind who flaunts them nonchalantly. But believe me, people in the know will turn their heads.
That being said, is there anything to complain about in this obviously impressive "woman of substance"? Well, just like any six cylinder vehicle its size, it isn’t exactly frugal. The close to four million smackeroos you’ll have to shed to own one doesn’t make it sound too appealing to the budget-conscious either. But, hey, not-so-little luxuries do have their price, after all. The bottom line, however, is that the A6’s enviable combination of good looks and high performance justifies its rather steep price tag. Yes, it’s insanely beautiful and we do recommend it to those who are lucky enough to be able afford one for more than just a weekend.
The Good
• Drop dead gorgeous looks
• Brisk acceleration
• Precise steering
• Firm ride
• Comfy interiors
• High quality craftsmanship
The Bad
• Not exactly frugal
• Not exactly cheap
The Verdict
• The Audi A6 is an insanely beautiful car that’s worth its rather steep price tag.