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CLASSIC
PERFORMANCES - July 2004 by Mitch McCullough The 2005 Audi A6
The A6 is packed with technology, enhancing convenience and driving dynamics. Its interior is airy and comfortable, with firm, supportive seats. It's roomier than last year's model. The 2005 A6 is larger than the previous-generation version, substantially wider and with a longer wheelbase. Its styling is all new, crisp, clean and modern, the front dominated by a massive grille. It looks upscale with a contemporary design that will not be confused with the rounded lines of the previous A6. Regardless of what you think about the styling, the more closely you look at the new A6 the better it looks. The attention to detail inside and out is very impressive. This is a high-quality design. The A6 boasts sharp, precise steering, and a firm ride. In high-speed corners it feels like it's on rails, one of the benefits of Audi's superb quattro all-wheel-drive system. Braking and handling are excellent, whether on dry pavement or when hurdling through a torrent of rain. The well-equipped V6 model offers brisk acceleration performance, while the V8 qualifies the A6 as a high-performance sports sedan. The 2005 Audi A6 deserves serious consideration by anyone shopping for a luxurious sports sedan in its price range. Much of the beauty of the A6 is in the details: Body panels fit more closely together around the doors, hood and trunk lid, as well as along places such as the bottom edge of the tail lamp. It's a result of closer tolerances. You won't find a rubber strip at top of windshield, nor strips on the sides of the roof. Door jams, the trunk flange and other areas normally hidden are Class A surfaces, smooth and painted as on the exterior body panels. Overall, The A6 sets a benchmark in quality of materials and build quality. Like the exterior, the interior of the new Audi A6 is more expressive than that of the previous model, and the attention to detail is remarkable. It's a driver-oriented cockpit. Climate controls are located at the bottom of the center stack that are sophisticated but straightforward and easy to operate. Typical of many German sedans, the A6 does not offer many places to put stuff. The glovebox is very small, especially with the available CD changer. Luggage capacity is nearly 16 cubic feet, more than the BMW and comparable to the Mercedes, but the trunk opening is relatively small. However, attention to detail can be seen inside the trunk: Raise the floor panel to get at the spare tire and you'll note that it can be hooked up in place, making it easier to remove or replace the spare. The V6 and V8 engines coupled with the excellent six-speed automatic deliver responsive performance. Quattro all-wheel drive makes this a stable ride regardless of prevailing environmental conditions. Comfort, luxury, a feeling of quality, and those driving dynamics make this a great luxury sedan. Mitch McCullogh is editor-in-chief for NewCarTestDrive.com. |
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is copyright 2004, Lane Communications Group The Lane Report is a trademark of Lane Communications Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. |
Audi is among the sportiest of the luxury brands and the all-new 2005 Audi A6 kicks it up a notch with its dynamic excellence and exceptional comfort.
Two models are available: the A6 3.2 and A6 4.2. The 3.2-liter V6 delivers 255 horsepower, while the 4.2-liter V8 generates an estimated 345 horsepower. Pricing hadn't been announced at press time, but Audi said the 3.2 model would be priced around $40,000, while the 4.2 would be in the low $50,000 range. Both come with a six-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.
The all-new 2005 Audi A6 represents a compelling alternative to the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and other cars in this class. It excels at driving dynamics, making for a wonderful car for quick commuting, smooth high-speed travel, are spirited driving. It's smooth and quiet, promoting easy conversation or listening pleasure.