2004 Audi A6 Review

Specifications

Counting by Twos: 2 Turbos, 4-Wheel Drive, 6 Cylinders

It was a dark, stormy night; Ive always wanted to start a story with that line. Although it wasnt dark, the remaining elements in the overused script legitimately applied to my late afternoon pickup of the bi-turbo Audi A6 quattro. Several unavoidable meetings had delayed my arrival at the German automakers regional office, but I knew as I pulled into lot where the white A6 lay waiting it would be worth the wait.

With slightly frayed nerves and the onset of afternoon fatigue taxing my mind I picked up the key and made my way to the back corner of the lot. After unlocking the door I slid my aching body into the well proportioned drivers seat, and with a solid thunk the drivers door banished the outside world and all of its aggravation from my consciousness.

Surrounded by muted earth tones and supple leather, rich woods and exquisitely finished aluminum accents, I found myself immersed in what can only be described as automotive utopia. I heard the A6 was good, and had already looked up its fairly steep $48K asking price, but now at least I understood why the German brands version of pure, unadulterated four-door bliss doesnt come cheap.

Despite being on the verge of replacement, the 2004 A6 has evolved into one of the finest luxury sport-touring sedans set upon four wheels - all four of which are capable of connecting the 2.7Ts twin-turbocharged 265 horsepower to the road.

Back in 1996 Audi restyled the A6 with similarly smooth, rounded surfaces to this current version, which make it a leader in design to this day. Other manufacturers have tried but failed to emulate the demur, sleek lines of the A6, which I find so appealing. Proportionately the A6 is perfect. Its spacious cabin is surrounded by glass, which contributes to the airy, open feeling the sedan imparts to its occupants. The narrow “C” pillar at the rear of the cab aids in providing the driver with tremendous 360-degree visibility.

Occupants no doubt will enjoy the high levels of comfort found within as well. My test unit was loaded with requisite features found in most premium luxury automobiles, such as power everything, loads of leather, heated seats, dual climate control, rear seat air conditioning and a concert quality audio system. But what distinguishes the A6 from the mainstream luxo crowd is Audis attention to detail, high quality materials and stunning design work. I have always admired how the German brand has achieved such clean and functional interiors. Facing the driver is a large analog tachometer and a similarly large speedometer. These primary gauges are surrounded by a full set of smaller gauges, which include fuel, engine temperature, volts and oil pressure.

The center stack houses the audio head and ventilation controls, which are mostly button actuated. Although I usually abhor an excessive array of buttons, Audi has kept their size fairly large and clearly marks the assigned functions, resulting in intuitive adjustment and setting actuation. Although some manufacturers have superceded Audis ability to design systems that are straightforward and idiot proof to use, few have managed to design more pleasing aesthetics.

But such style and grace doesnt end at the dashboard. Audi has tastefully applied real wood trim to the doors, center stack and console. Its restrained use is appreciated, as is its beautifully polished finish and perfect fit, elevating the cabin ambience. All interior surfaces exude an upscale refinement and feel actually, with no hard, shiny or sub-standard materials to cheapen the experience. Fit and finish is impeccable too.

Any concerns that the Audis good looks and gentlemanly manners may only be skin, or should I say hide, deep, however, evaporate after a few short minutes in the superb seats. Infinitely adjustable, they also include no less than six heat settings. The large headrest in each of the five seating positions is adjustable for height, with tilt adjustment applied to the front seat headrests as well. Legroom is abundant, even with the front seats at maximum rearward travel, and head space is generous. Two pop-out cupholders deploy from the end of the center armrest in the rear, further assuring baggage class itinerants that their comfort is just as important as those up front.

Regardless of which seats are occupied, all will be in for a motoring treat once the switchblade key is inserted into the ignition and twisted, firing up the sweet sounding 30-valve, DOHC, 2.7-liter (165-cu in), bi-turbo V6. While it pumps out an aforementioned 265 horsepower, its real virtue is its rather exhilarating torque rating of 280 foot-pounds available as low as 1,800 rpm. Such pulling power at this low rpm generates forceful acceleration with only a slight squeeze of the throttle. Frenetic revs are hardly required to achieve authoritative passing or green light domination, with the 2.7T doing all that and more without breaking a sweat or losing its genteel persona. In fact Audi cites a 0 to 60 mph time of only 6.3 seconds, despite its rather hefty (for a midsize luxury sedan) curb weight of 3,958 pounds.

The twin turbos announce themselves with a slight whine under heavy acceleration, but otherwise their presence is undetectable. When the throttle is hit hard and fast, however, some hesitation precedes the expected kick in the pants. Once the electronics have taken a brief moment to gain composure, the resulting surge forward is neck-snapping, sucking occupants into the back of their respective seats. Unfortunately the forward thrust is interrupted by unnecessarily long intervals when the Tiptronic 5-speed transmission decides to swap cogs.

My guess is that Audi engineers programmed the 2.7s engine management unit to retard the power output during gear changes in order to smooth out the transition from first gear to second and so on. My opinion is that they overcompensated and consequently during a flat-out run the A6 encounters a momentary loss of steam when a new gear is engaged. Audi might be wise to employ a driver actuated sport-mode such as that on some BMW models, which speeds up the drive-by-wire throttle response and gear change intervals, while enhancing other sport-oriented functions. In the 2.7T the interruption in the power flow can be a little disconcerting, as well as disappointing to performance purists. Nonetheless, the car could hardly be called a slouch. On the positive, its quattro all-wheel drive system launches it like a marble from a slingshot on wet, slippery road surfaces.

But real world, everyday driving isnt always about speed. The true test of an executive sedan relates to how well it copes with the day-to-day rigors of commuting and how well it treats its occupants during the process. To that end midsize Audis manners are very refined, to the point that the car compensates for driver inadequacies. Steering, acceleration and braking inputs are all responded to with such confidence inspiring smoothness that everyones driving ability will move up a notch or two.

Contributing to the symmetry between car and driver is the magnificent ability of the A6 2.7T S-Line to balance tenacious handling with luxury-car ride quality. While sporting when pushed, ride comfort gets the nod over all-out pavement scorching handling ability, which is just fine with me, and I would suggest the majority of Audis follicle-challenged graying target market.

The A6 produces a ride that is extremely well controlled and polished, thanks largely to the vehicles extraordinarily high structural rigidity. Over even the roughest of roads, body-flex and shudder are nonexistent. The suspension system quietly absorbs minor and major roadway imperfections without transmitting their severity into the passenger compartment. Yet throw the car into a high-speed corner, staying lightly on the throttle, and the S-Line quattro will hold its line like a boa constrictor holds its prey; all the while feeding a clear and predictable sense of its roadway adhesion level back to the driver.

The suspension design is, of course, fully independent, with the front setup being a 4-link design aided by upper and lower control arms, a stabilizer bar and coil springs with gas charged shock absorbers to keep the elements under control, while managing at the rear is a double control-arm configuration featuring a stabilizer bar and coil springs with gas charged shock absorbers. The calibration of such parts is the secret to the cars suspending success. Even with computer aided design technology, engineers toil endlessly with suspension geometry and stiffness/compliancy levels seeking the ideal balance between sport and luxury, one that I feel Audi has perfected in the A6 2.7T S-Line.

The third paradigm of performance following acceleration and handling is braking - or maybe it should be first now that I think about it? After climbing aboard my test unit, I nudged the brake pedal in order to place the console-mounted shifter in reverse. My first thought was “jeez is this brake pedal ever mushy.” After a several miles and a few brake applications I became accustomed to the softness in the pedals actuation. On my favorite stretch of lonesome road I tested and retested them again before decidedly arriving at the conclusion that the initial feeling of mushiness was not necessarily the negative trait I mistook it to be. Stopping the A6 was a predictable and definitive task thanks to the progressive and linear nature of the mushy brake pedal. Little effort was required to direct the A6 to deliver its full braking ability to all four wheels. In doing so the car never jumped out of line or dived excessively nose-first into the tarmac and the antilock system played its part with precision, stepping in when expected but never before.

In addition to its strong 4-wheel disc brakes, Audi has enhanced the dynamic safety of the A6 with the application of Electronic Stability Program (ESP). This technology monitors the speed of each wheel and the yaw, or inertia, influencing the vehicle. When a spin or loss of control is imminent, wheel specific braking and engine retardation is applied to eliminate the threat. Although not completely idiot proof, these systems can literally be lifesavers when foolhardiness exceeds intellect or when foul weather is confronted.

Also contributing to the preservation of life and the reduction of injury is Audis standard front and rear occupant head protection airbag system, driver and front passenger next generation frontal airbags, plus driver and front passenger seat mounted chest side-airbags.

Beyond safety, distinguished looks and stunning performance the A6 2.7T S-Line offers a substantial dose of practicality. When the rear seats are folded down, an expansive flat cargo floor with no lift-over presents itself. Leave the rear seats upright and long items such as wet skis can be inserted into an optional, rear seat pass-through ski sack. Affixed to the inner side of the trunk lid is a road-safety kit that includes a large triangular shaped reflector to mount behind a disabled vehicle. Located in the rear center armrest is a first aid kit. These are the little details that Audi is so good at taking care of.

Although the A6 2.7T S-Line is well stuffed with comfort and convenience features in its base form, Audi offers it with several equipment packages. These include a Premium Package which adds auto dimming lighting, electrically folding exterior mirrors, HomeLink, memory driver seat and mirror adjustments, Xenon high and low beam headlights plus an upgraded Bose sound system. A Cold Weather Package provides heated front and rear seats as well as the ski sack pass-through. Finally, a luxury package will complete the picture of ultra-contentment with the addition of premium leather upholstery, a power rear sunshade and manual side sunshades. A navigation system, Parktronic audible warning system and OnStar telematics are available as stand-alone items.

Regardless of how an owner chooses to equip the 2004 A6 2.7T S-Line, its a tremendously rewarding vehicle to drive or be driven in. Its synergy of twin turbocharged performance and well balanced suspension is evocative. Overall the combination of top-grade build quality and exceptional design combine to provide occupants with exceptional comfort and allure. Counting by twos (2 turbos, 4-wheel drive, 6 cylinders), the A6 2.7T S-Line is an example of automotive performance and luxury that is hard to beat.

For 2005, Audi will launch a re-designed A6. With the need to deplete the stock of 04s, you can most likely work out a very satisfactory deal at your local Audi dealership. Alternatively you can wait for a 2005, of course, but I find it difficult to believe Audi will be capable of improving on its A6 much more than the current version.