2005 Audi A6 Review

Specifications

Inspiring as it Spoils

I have always had a penchant for large, powerful sedans that push the thresholds of luxury and performance to new benchmarks. The first generation (1991-1996) Infiniti Q45 did just that more than a decade ago. Through the years, I have been fortunate enough to own two such Q45s and I miss them dearly. Twisting the key in Audis redesigned 2005 A6 brought those wonderful memories flooding back. There it was, the heavily muted, yet unmistakably deep, gentle exhaust note that only a powerful V8 can produce - a five valve-per-cylinder, 4.2-liter DOHC V8 to be exact.

For 2005, Audi has performed a revision of the A6 that goes well beyond its boldly restyled nose and sharpened tail. The most obvious change is the massive grille that the automaker is now adopting as its familial theme. It gives the A6 a look of aggression that was missing on the excessively rounded 1998 through 2004 model. Although the side profile of the new A6 has changed little from last year, I continue to find it one of the sharpest sedan profiles on todays market. I admire the symmetry of its sleek lines and the uninterrupted greenhouse effect produced by its slim roof pillars. Audi has also tightened-up the taillight treatment and overall rear end, endowing the car with an intensity that is much more in-line with its athleticism, especially when the rumble from its twin pipes is V8-generated.

Although the outside dimensions of the A6 are unchanged for 2005, its improved visual presence gives it a much more substantive and imposing appearance, so much so that I was surprised to learn that only its wheelbase had grown. An additional 3.2 inches of pavement now separate the front wheels from the rear, pushing them even closer to the corners. Exterior body panels are accurately assembled and aligned with slim gap margins. Doors close with the vault-like “whump” we have come to expect from premium automobiles.

All four doors provide easy access to a cabin that takes a back seat to no one. I have always appreciated the fine workmanship and quality of Audi interiors, especially in the last decade or so. The A6 now takes that tradition to new heights with excellent material selection and a striking design capitalizing on an expansive dashboard and a magnificent center console bearing genuine wood trim and a series of unique controls. Included in the switchgear is a rotary dial that administers audio, navigation and trip computer functions through the A6s dash-mounted Multi Media Interface (MMI) screen. Audis MMI system of media convergence is less complicated than BMWs i-Drive format - but like the Bimmers whirling dervish, the MMI takes some time to understand and use to its potential.

Once a basic level of MMI competence has been achieved, scrolling through a myriad of radio stations - including satellite - is quick and efficient. Even without ordering the upgraded Bose acoustics, the sound reproduction and dynamic capability of the ten-speaker system is marvelous. Unlike more traditional premium audio units, the A6 utilizes a glovebox-mounted six-disc player to keep the tunes fresh.

And fresh can also be used to describe how the wonderful front buckets in the A6 will keep occupants over the course of extended drives. Perhaps not as firm as some European perches, these seats provide splendid support where needed, including the upper thighs, thanks to an extendable seat cushion. I dont understand why more manufacturers dont design their premium seats with such a provision to help support the thighs of long-legged drivers. Its quite amazing how a modest extension to the seat cushion can relieve stress and fatigue in the legs and feet when seated for a long duration.

With 335 horsepower fed to all four wheels through a six-speed autobox, a long duration behind the wheel may not be long enough. Audis robust 4.2-liter (255 cu in) powerplant spins out some of the smoothest, most refined power one could wish for. Fortunately, the refinement in operation doesnt rob the mill of its vocal cords. Under routine operation, a sweet V8 note percolates just below the surface, but stand on the throttle and a genteel, world-class V8 growl will greet the eardrums of the performance-minded.

Complementing the authoritative power of the A6s engine is an outstanding level of refinement highlighted by a smooth shifting, quick-to-react six-speed automatic transmission. Although BMW and Mercedes now tout a seven-speed autobox, the six-speed Tiptronic manual-mode unit in the A6 delivers remarkable versatility with the right gear at the right time. Shift points are well matched to the engines torque curve and are never protracted or delayed.

With six gears to wind out, the revs rise and fall at a surprising rate while the electronic speedo swings quickly into triple digits. Audi claims a spirited 0 to 60 mph time of just 6.1 seconds for the 4,136-lb A6 4.2. Combined with blistering off-the-line acceleration and relentless Quattro-drive traction is abundant passing power. Regardless of the vehicles speed, one of its six gears will place the punchy V8 into its broad-range sweet spot to ensure the maximum torque of 309 lb-ft is quickly delivered. Output of this magnitude is very effective at instilling driver confidence when jostling with the big rigs on mountain highways.

The seamless operation of Audis long-standing Quattro all-wheel drive technology is the shining star of the A6s awe-inspiring drivetrain. It keeps all four tires fastened to the road like Velcro; I encountered zero wheelspin during uphill, wet road starts under maximum power.

And such adhesion isnt easily compromised when cornering, thanks to an incredibly stable chassis that keeps the sizeable sedan flat and composed. The new A6 rides on a revised four-wheel independent suspension setup that utilizes a four-link design in front featuring upper and lower control arms, a stabilizer bar and gas-charged shocks; at the rear, a trapezoidal-link design bolstered with a stabilizer bar and gas-charged shocks keep the tail in check. My tester was fitted with the Sport Package, which stiffened the spring rates and added 18-inch performance wheels and tires. This package nailed the handling equation like a skilled carpenter with a high-impact nail gun. Nothing seemed to unsettle the A6 once a line was chosen and the throttle feathered - and if something were to, Audis Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) was prepared to step in and help restore order and control.

In spite of the expanded handling prowess imparted by the Sport Package, I would gladly forgo its F1-like handling for a slightly softer, less rigid ride. In my mind, seldom will such unbounded handling thresholds come in to play in real world driving, whereas road erosion is encountered to some degree or another in just about every outing, hence my comfort-over-cornering concession.

The sleek, wind-cheating shape of the A6 is very good at eliminating almost all wind noise. Unfortunately, the performance-oriented 245/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport tires on my tester generated more road noise and tire thrum than I care for in a car of this stature. Commendably though, the sticky rubber brought it to dramatically short emergency stops. To do so, Audi has equipped the A6 with strong, four-wheel antilock disc brakes featuring Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Surprisingly, these binders felt a little too strong due to over-boosting, leading to a case of hypersensitivity, especially at slower speeds. Nonetheless, emergency stops were easily controlled and free of nosedive and brake fade.

In addition to prodigious braking, the A6 safety net includes driver and front passenger frontal airbags, and driver and front passenger seat-mounted head and chest side airbags. Additionally, all five seating positions are equipped with active head restraints and three-point safety belts with automatic pre-tensioning. And further to Audis credit, it is one of the few manufacturers to include a first-aid kit with its vehicles. In the A6 it is stowed in the rear seat center armrest.

Given that the A6 is one step beneath Audis flagship sedan, the A8, it comes as no surprise that the A6 is brimming with luxury items and amenities as standard equipment. Once an engine has been selected (V6 or V8) only a few choices remain. They include a Cold Weather Package, which adds heated front and rear seats, a ski sack and headlight washers, and an S-Line package that adds the 18-inch performance wheels and sport suspension set-up plus S-Line markings. Standalone options include premium Bose audio, Parktronic parking assist, rear side airbags, DVD navigation with voice recognition, sunshades, solar sunroof, front sport seats, sport suspension, 18-inch wheels and tire-pressure monitoring.

Whether its something as basic as Bandaids and sterile wipes or as complex as Quattro-drive and a six-speed Tiptronic autobox, Audi generally gets it right. They certainly have with the A6 4.2, a vehicle that inspires as it spoils - which is a combination that eludes many wannabees.