2005 Audi A6 Review

Specifications

Bigger, Better and More Stylish

Its difficult to get noticed in todays crowded new car marketplace, even if youre a premium player. For this reason, Audi previewed its all-new 2005 A6 on their company website before its official worldwide unveiling at the recently past Geneva motor show.

To the motoring world, a new A6 is pretty big news. Sure it was expected, but being one of the most important cars in the companys lineup as well as to the market segment, its success is paramount. For years the coupe-like sedan, and the ever-practical Avant sport wagon, have taken on major European competitors; namely BMWs 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, as well as Asian and domestic offerings from Infiniti and Lexus to Cadillac, Lincoln and Chrysler.

Model year 2005, when the car is slated to arrive in dealerships, will hardly be different from the previous A6 introduction. Just like before an all-new BMW 5-Series is targeting the midsize luxury segment, as well as a recently redone E Class and an updated Jaguar S-Type. The competition is fierce to say the least. But without a major update, the Audi wouldnt stand a chance. Sure, the outgoing A6 is still attractive, but what was once a groundbreaking design is looking decidedly conservative since it first appeared in 1997. It simply suffers from old age. Not so for 2005. Audi claims that the all-new A6 will be best in class, now that its bigger, more stylish and a better car to drive.

How much bigger is it? Although the A6 was never below average in size, Audi has felt the need to expand it to measure 193.7 inches in length, which is about 5.1 inches longer than the outgoing model. Now thats quite a bit! What about width? Currently at 73.2 inches, its up by a substantial 2 inches, while height stays nearly the same increasing from 57.1 inches to 57.5 inches. Accordingly, with this extra space on hand, the wheelbase has also grown. Back-seat riders will now prosper from the cars additional 3.3-inch increase resulting in a total of 111.8 inches.

But the cars bigger dimensions are only a small portion of the story. As with almost any redesign, Jaguars new conservatively upgraded XJ excluded, the biggest news revolves around styling. The new A6 puts a bold face forward, brushing aside the handsome albeit slightly reserved treatments from the past. The 2005 car introduces design elements from Audis recent concept cars as well as the luxury marques top of the line A8 W12. Though the bi-xenon headlamps, which adapt to daylight as well as see around corners, are more angled and edgy than before, it is the massive center grille that first captures eyeballs. Thickly outlined in chrome, the trapezoidal grille tapers inward as it drops to the lower front fascia. A black plastic partition separates the upper grille from the lower, acting as a license plate holder. Slivers of chrome accent the two smaller intakes, which hold projector beam fog lamps. Overall, aside from the overbearing front grille, the A6s face is quite clean, and classy.

Forgetting for a minute the front end of the A6, stylists have more or less preserved the general shape of the old model. Why mess with a shape that has influenced an entire segment of the industry? The signature arced roof has been carried over, although altered slightly to encompass the cars longer wheelbase and overall length. Still the gently curving and sloping rear pillar is immediately identifiable.

Having learned a thing or two from observing BMWs “flaming surfaces,” the A6 features unusually smooth fenders and doors. Aside from the rolled fender flares and an upward sloping line that runs through the bottom half of the door to the rear bumper, no rub-lines or door guards interrupt in the sheetmetal.

The rear of the new A6 has been slightly reworked too, with angular tail lamps that are more linear than wraparound. The trunklid features an integrated spoiler, while the deck is highlighted with chrome accent strips and badging. Altogether its an impressive sculpture of plastic, aluminum and sheetmetal.

Sheetmetal? Thats true. Unlike its larger, all-aluminum A8 sibling, the A6 still utilizes a steel monocoque frame, but dramatically stiffer than the outgoing model. Audi claims that the body is a staggering 34 percent more rigid, meaning higher crash safety standards as well as reduced noise transfer and better driving dynamics.

Of course a quieter cabin with a smoother ride and improved handling can only help the A6 compete against its rivals. In order to optimize the ride and handling balance, Audi has revised the suspension system. Up front is a four-link independent setup, while in back is a trapezoidal multi-link configuration. Having learned a great deal from both the A4 and the A8 in terms of geometry and tuning, expect the A6 to be a delight to drive in the corners. Upon release all A6s will feature standard springs and dampers, however, in 2005 Audi will introduce an adaptive air suspension system. Essentially, its a scaled down version of what is currently fitted to the A8. Stiffness and ride height will be controlled via the MMI electronic interfaces scrolling knob. Prior to the adaptive air suspensions introduction, if customers wish to have a sportier driving A6 Audi will offer a Sport package. Essentially it will drop the ride height by 0.8 inches, increase the spring rates and upsize the wheels to 18-inchers. As it seems, every taste, from comfort to performance, will be addressed by the new A6.

Three gasoline engines will be available in Europe upon the cars introduction, ranging from 2.4 liters to the top-line 4.2 liter unit. These engines share the same general backbone in a sense that all feature timing chains, are relatively compact, and include reduced friction rockers for improved valve operation. Inline fours, previously not available in North America, are even out in the European markets.

The 2.4-L V6, the base engine in Europe, has been slightly improved to produce seven extra horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Next in line, and the base engine in North America, is a 3.2 liter V6 FSI that makes 255 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. This power has been extracted thanks mostly to varying intake manifolds that help forge a strong torque curve. Audi claims that this FSI V6 is tractable all the way up to 7,200 rpm, a very impressive figure. At the top of the non-RS heap is the 4.2 liter V8 model that develops 335 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It is basically the same engine as fitted to the smaller S4 and top-line A8.

While diesels arent too popular in North America, new diesel fuel regulations that take effect in 2006 should make their return more feasible if consumers show an interest, which makes a quick look at what Audi plans to offer in the new A6 worthwhile. The first diesel, of two being offered, is a 2.0 liter TDI engine that features Pump Duse high-temperature and spray technology. Its the same technology fitted to the new Golf, Jetta (Bora in Europe) and Passat diesels, although in the A6 the engine produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, a fair deal more than in the VW applications. Though economy figures have not been released, Audi promises that 684 miles can be extracted from a full tank of fuel. As good as that sounds, if a diesel A6 does arrive in North America the 2.0-liter unit wont be it.

North Americans, who traditionally prefer a little bit more power for straight line performance, would rather live with the 3.0-liter TDI V6. It features 225 horsepower, a number which naturally aspirated gasoline engines of this displacement struggled to reach only a few years ago. But like all diesels, the 3.0-liter unit shows its strengths in torque by delivering a massive 332 lb-ft available as low as 1,400 rpm. This is an engine that promises both economy and high performance, together in one package.

Attached to its various powerplants, Audi has introduced a new ML series transmission, the designation standing for “Manual/Longitudinal.” It features shorter throws as well as better economy, by using six gears to extract the most from each engine. The Multitronic CVT chain-driven gearbox, first introduced in the A4 Cabriolet, is also available as an alternative to the normal automatic. Seven “artificial gears,” which are little more than set ratios within the variable gearbox, have been added to provide a sequential-like sporty feel. For those who want a traditional automatic, a six-speed ZF unit will be provided with Tiptronic manual mode. This automatic, the only one expected to be available in North America, is optimized for the torque-heavy 3.2 liter V6 and 4.2 liter V8, as well as the 3.0 TDI V6. Quattro is standard on the V8 and 3.0 TDI models, while optional on the 3.2 V6. Front wheel drive is standard on this, and other engine combinations.

While the transmission tunnel remains intact, with one of the various shifters atop the console, the new A6 offers a twist on the traditional Audi interior. The cars designers have made it even more driver-centric. The dashboard is cleanly laid out with white-lit instrumentation and a central information station. Meanwhile, the center console has been angled towards the driver like in the BMW 3-Series. The large 6.5 inch LCD display, which is operated via Audis MMI (Multi Media Interface), controls the cars hi-fi system, hands-free telephone and navigation. Many of its controls and functions have been heavily influenced or borrowed from the luxurious A8, such as the four-spoke steering wheel with thumbwheel controls, and the space-saving electro-mechanical parking brake. The cockpit has been tastefully finished with wood and aluminum trim, catering to both sport and luxurious tastes. These changes accompany the standard Audi fare, which includes soft-touch plastics, well-bolstered seats and plenty of leg, head, and shoulder room for passengers in front and back.

The 05 A6 will enter production this April, with the Avant (wagon) version scheduled for model year 2006. As traditional with Audi, it will first be sold in Europe, followed shortly thereafter with North American spec versions. Introductory prices for the 2.4 V6 model start at E33,000 ($42,000 USD), but again this model wont likely make it across the Atlantic. The midrange 3.2 FSI V6 quattro model, that will be available here, has a price tag of E45,400 ($57,950 USD) in Europe, while the fully-loaded 4.2 V8 quattros asking price is E60,000 ($76,600 USD). Interestingly, Audi has priced the A6 2.4 and 3.2 FSI rather aggressively, asking for E5000 ($6400 USD) less than similarly equipped Benz E240 and E320 models. Whichever model chosen will most likely be less that the converted euro price here in the U.S.

In summation, the 2005 A6 is a showcase of Audis capabilities in the premium luxury sedan segment. With powerful yet efficient motors, featuring innovative engine technology, improved ride and handling, plus creature and safety features such as adaptive cruise control, and electronic driver identification, the A6 is sure to impress. Whether or not its the sportiest or most comfortable car in its class has yet to be determined, but it should at the very least make life slightly more difficult for the competition.