2005 Audi A6 Review
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By Mitch McCullough

Overview

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.

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.

Underway, 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-perforance sports sedan. The 2005 Audi A6 deserves serious consideration by anyone shopping for a luxurious sports sedan in its price range.

Model Lineup

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 A6 is equipped with the latest-generation in active safety features to help the driver maintain control and avoid a crash. Its electronic stability program virtually eliminates skidding of the front or rear tires. Slam on the brakes and the anti-lcok brake system (ABS) allows the driver to maintain steering control by eliminating tire lockup. Electronic Brake-force Distribution transfers braking force to the tires with the best grip to improve braking performance. Brake Assist provides full braking force when it senses the driver has mistakenly reduced pressure on the brake pedal. A tire-pressure monitor alerts the driver to a soft tire.

In the event of a crash, the A6 offers a carefully designed structure, excellent seatbelts, two-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags to protect the torso, head airbags to protect the head in a side impact, and active front head airbags to help protect occupants from a collision from behind.