Audi A6 saloon (2011 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

Audi says it aimed to design a subtle, understated car, which would appeal to those “in the know”. It has succeeded, although the rear is less elegant than the model it replaces, and slots in perfectly between the smaller A4 and larger A8, with all three sharing a family look. All models feature Audi’s trademark lighting strip in the front and rear lights, and all come fitted with alloy wheels measuring 17 or 18 inches in diameter, although 19s are available optionally. Sporty S6 models are differentiated by a unique twin-spoke grille design, black painted brake calipers and quad exhaust tail-pipes. A boot-lip spoiler completes the subtle yet effective performance makeover.

Our rating: 4

2. Interior

Audi has become known for the quality of its interiors, and the trim fitted to the new Audi A6 is the latest evolution. The materials used, and the fit and finish is as good as the very best, and a choice of upholstery colours and trim finishes are available. Audi has gone to great lengths with its trim offerings, with even a layered oak and aluminium dash insert available as an option. While of exceptionally high quality, the pin-stripe suit effect grabs attention and won’t suit those looking for a more cathartic ambience. The dials are all easy to read, and a colour screen in the main instrument cluster offers all kinds of driver information, but is never distracting. The top-of-the-range S6 differs slightly, featuring subtly different instruments, a smattering of S6 logos and aluminium trim highlights. It is also equipped with some supremely comfortable sports seats, which add to the feel of luxury with their diamond quilted stitch pattern.

Our rating: 5

3. Practicality

The interior of the A6 is spacious enough for four adults to travel long distances in comfort, with excellent leg, head and shoulder room. Its 530 litre boot is large and compares well to rivals, although it’s as hampered by a small opening as most other saloons. It’s larger than the BMW 5 Series luggage compartment, and only slightly smaller than the Mercedes E-Class saloon. The upholstery feels particularly well-finished, but as with most luxury cars, the cream leather option marks easily and requires lots of TLC to keep it looking factory fresh. The glossy black plastic on the centre console appears as though it may scratch easily too.

Our rating: 3

4. Ride and handling

In the main, the Audi A6 is a comfortable car, supressing engine, road and wind noise well, but fitting larger wheels inevitably means the ride comfort is compromised. Entry-level models feature 17-inch alloys which give a supple ride, but the optional 19 inchers fitted to higher-spec models mean the car yields less over bumps. The standard suspension does a good job of smoothing the worst of Britain’s tarmac, but enthusiasts should opt for the air suspension which offers softer or firmer settings for extra comfort or driving thrills. Audi’s Quattro four-wheel-drive system provides plenty of grip, although standard front-wheel drive models are still capable on damp roads. A sports differential is optionally available which improves road-holding further on Quattro models. The S6, which is equipped with both the Quattro system and a locking, torque-sensing differential as standard offers the best handling balance. While it doesn’t have the playful dynamics of the BMW 5-series, it offers consummate grip and remarkable all-weather traction. A new torque vectoring system channels power to the wheel with the most purchase, giving the car a feeling of iron-fist grip. The steering also isn’t BMW 5 Series sharp, but is direct and makes the A6 more enjoyable to drive than the softer Mercedes E-Class.

Our rating: 3

5. Performance

While three of the four engines available at launch are 3-litres in size, the entry-level 2-litre diesel with 175bhp is expected to make up more than 70 per cent of UK sales. It’s a smooth engine which performed better than we were expecting, with lively acceleration backed up with a brisk official 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds. The reason is down to the way the big A6 is built using a mixture of steel and aluminium, making it 15 per cent lighter. The 3-litre diesel with either 201 or 242bhp and petrol with 296bhp are quick, the last taking just 5.5 seconds to hit 62mph. If that isn’t enough, the S6 ups the ante with its 4.0-litre turbocharged V8. While it may seem lacking compared to the gargantuan V10 of the old model, it has more than enough grunt (414bhp) to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best fast executive saloons. Indeed, its 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds is comparable to many purpose built sports cars. All fast versions have an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

Our rating: 3

6. Running costs

Audi says the A6 is the class leader for fuel efficiency and emissions. The highlight is the 2-litre TDI diesel, which returns an impressive average of 57.7mpg while emitting only 129g/km of CO2. Even the 201bhp 3-litre TDI is economical, returning 47.1mpg and emitting 137g/km, while the 190g/km petrol model is significantly more expensive to tax. Audi cites the A6’s lightweight structure and a host of other small modifications which have all incrementally improved running costs. Predictably, the V8 petrol-engine S6 is the most costly to run, but with a combined fuel consumption figure of 29.4mpg and CO2 emissions at 225g/km, it doesn’t disgrace itself. This is largely down to its part aluminium structure and cylinder-on-demand technology, which shuts down part of the engine when not needed under light loads. Used values are among the best in class too, with A6’s set to retain around 40 per cent of its original price after three years/60,000 miles, compared to around 35 per cent for comparable BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class models.

Our rating: 5

7. Reliability

While the car is new, most engines and technology found in the A6 are prevalent in the Audi range, where there have been few reliability issues. The car is impeccably built, inside and out and Audi has a customer satisfaction rating which continues to rise.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

Aside from its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the A6 is a very technologically advanced model which goes above and beyond in terms of its safety kit. As well as the usual airbags and skid prevention electronics there’s a new form of lane assist available, which can tell if the car is wandering over a white line an automatically help to steer the car back to safety. A camera mounted in the windscreen can read road signs too. Audi Pre-sense can also be ordered, which senses impending collisions and applies the brakes to mitigate damage.

Our rating: 5

9. Equipment

The A6 is offered in SE and S line trim levels, with the former getting 17-inch alloys, stop and start technology, cruise control, park assist and auto headlights and wipers fitted as standard. S line has 18-inch alloys, firmer and lower suspension, sports leather seats, body styling kit and LED daytime running lights. There are lots of cutting-edge options available, including the ability to give the car its own Wi-Fi hotspot and integrate Google Earth maps with its sat-nav. Much equipment is reserved for the options list, and our test car featured around £10,000 worth of additional equipment. The S6 benefits from an extended list of standard-fit equipment including a seven-speed twin clutch automatic gearbox and Active Noise Cancellation – a system which listens to the noises in the car and plays counteracting ‘anti-phase’ noises to cancel them out. Audi claims it can reduce ambient noise by up to 75%. The S6 can also be specified with some very high-level optional equipment, including digital television, a night-vision camera and lightweight ceramic brakes, which were once the preserve of the most exclusive supercars.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

The Audi A6 is the world’s biggest-selling executive car. It’s more comfortable than a BMW 5 Series, more enjoyable to drive than a Mercedes E-Class and features some hard to ignore technology, including in-car Wi-Fi.

Our rating: 4