Audi A6 (97-04) Review

Audi A6 (97-04)

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Rating

Summary

Average. Competent mid-sized executive saloon offering solid build, good equipment and safe dynamics. Unlikely to set pulses raising, though.

Review

The A6's biggest problem is the sector it inhabits. Surrounded by such brilliant rivals as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E Class the Audi was always destined to seem slightly boring. Excellent build integrity, good standard equipment and crisp handling all come as standard, although the ride feels too firm on anything bigger than basic wheels. The base 2.0 litre engine feels underpowered, and the next in line 1.8 Turbo sounds coarse. Pick of the petrols is the 2.4 litre V6, but the turbodiesels are where the sensible money goes, especially the mighty 180bhp 2.5 V6 TDI Quattro. RS6 offers supercar performance but suffers from supercar running costs.