Review
Previous generations of Audi's mid-sized model never quite got on terms with the Mercedes E Class or BMW 5 Series in terms of perceived quality and driving dynamics - but the current car should be viewed as a genuine rival to both.
The styling is dominated by Audi's corporate "single pane" radiator grille, but behind that the A6's conservative good looks project plenty of sleek, handsome road presence. The cabin is very impressive, finished in expensive-feeling materials and with controls laid out clearly and logically. It's spacious and comfortable over long journeys for both front and rear seat passengers. The saloon has an impressively large boot, but the Avant estate, although commodious, is a measure short of the capacity offered by the E Class.
The A6 drives impressively well, too. The chassis has been tuned for comfort and a measure of sportiness, and although it's not as agile as a BMW 5 Series, it's vastly better than the stodgy mid-sized Audis that came before. Cornering grip levels are high and motorway refinement is excellent, although versions riding on big wheels suffer from a slightly crashy ride over rough road surfaces. The Quattro four-wheel drive system offered on the middle and upper reaches of the range also provides plenty of reassurance when the going gets slippery.
Buyers can select between an impressive selection of petrol and diesel engines. Of these the 2.0 litre turbo petrol, 3.2 V6 petrol and 2.7 litre V6 TDI diesel are the picks of the range. V10-powered S6 has huge performance but lacks much in the way of soul, while the "Allroad" off-road estate version is worth considering for anyone who wants the utility of an SUV without the compromises.