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2005 Audi A6 Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
…Continued
Exterior
The 2005 A6 marks the introduction of Audi’s new face in the North America; a design we were not sold on at first. It features Audi’s new, and very large, single-opening, trapezoidal grille. It is this new grille that has been the most difficult aspect of the design to absorb because it looks so similar to the Chrysler 300’s face; also not a favorite of ours’.
Designer Achim Badstubner explained the design, and after watching him draw the cars and point out the details we were much more receptive to it when we saw it on the road the next day. It is difficult to replace the overall design of any vehicle, especially when it is as good as the outgoing A6. People are bound to be uncomfortable ' as was the case when BMW made sweeping changes. However Audi succeeded in making the point that design is more than styling alone; it is a melding of function and form. And the car’s looks grew on us.
The A6 retains the long, sweeping, coupe-like roofline of the previous model. There is a beltline crease that runs from the top of the headlights to the bottom of the rear spoiler, tying the two together. Another line runs above the rocker panels, continuing past the rear wheel wells, and defining the rear bumper. There is now a very pronounced spoiler at the back of the rear deck: something that the previous A6 did not have.
The new A6 is a bit edgier than in the past, but it loses a little of its elegance. It remains a well-designed product that will not age quickly.
Interior
The new interior is very different than that of the previous model. The instrument panel is orientated toward the driver. Audi describes it as a sports car panel, but to us it looks is more like the helm of a speedboat.
Under the cowl there are two large gauges separated by a small, color LCD information display. The gauge on the left is the tachometer and the one on the right is the speedometer. To the right of the instrument cluster is a 7” screen, which contains the systems for the Multimedia Interface Controls (MMI), entertainment, and optional navigation system. Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) vents and the analog climate controls are below the screen in the center stack. The gear selector is at the front of the center console, with an armrest and storage area are at the back. The controls for the MMI system are in between.
Because of the driver orientation of the screens, it is hard for a passenger to see, and adjust, the entertainment system. Unfortunately this will be problematic if you are frequently accompanied by a copilot.
Consider purchasing the upgraded Bose sound system with six channels and 10 speakers. The A6’s cockpit is large and a great shape for a great sound system.
The new generation Audi steering wheel makes it’s debut on the 2005 A6. It has four spokes and has the same trapezoidal design as the new grille. Leather wraps steering wheel, which is standard on the A6. The wheel has controls for many vehicle functions including the entertainment system, navigation and phone.
The A6 has Bluetooth. So the car can communicate with any Bluetooth phone, and share address books on Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs.) Palm Systems Inc. offered to lend us a phone so that we could test the interface, but never followed through, so we can’t tell if, and how, it works. Drivers can use their own cell phone through the Bluetooth system. And the optional voice recognition system provides hands-free dialing and operation.
The wheelbase of the 2005 Audi A6 is three inches longer than the previous car proving more legroom for the front passenger and extra knee room for those riding in the rear. The seats are great, as is usually the case with Audi products. They provide great support and comfort for long commutes, and hold you in place for spirited driving.
Another very cool A6 feature is the advanced keyless entry system. As long as you have the key in your possession, the car unlocks the doors when it recognizes the key. Once inside the car, the driver starts it by pushing a start button on the dashboard. Unless you want to, you do not need to insert the key into anything to start the car.
All Audis come pre-wired for your choice of either Sirius or XM Satellite Radio. These are products that we love to see in vehicles, because they provide great reception and at the same time you can easily find your favorite stations and shows, because the number on the dial never changes no matter where in the US you are traveling. Even though the service costs a few bucks every month, if you drive long distances you will love satellite radio.
