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2006 Audi A6 Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
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INTERIOR
Fabulous interiors are an Audi constant at this stage of the game. The A6 interior is no different, jam-packed with almost every feature imaginable standard, and there are still lots of options to choose from.
Depending on personal preference (and tech-knowledge), the MMI system is a good or a bad thing. Sure, it clears up some dash space for a more streamlined look, but looks can be deceiving. Younger drivers may have less of a problem operating this system that integrates many dials and controls into one. We’re torn â€' the look is better but it takes a while to learn to navigate through the MMI’s prompts.
Connected to the MMI is the DSP 10-speaker sound system with AM/FM radio, 6-CD changer (disappointingly, in the glove box and far out of reach during driving). It’s also Bluetooth and satellite radio-ready. Move up to the V8 and get a Bose Surround Sound system with the AudioPilot noise compensation feature.
Enjoy all of that great sound from the 12-way power front bucket seats with lumbar adjustment, with leather seating in all positions. The 4.2-liter V8 boasts even better seats, with Volterra Leather that is also found in door panel inserts (this is optional on the 3.2-liter). The leather on both models continues to the shift knob and steering wheel, which also has radio controls attached. The Avant wagon adds heated seats to the list of standard features.
The luxury continues with wood interior trim and a general ambiance that not only looks great by itself, but compliments the exterior well. Technology meets that luxury in the electronic cruise control with coast, resume and acceleration features, as well as the dual-zone automatic air conditioning with charcoal air filter.
Luxury meets convenience in the power one-touch up/down windows, heated power mirrors, power door locks and power sunroof (in the wagon). These are standard on all models, as are split-folding rear seats, a digital clock, outside temperature indicator, and front and rear center consoles with cupholders.
Lighting inside is great, with illuminated visor mirrors, glove box, map lights, trunk, lighter and ashtray. There are also lights in the headliner and foot well, which fade in and out and have a time-delay feature so that they stay on after the key has been removed from the ignition. Those who have this feature in their current cars, or have driven in a car with this feature, know how convenient it is to have. Also convenient is the remote keyless entry.
The V8 A6 adds power tilt-telescopic steering wheel (the V6 is manual), and brings heated seats as standard. A memory system holds the positions of the driver seat and mirrors for up to two people. A power sunroof is also included in the V8, along with the great feature of automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors. And because you’d probably prefer not to keep your $60,000-plus purchase out in the rain, a universal garage-door opener is included. Add a navigation system, adaptive cruise control, upgraded leather, satellite radio, heated steering wheel, shift paddles or a solar sunroof for an extra charge.
PERFORMANCE
Like BMW and Mercedes, Audi doesn’t scrimp on performance features. Even the base model 3.2-liter is exquisite, with 255 horsepower (at 6,500 rpm) and 243 lb.-ft. or torque (at 3,250 rpm). That power comes from a dual overhead cam (DOHC) V6 and FSI direct fuel injection that includes variable intake valve timing and intake manifold.
All of this combines for a 7.1-second 0-60 mph and a top track speed to 130 mph (estimated.) The 3.2-liter’s transmission is Audi’s Multitronic continuously variable automatic with manual shift capabilities and FronTrak front-wheel-drive; a 6-speed TipTronic automatic transmission (also with manual-shift capabilities) with Quattro all-wheel-drive is optional (but standard on the 4.2-liter).
Fuel economy comes in at about 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for the TipTronic-equipped A6’s, slightly more for the base model.
The 4.2-liter V8 gives a substantial increase in the amount of horsepower and torque (up to 335 horses at 6,500 rpm and 310 lb.-ft. torque at 3,500 rpm). Also a DOHC, the V8 has five valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing and intake manifold. The 6-speed TipTronic transmission is standard, as is the Quattro all-wheel-drive. The 4.2-liter has an estimated 0 to 60 time of 6.0 seconds, and logs fair fuel economy with 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway.
Both engines have traction control, and a front suspension that features 4-link upper and lower control arms, front stabilize bar and separate coil springs/shock absorbers that are gas-charged. In the rear, the suspension is fully independent trapezoidal-link, also with a stabilizer bar and gas-charged separate coil springs/shock absorbers. Adaptive air suspension can be had on the 4.3-liter for an extra $2,300.
