Home » Car Reviews » Audi » Audi A6 and S6 » 2006 Audi A6 Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
2006 Audi A6 Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
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RIDE/HANDLE
And it’s $2300 well spent in our book. Variable in height by a full two inches, the Adaptive Air Suspension system can automatically adjust the ride height â€' in real time â€' for each wheel, according to road conditions sensed by special sensors. It also automatically alters the suspension system’s dynamics, also according to road conditions. The driver can even override the auto-system according to her own personal tastes.
But if $2,300 isn’t worth that to you, rest assured that even without it, the A6 still offers a classy ride and aggressive acceleration. The Servotronic® vehicle speed-sensitive power steering maximizes efficiency in each subtle turn of the wheel. The Electronic Stabilization program (ESP 8.0) keeps things level, and is also standard.
As for the ride these features provide, it’s everything you would expect from a luxury car. Smooth, with almost no wind noise of float over bumps on the highway. The wagon provides more interior space for jostling noises to occur, but it’s still relatively quiet.
SAFETY
Audi isn’t quiet, however, about the safety features it provides as standard on every A6. All sit on a fully galvanized steel unibody construction with multi-step, anti-corrosion protection.
All A6’s also have antilock four-wheel disc brakes with vacuum power assist, electronic brake pressure distribution (EBD) and hydraulic brake assist. An antiskid system will keep the car going in the right direction, even in rainy or icy conditions.
Inside, find dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags in the front, along with front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Rear side airbags can be had for around $300 more. The power central locking system will unlock all doors automatically if airbags deploy, a convenient feature in an emergency situation.
Also part of the supplemental restraint system is the three-point safety belts found in all five seating positions. The front belts have automatic pretension, height-adjustable upper mounts and force limiters; the rear belts have pretensioners, as well as head rests for all three passengers. Up front, the head restraints boast an Active Head Restraint system, which push up and forward in the event of a collision, cradling the occupants’ head and helping prevent serious whiplash-like injuries.
The inside tire pressure monitor system lets the drive know if a tire is low; and should a tire go flat, just call the Audi 24-hour Roadside Assistance line (standard for the first four years after the car is bought.)
Those who sometimes struggle when backing up their vehicle will delight in the rear-obstacle detection system. Those with young children will like the Lower Anchorage and Tethers for Children (LATCH system) in the rear, which keeps child seats in the proper position. Also included are child safety locks and window locks in the rear doors. There’s even a First Aid kit located in the rear center armrest, and an emergency inside trunk release.
The only feature that 4.2-liter adds, is daytime running lights.
CONCLUSION
Final verdict? Audi’s A6 is quite a tantalizing choice. With a great, plush interior and an amazing all-round driving experience, it’s on the wish lists for thousands of driving enthusiasts.
The hold-up? The price. At about $60,000 on average, it asks for too much cash without having a more established name like Lexus, BMW or Mercedes-Benz that would help qualify its hefty price.
A four-year, 50,000-mile warranty is included on all Audis, and the A6 has four years of 24-hour Roadside Assistance free. In California and the Northeast, expect to have a $150 emissions cost added onto the price. But if you’re paying 60G’s already, what’s the big deal with a couple hundred extra?
Ratings (1-10)
- Style: 8
- Performance: 8
- Price: 7
- Handling: 8
- Ride: 9
- Comfort: 9
- Quality: 9
- Overall: 8
More Data
Where Built: Germany
Major Options: Premium package, Sunroof package, Technology package, Cold Weather package. Rear side airbags, Navigation system, Adaptive cruise control, Upgraded leather upholstery, Front sport seats, Power liftgate, Satellite radio, Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, Heated steering wheel, Power rear sunshade, Manual side sunshades, Solar sunroof, Adaptive air suspension, Polished alloy wheels.
Seating: 5.
Number of Rows: 2.
Length in Inches: 193.3 - 194.2
Warrantees: 3 years/36,000 miles Bumper to bumper, 5 years / 100,000 miles Corrosion, 3 years / 36,000 miles Free roadside assistance, 4 years / 50,000 miles Free scheduled maintenance.
Weight in Pounds: 3957 lbs â€' 4167 lbs.
Cargo Capacity in Pounds: Not Available.
Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: Not Available.
Towing Capacity in Pounds: Not Available.
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 21.1
Destination Charge: $720
