Audi A6 review (2008-2011)

What – Audi A6 saloon
Where – Düsseldorf, Germany
Price – £24,800 - £39,010
Available – October
Key rivals – BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Skoda Superb

Summary

Subtle set of revisions for Audi's most successful model, but new engines keep the A6 fresh and interesting. Can it go to the head of the class?

We like: economy and efficiency improvements, usual Audi interior quality, impressive new engines
We don’t like: motorway ride quality lacks refinement, still not the sharpest to drive, facelift too subtle?

Read more Audi Reviews

First Impressions

Did you know that the Audi A6 is the best selling car in its sector? The UK is pretty keen on its BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class (not so much the Lexus GS), but the Audi is number one in Germany, Europe as a whole, China, and - finally - the world.In fact, 75% of all Audi's sold in 2007 were A6s, so it's a lot more common than you might have expected. Four years into the A6 product cycle it's facelift time. Unsurprisingly, given this is such a successful car, the cosmetic changes are subtle.

The lights are the most apparent - including Audi's now signature daytime running lights at the front - but the front bumper has changed, the grill is ever-so-slightly different, the side indicator has migrated to the wing mirror, and the interior gets some new trim combinations. Then there's new alloys, and new paint.There's also an upgrade for the Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system. But more significantly, changes to the engine line up. The old 3.2 V6 and 4.2 V8 petrols have gone from the UK, replaced by a supercharged 3.0-litre V6, while Audi's latest 2.0-litre turbodiesel joins the range as an eco model.

Performance

Carbon dioxide emissions for the revised A6 are down an impressive 15% on average. Undoubtedly the new 2.0-litre TDIe helps here. This 134bhp turbodiesel uses Audi's latest common rail injection technology, and emits just 139g/km of CO2 thanks to this and other detail improvements, including a 20mm ride height reduction.To be picky, it is a touch noisier than you might like, but in every other respect the driving experience is just the job for a long distance business cruiser. 0-62mph takes 10.3 seconds, and given the space it will top out at 129mph. Looks like any other A6, too.

The other two A6 diesels also get the latest common rail tech. And if we were buying this car we'd probably choose the 187bhp 2.7 TDI, which boasts an impressive 295 lb/ft of torque. It makes the more expensive 2.8 FSI petrol seem like an unnecessary indulgence, especially when you consider the difference in fuel economy.If you do want performance - and can't quite stretch to the S6 or RS6 - the new 286bhp supercharged V6 should suffice. Smooth, effortless, and 5.9 seconds to 62mph fast, it doesn't rev quite as freely as a naturally aspirated engine, but sounds fantastic and offers 310 lb/ft of torque between 2,500 and 4,850 rpm.

Ride and Handling

The A6 is available with a regular suspension set up in standard and S line flavours, Dynamic Ride Control (with three settings), and air suspension - depending on model, and how much you're prepared to spend. There are differences, but all feel fine in town and on Germany's smooth country roads, less so on the motorway.This is slightly odd, as with the A6's business profile we would have anticipated good long distance comfort being a priority. Instead we found the ride to offer different degrees of fidgety, depending on set up and surface. Make sure you take a comprehensive test drive on the kinds of roads you regularly travel.

As for the handling, generally speaking the A6 is safe and secure. Front-wheel drive and quattro four-wheel drive is offered, again depending on engine and how much you are spending. Quattro offers increased security in slippery conditions, but this doesn't mean that front-wheel drive only is dangerous, or that four-wheel drive is infallible.We actually had an epic understeer moment while driving the supercharged 3.0-litre quattro (the car simply went straight on exiting a small roundabout). This doesn't do brilliant things for your confidence in the chassis. The four cylinder engines are better balanced, with less weight ahead of the front axle.

Interior

The top spec versions of the MMI system now include a joystick on top of the regular control knob. This adds a further layer of complication to a system that is supposed to be making life easier. But in practice it works quite well, especially for scrolling around in the optional new three-dimensional sat-nav system.A blind spot monitoring system is now available, as already seen on the Q7, while interior quality remains excellent. SE and S line trim levels are joined by an entry-level trim for the smallest petrol and diesel engines. Automatic lights and wipers, alloys, and cruise control are among the standard kit.

Economy and Safety

The 15% average reduction in CO2 emissions reflects a similar level of improvement in fuel consumption. Star of the show here is the 2.0-litre TDIe, which returns 53.3mpg and still provides 236 lb/ft of torque for easy motoring. But the supercharged 3.0 is impressive in its own way, returning 30mpg combined.Emitting just 139g/km means the 2.0TDIe will be a hit with company car drivers, too. As for safety, the A6 packs six airbags, traction control with electronic differential lock, and Isofix mountings for child seats. Quattro, where fitted, is now biased 40-60 to the rear, but this is supposed to increase driver entertainment, not improve safety.

MSN Cars Verdict 4/5

The Audi A6 is a strong product in a competitive sector. But good though it is, the revisions here aren't compelling enough for us to say this is the car you absolutely must buy if you weren't already considering it. The Audi intelligent image and excellent interior quality remain its best features.BMW's 5-Series is a better driver's car, and the 520d is more powerful (much) and greener than the A6 2.0 TDIe, if also more expensive. Mercedes offers greater prestige. And then there's Jaguar, with the ascendant XF proving a real force. The A6 certainly has its place, but is far from being the only choice.

Ratings out of five: Audi A6
Performance***
Ride & handling***
Interior*****
Safety****
Price****
Practicality****
Fuel economy****
MSN Cars verdict****

Need to know
Petrol engines2.0 TFSI, 2.8 FSI V6, 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6
Diesel engine2.0 TDIe, 2.7 TDI, 3.0 TDI
Power (bhp)134-286
Torque (lb/ft)207-369
0-62 (secs)5.9-10.3
Top speed (mph)129-155
Combined mpg30.0-53.3
C02 emissions (g/km)/tax (%)139-219 / 18-31

Also consider

BMW 5-Series
Lexus GS
Jaguar XF
Mercedes E-Class
Skoda Superb