2005 Audi A6 Program #2423

For today’s luxury cars, keeping up with the competition means keeping up with technology. Every year, high end auto makers pack more and more features into their cars. So this 2005 Audi A6 has to offer enough electronic gadgets to keep the most demanding customers happy. But you know what? More than one otherwise fine design has sunk under the weight of too many bells and whistles. So does the new A6 strike the proper balance?

No matter how many bells and whistles you add to a car, a premium sedan like the 2005 Audi A6 has to first excel on the basics. That means a rock solid foundation, like a new chassis that’s 34-percent stiffer, and features a 3.3-inch longer 111.9-inch wheelbase. The latest A6 is also longer overall, and significantly wider than its predecessor, while the all-steel body is more aerodynamic, with a long power-dome hood. Audi’s new corporate face is complete with the overly dramatic, plunging Nuvolari grille and more flowing character lines that taper at the tail with a subtle spoiler along the rear trunk edge.

The A6 is supported by proven and improved suspension technology. The front is a refined 4-link design, while the rear is a self-tracking trapezoidal-link setup borrowed from the A8. It all meets the road through standard 16-inch alloy wheels on the A6 3.2, and 17-inchers on the A6 4.2. Our test car wears optional 18-inch wheels. Tire pressure monitoring is also available.

Like all premium Audis, the new A6 features the Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system, with front and rear limited slip differentials, and ESP electronic stability control.

All-wheel drive power is delivered from both V-6 and eight cylinder engines. The A6 3.2 uses a new dual-cam 3.1-liter direct-injection V6 that makes 255 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Our A6 4.2 test car goes the V8 route, with the A8’s silky 4.2-liter dual-cam 40-valve engine putting out an impressive 335 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission, with Tiptronic manual shift and Sport modes. Put the hammer down, and the A6 4.2 sprints to 60 in 6.6 seconds. The quarter mile takes 15.1 seconds at 95 miles-per-hour.

The Quattro system soaks up a lot of power at launch, but once rolling, the V8’s horses come on in a rush. The gearbox feels very refined. And the manual shift mode responds instantly, with no delays or stumbles. In the corners, all-wheel-drive and sticky Continental tires deliver lots of grip. There is the expected all-wheel drive push up front, but turn-in is still quick for a 3,850-pound sedan. The new speed-sensitive steering is also quick, but lacks feel. Body roll is also more pronounced than expected. Even when really pushed, however, the A6 maintains its composure. It feels solid and stable under all driving conditions with the added wheelbase allowing for better weight distribution and yes, more balance.

Braking is balanced by 4-wheel-discs with standard ABS. The system delivered straight stops that averaged a fine 126 feet from 60 miles-per-hour. There is still a notable forward weight shift, but not enough to upset the rock-solid distribution. On the street, the A6 ride is smoother than that of a comparable BMW. There is, however, a bit more float to this Audi.

More impressive features include the 4.2’s Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights that swivel up to 15-degrees in turns, and the optional Advanced Key, which uses proximity sensors to unlock the doors.

The more spacious 4.2 interior is jam packed with luxury and technology features, surrounded by beautiful wood and leather trim. There are 12-way heated power seats, automatic dual-zone climate controls, and a 10-speaker audio system with a 6-disc CD changer. Bose and XM radio upgrades are available, as is voice command, and a DVD-based navigation system. All systems are managed through a 7-inch screen and Audi’s Multi Media Interface. Like many such centralized control systems, however, it takes time to get used to, and can be irritating. The rear seat is truly adult sized, with generous head and leg room, and optional seat heat, while trunk space is a big 15.9 cubic-feet.

If you want an A6, plan to spend $41,620 for the A6 3.2, and $51,220 for the A6 4.2. With options, our 4.2 test car costs $56,570. That is a real luxury car price, but then the 2005 Audi A6 is a lot of luxury car. The Multi Media Interface still needs a few tweaks, but other than that, this car strikes a superb balance between comfort and technology. Plus, Audi has just unveiled the companion A6 Avant that will join the sedan this spring. Together they take the A6 to a whole new, rarified level, with a totally rewarding driving experience like no other luxury car’s.