Audi's now-familiar Quattro all-wheel-drive system, working with the Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), keeps the A6 planted and putting down power at the wheels with the most grip. ESP incorporates standard ABS, an Electronic Differential Lock, and Anti-Slip Regulation to bring the car's path in line with the intended path, calculated using lateral acceleration, braking force, and steering-angle data in addition to the ABS wheel-speed sensors.
The Servotronic variable-assisted steering feels particularly precise together with the Sport suspension package's 18-inch alloy wheels, with steering effort seeming almost constant from parking lot to onramp but with proper feedback felt at speed. Some of our testers thought throttle tip-in was oversensitive, but this point remained in contention.
Pockmarked city streets and construction season's raised steel plates are not the kindest canvas for the Sport suspension's stiffer ride, it must be noted. But on a smoothly curving road, all is forgiven, and the Audi has closed the gap on the revered BMW 5 Series in terms of seat-of-the-pants road-holding. With the wheels spread out slightly from the previous A6, the car feels solid on the road and especially confidence-inspiring at highway speeds. We observed acceleration from 0 to 60mph in the seven-second range with the V-8, varying slightly depending on the transmission mode.
Headlights that turn
The reassuring list of safety features in the A6 runs from the simple but smart to the advanced. Front, side, and side-curtain air bags are present, as expected in this class of car, with a weight-sensing front seat that turns the passenger's air bags off should a child seat be belted there. A nod to performance with a welcome safety benefit is a tire-pressure warning system incorporated into the MMI and allowing for recalibration following wheel changes or significant load variations. The bixenon headlights feature an adaptive function that directs their beams to better illuminate curves based on steering-wheel angle.
An energy management system distributes electricity to various components as needed to keep the battery charging efficiently and ensures starting power remains available for as long as possible if the car stands unused. Audi's factory warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles and includes all scheduled maintenance during the warranty period. Corrosion protection runs to 12 years. Third-party roadside assistance is included for 4 years.
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Where to buy
2005 Audi A6 4.2 quattro:
$52,220.00
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Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price From Edmunds.com
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$52,220.00 |
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