CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 06/24/2005
Accessible systems
Audi continues to produce interiors that rank among the best available in the sport-luxury realm. High-quality materials such as real wood, brushed aluminum, and Volterra leather give an air of relaxed elegance, while well-designed electronic controls mean the car's impressive performance can be tapped with minimal distractions from the dashboard. Steering-wheel controls consist of two scrollwheels and a mode button that let you select satellite and broadcast radio stations and CD tracks from scrolling lists. Redundant displays in the center of the gauge cluster and on the MMI screen help keep the focus on the road.
The climate controls are mercifully separated from the MMI system, allowing simple adjustment for both driver and passenger. The more in-depth features of the MMI, such as voice activation, will demand a degree of dedication to master, but an owner willing to put in the time will be rewarded with lots of electronic control. Systems from interior lighting to crosshairs on a map to a readout of battery power are available via the center console-mounted twist-and-click knob and four surrounding buttons of the MMI.
The optional DVD navigation system is reasonably intuitive for basic operations, but configuring the route map to display your preferred combination of services and landmarks, for example, can be time-consuming and frustrating to the uninitiated or anyone averse to reading the owner's manual. A cell phone cradle under the center armrest allows the integration of non-Bluetooth-capable phones with the system, but in a car whose key can stay in your pocket while driving, a phone that can stay there too seems the right choice. We found the A6 Bluetooth network pairs up painlessly with a phone, and it includes advanced features such as storing contacts.
Our car's sport seats were very comfortable, the driving position helped by full-power adjustments, including movable lumbar support, and a power-tilting and power-telescoping wheel. Road noise is nicely isolated, although probably not helped by our car's larger wheels and thinner rubber; we measured 71db at a steady 60mph. From the outside, the A6 has sharpened its edges since its debut for a more muscular overall appearance. The use of chrome accents at the front of the car and around the side windows is restrained and tasteful.
Calculated road holding
The 4.2-liter, aluminum-alloy 40-valve V-8 engine with variable intake-valve timing hustles the A6 along with alacrity. Fed through a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual control, the engine's 335 horsepower represents plenty of useful power. A sport mode moves upshift points slightly higher in the rev range, giving better acceleration when the need or desire arises.
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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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