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2006 Audi A6 3.2 Quattro AT6 Tom Collins
The Auto Answerman
KEZW Radio
Denver
Vehicle Type: AWD Luxury Sports Sedan
Base Price: $43,970
Price As Tested: $58,140
Pros:
AWD
Handling
Interior
Industry Leading Technology
Cons:
Pricy
Multi-Media Interface
Overview:
My latest drive with the A6 came at an opportune time as were just leaving for a weekend in Breckenridge. I knew the AWD would come in handy and sure enough the mountains were hit with a November snowstorm. I was anxious to see how the V6 would handle the hills of I-70. My last A6 was a 2005 4.2 Liter V8. Since these cars are otherwise identical I suggest you check out that review on this website for more details on the A6. You can go here http://www.audiusa.com/ and get the lowdown from Audi.
Drivetrain:
The major difference between the two cars is the engine. This latest being the 3.2 liter V6. Audi engineers use what they call FSI Direct Injection to shoot fuel directly into the cylinder. The result is a cleaner and more powerful burn. The 3.2 liter 24 valve V6 is rated at 255 hp and 243 pound feet of torque. Our test car was mated to a 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic. This proved to be a smooth and strong combination as we effortlessly cruised up the mountains loaded down with 4 adults and luggage. Audi claims a 0-60 time of just 7.1 seconds. For a more powerful experience opt for the 4.2 liter V8. That 325 hp engine does the 0-60 sprint in six seconds flat. Fuel economy for the V6 is listed at 19 city and 26 highway. I averaged right around 21.5 MPG in mixed driving.
Driving Experience:
Like the V8, the 3.2 quattro is a joy to drive. Steering is precise and handling is crisp. What is it about German cars? They drive like no other. Braking is sure and smooth. The A6 is quiet except for a pleasant growl under hard acceleration. Audi simply leads the world when it comes to interior design. My only gripe is the Multi-Media Interface. That’s the center console knob that controls the stereo and navigation. Turn or push the knob to bring up the menu on the 7” color screen. It’s a distraction and overly complicated in my view. At least it’s not as bad as BMW’s i-Drive.
Options on test car:
Our A6 had around $15K worth of options lead by the $3,800 ‘Technology Package’ which includes voice recognition, advanced key, rear Parktronic (it beeps when to you are close to backing into something) along with navigation and XM Satellite radio. The backup warning system is useful and I have to admit I enjoy XM. The ‘Premium Package’ was another $2,500 and included Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights, and excellent Bose audio upgrage along with an auto-dimming interior mirror with compass. Memory seat and mirror adjustment are part of this package too. ‘Adaptive Suspension’ adds $2,300 to the sticker and ‘Adaptive Cruise Control’ is a $2,100 option. I really enjoyed that last option on the A8 I drove recently. It adjusts your speed to the car in front of you and resumes speed as you move into the passing lane. Very slick.
The sunroof package will run you $1,450 and includes heated front seats. To get the heated rear seats you need to check the ‘Cold Weather Package’. This $400.00 option includes a ski sack. 18” alloy wheels with all-season tires rounded out the options list on our Artic White A6, a $900.00 extra.
Standard Safety Features include driver and front passenger seat mounted air bags, ‘Sideguard’ curtain airbags, side-impact protection and heated outside mirrors. Active front head restraints, fog lights, anti-theft alarm and rain sensing wipers are all standard on the A6. All-Wheel Drive is a ‘safety’ item also, especially in Colorado. The warranty covers you for 4-years or 50,000 miles and you are also covered for all scheduled maintenance over that time at no additional cost. 4 year roadside assistance comes standard.
Conclusions:
I tend to gush over these cars because they are so impressive. Read my review of the A6 4.2 V8 and the A8 on this site for more gushing. Buy this car of you love to drive.
Tom Collins
The Auto Answerman
KEZW Radio/Denver
11/30/05
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