2007 Audi A6 Sedan 4.2 Quattro
By: Juan G. Robbin
A Blend of Luxury Performance and Style
Audi A6 (2007)
The 2007 A6 sedan is the first Audi that I have driven for more than just a few minutes and it was an unexpected surprise. If you are old enough to remember the Audis’ of the 1980’s, clear your mind of that time period in relation to this manufacturer and drive one, you will be hooked!
The A6 is a midsized sports-sedan that feels sporty yet roomier than most others in this category. The looks are modern and fresh, especially the large Audi grille that looks great without a license plate. The sloping roof line ending at a smooth angle at the rear together with a 4th small window give the A6 its signature look. The seats are excellent, giving the driver and front passenger good comfort support yet feeling completely unobtrusive. The dash was a nice surprise, specially the architecture of the driver’s side. The presentation of the indicators and instruments is clean, modern and right there. Not buried deep in a set of tubes or pushed back into the deep recesses of the dash. The MMI multi-function display is Audi’s answer to the usually hated I-Drive from BMW and Mercedes’ Command system. It was fairly easy to use, but like all of these systems you need to sit, learn it and use it regularly in order for it to become intuitive. Steering was a delight, and of course handling was right on the spot thanks to the legendary wizards that create the suspension of each Audi. The quattro system is almost invisible until you enter a corner. Once in the corner, one starts feeling the direct feedback and remarkable stability that the cars’ suspension is capable of. South Florida doesn’t give you much of a chance to sample this, but go to a road with sweeping or winding turns and you will quickly see how well the A6 quattro behaves in every situation that you put it in.
Rear seats are comfortable, with good leg and head room. Trunk is cavernous, especially if you have multiple items; it just swallows them up with nary a complaint.
Fit, finish and materials are excellent. The feel of the buttons, together with the appointments and all the items that you can actually touch, feel just right. Because of the blend and balance of all of the controls, the feel is almost invisible yet surprisingly noticeable.
The 4.2 liter V8 feels perfect for this car. There is good performance and response, yet giving you respectable fuel economy in return. Acceleration does not feel fast but it is. The engine sound gives you a hint of sportiness yet is never intrusive. Brakes and steering feel strong and balanced, even under hard braking.
If you have never driven an Audi A6, do so! You will be pleasantly surprised with its excellent blend of performance and quality in a fun to drive package.
The Essentials
MSRP: $55,300.00 MSRP (As tested): $64,505.00
Fuel Economy: (Observed): 19 MPG
Engine: V8, 4.2 liter, 350 HP
Popular Options: Technology package, Adaptive cruise control, leather segmented steering wheel, music interface.
Visit: www.audi.com