2003 Audi A6/allroad quattro: Road Test
2003 Audi A6/allroad quattro ▼
- MSRP: $35,850 - $82,700
- Invoice: $32,350 - $74,239
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Our road test for the 2003 Audi A6/allroad quattro includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Audi A6/allroad quattro from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Audi A6/allroad quattro, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Audi A6/allroad quattro help you decide if a 2003 Audi A6/allroad quattro is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 3.0 quattro sdn, auto. | 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. | allroad quattro, man. | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 6.5 |
All models slightly lazy off the line but gather speed fast, especially S6 and RS 6. The 3.0 and 2.7T don't come alive until 3000 rpm; V8s are always strong. Test 2.7T and 4.2 each did 7 sec 0-60 mph. Test allroad took just under 8. Audi says RS 6 does 0-60 mph in a torrid 4.7 sec. CVT sharpens throttle response vs. the conventional automatic, which can be slow to kick down for passing power. Manual transmission suffers long throws.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 3.0 quattro sdn, auto. | 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. | allroad quattro, man. | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Test 3.0 quattro sedan averaged 20.9 mpg, test 4.2 18.4, both in mostly highway driving. With more city miles, test allroad quattros averaged 15.1-17.2, and manual-transmission 2.7T averaged 22 mpg. Test S6 averaged 16.4. Haven't yet measured RS 6 or CVT fuel economy, but Audi says CVT is more fuel efficient than conventional automatic. Audi recommends premium fuel for all models.
RIDE QUALITY
| 3.0 quattro sdn, auto. | 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. | allroad quattro, man. | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
Base and allroad suspensions deliver typical Teutonic composure, but low-speed bumps come through and there's a trace of high-speed float. The 2.7T and V8 models are firm and quite firm, respectively. The 4.2, S6, and RS 6 are reassuringly stable at speed.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 3.0 quattro sdn, auto. | 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. | allroad quattro, man. | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 6.7 |
Steering has satisfying weight and accuracy in V8 models (superb on S6 and RS 6), but otherwise sometimes feels a bit overassisted off-center. AWD means great grip and poise on all surfaces, but handling is an asset in any A6. All-season tires prone to squealing with only moderate cornering effort. Brakes deliver smooth, short stops.
QUIETNESS
| 3.0 quattro sdn, auto. | 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. | allroad quattro, man. | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6.8 |
Engines quite refined, though V8s growl a bit at high rpm. Highway wind noise seems more than warranted at these prices. Same for road roar, particularly with Z-rated 17-inch tires.
CONTROLS
| 3.0 quattro sdn, auto. | 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. | allroad quattro, man. | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.6 |
Large, legible gauges flank convenient display for audio settings, outside temperature, mpg data. Driver must look from road to find low-set climate system, but its buttons are well marked, readouts bright and clear. Cruise control awkwardly embedded in turn-signal stalk. Contemporary cabin design with highest-grade materials and assembly.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 3.0 quattro sdn, auto. | 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. | allroad quattro, man. | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.2 |
Comfortable, supportive seats, adjustable padded center armrest. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel is powered on V8s and can be heated. Unimpeded outward visibility. Available high-beam xenon headlamps project a quarter-mile.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 3.0 quattro sdn, auto. | 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. | allroad quattro, man. | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
As in front, doors open wide to nicely contoured, not overly firm seats. Generous knee and toe room. Good head clearance for those up to 6-ft-1. Wagons lack rear cupholders, though.
CARGO ROOM
| 3.0 quattro sdn, auto. | 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. | allroad quattro, man. | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 3.9 |
Sedan's large trunk has wide opening, nonintrusive strut hinges, handy grocery hooks. (Note that with quattro, trunk volume is 15.4 cu ft vs. 17.2 for front-drive sedans.) Wagons expansively roomy. All rear seatbacks fold 60/40. All doors have cloth-lined map pockets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 3.0 quattro sdn, auto. | 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. | allroad quattro, man. | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5.7 |
A6s earn Best Buy status for their unique blend of space and performance, design sophistication, and powertrain choices. Most models are priced below direct rivals, though parent Volkswagen's own Passat W8s are in the heart of A6 territory and cost far less than Audi's V8s.
Total Score
| 3.0 quattro sdn, auto. | 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. | allroad quattro, man. | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 67 | 66 | 66 | 60.5 |
Total Score: 69
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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