2004 Audi A6/allroad quattro: Road Test
2004 Audi A6/allroad quattro ▼
- MSRP: $37,200 - $49,500
- Invoice: $33,552 - $44,746
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Our road test for the 2004 Audi A6/allroad quattro includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Audi A6/allroad quattro from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Audi A6/allroad quattro, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Audi A6/allroad quattro help you decide if a 2004 Audi A6/allroad quattro is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 3.0 quattro sdn | 2.7T allroad quattro, man. | 2.7T S-Line quattro | 4.2 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
All models slightly lazy off the line but gather speed quickly, smoothly. 3.0 and 2.7T engines best above 3000 rpm; V8's power comes in sooner. Test 4.2 did 7.0 sec 0-60 mph. Test 2.7T allroad took just under 8 sec. New 2.7T S-Line feels as fast as Audi's 6.6-sec 0-60 claim. Conventional automatic transmission can be slow to kick down for passing power. CVT sharpens throttle response. Manual transmission suffers long throws.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 3.0 quattro sdn | 2.7T allroad quattro, man. | 2.7T S-Line quattro | 4.2 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
In mostly highway driving, test 3.0 quattro sedan averaged 20.9 mpg, 4.2 18.4, S-Line 18.5. With more city miles, test allroad quattro 2.7Ts averaged 15.1-17.2. No opportunity to measure CVT fuel economy, but Audi says it's more fuel efficient than conventional automatic. Audi recommends premium fuel for all models.
RIDE QUALITY
| 3.0 quattro sdn | 2.7T allroad quattro, man. | 2.7T S-Line quattro | 4.2 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Base and allroad suspensions exhibit typical Teutonic composure, but low-speed bumps come through and there's a trace of high-speed float. V8 models are quite firm, but reassuringly stable at speed. S-Line's sport suspension, 18-inch tires trigger impact harshness over sharp bumps, ruts.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 3.0 quattro sdn | 2.7T allroad quattro, man. | 2.7T S-Line quattro | 4.2 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6.8 |
Steering has satisfying weight and accuracy, but sometimes feels a bit overassisted off-center. AWD means great grip and poise on all surfaces, but handling an asset in any A6, even though all-season tires prone to squealing with only moderate cornering effort. S-Line composure slightly compromised in fast, bumpy turns. Brakes on all deliver smooth, short stops.
QUIETNESS
| 3.0 quattro sdn | 2.7T allroad quattro, man. | 2.7T S-Line quattro | 4.2 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.7 |
Engines quite refined, though V8s growl a bit at high rpm. Some testers sense more highway wind noise than warranted at these prices. Same for road roar, particularly with 18-inch tires.
CONTROLS
| 3.0 quattro sdn | 2.7T allroad quattro, man. | 2.7T S-Line quattro | 4.2 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
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 interior design with highest-grade materials and assembly the envy of many other car companies.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 3.0 quattro sdn | 2.7T allroad quattro, man. | 2.7T S-Line quattro | 4.2 sdn | 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.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 3.0 quattro sdn | 2.7T allroad quattro, man. | 2.7T S-Line quattro | 4.2 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
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 | 2.7T allroad quattro, man. | 2.7T S-Line quattro | 4.2 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
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 | 2.7T allroad quattro, man. | 2.7T S-Line quattro | 4.2 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
A6s earn Recommended status for their blend of space and performance, design sophistication, and powertrain choices. And most A6 models are priced below direct luxury-class rivals.
Total Score
| 3.0 quattro sdn | 2.7T allroad quattro, man. | 2.7T S-Line quattro | 4.2 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 68 | 65 | 66 | 60.8 |
Total Score: 68
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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