2006 Audi A6: Road Test
Archived Review
2006 Audi A6 ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $40,820 -$53,770
- Invoice: $37,572 -$49,559
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Audi A6
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2006 Audi A6 includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Audi A6 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Audi A6, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Audi A6 help you decide if a 2006 Audi A6 is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| AWD 3.2 sdn | 3.2 Avant w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
No opportunity yet to test front-drive sedan. Quattro sedan with 3.2 V6 provides strong pull from a stop, ample highway passing power, though around-town response at mercy of sometimes-tardy transmission downshifts. Potent 4.2 V8 quicker still, with satisfying power across the rev range, though some testers complain of imprecise throttle action away from a stop. Audi pegs quattro 3.2 sedan at 7.1 sec 0-60 mph, 4.2 at 6.0 sec.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD 3.2 sdn | 3.2 Avant w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4.6 |
With 3.2 V6, AWD sedan averaged 16.1 mpg in mostly city driving, test Avant 19.1 mpg with more highway use. Test 4.2s averaged 14.7-16.9. Audi recommends premium-grade fuel for all models.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD 3.2 sdn | 3.2 Avant w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.7 |
Firm for a luxury vehicle. Sharp bumps can jolt, especially with 18-inch tires, and sometimes with 17s. Virtually no highway float or wallow.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD 3.2 sdn | 3.2 Avant w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.1 |
Quattro sedans among best in class. Impressive composure in corners, little body lean. Steering has satisfying weight and accuracy. AWD means great grip and poise on all surfaces. Brakes deliver smooth, short stops.
QUIETNESS
| AWD 3.2 sdn | 3.2 Avant w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
All engines remarkably refined, though V8 snarls surprisingly at high rpm. Cabin impressively absent of wind noise, even at high speed. Road noise subdued. Some interior squeaks noted in one test Avant.
CONTROLS
| AWD 3.2 sdn | 3.2 Avant w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Contemporary interior design with high-grade materials and assembly--the envy of many a luxury-car company. Audi's MMI control system easier to use than BMW's complicated iDrive, but is still a distracting alternative to conventional switchgear. Other controls logically placed, simple to use, but placing CD changer in glovebox--with no slot in the dash--puts it out of driver's easy reach.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD 3.2 sdn | 3.2 Avant w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.4 |
Vast leg room, ample head room. Comfortable, firm, supportive seats. Excellent outward visibility in all directions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD 3.2 sdn | 3.2 Avant w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Doors open wide to nicely contoured, not overly firm seats. Adequate knee room, even behind taller front passengers. Toe room snug. Good head clearance for those up to 6-ft-1.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD 3.2 sdn | 3.2 Avant w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Sedan's trunk is long, fairly wide; has nonintrusive strut hinges, handy grocery-bag hooks. Wagon's space larger, easy to load. Available power liftgate a nice touch. Rear seatbacks fold 60/40. All doors have generously sized map pockets, but interior storage otherwise subpar.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD 3.2 sdn | 3.2 Avant w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Some of the A6's control functions are complicated by Audi's MMI (Multi Media Interface) operating system, which uses one knob on the center console to take the place of conventional dashboard controls for many of the car's accessories. But this sedan's superior interior detailing, capable quattro all-wheel drive, overall refinement, and cool sophistication earn it a place on any luxury shopper's list.
Total Score
| AWD 3.2 sdn | 3.2 Avant w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/nav. sys. | 4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 67 | 67 | 66 | 61.4 |
Total Score: 67
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
