Acceleration

AWD 3.2 sdn	4.2 sdn w/nav. sys.	4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys.	S6	Class Average
6	8	8	8	7

No opportunity yet to test wagon or front-drive sedan. Test V6 quattro sedan timed a brisk 7.6 sec 0-60 mph, showed good highway passing reserve, but annoyed at town speeds with sometimes tardy transmission response. Test V8 sedan took just 6.5 sec 0-60, furnished ample power at all speeds, though some testers complained of imprecise low-speed throttle action. S6 muscular from any speed; Audi claims 5.1 sec 0-60.

Fuel Economy

AWD 3.2 sdn	4.2 sdn w/nav. sys.	4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys.	S6	Class Average
4	3	3	3	4.6

No opportunity to measure with S6. Test 3.2 sedans averaged 16.1 mpg in mostly city driving, 20.5 with more highway use. Test 4.2s averaged 14.7-16.9 mpg. Audi recommends premium-grade fuel for all models.

Ride Quality

AWD 3.2 sdn	4.2 sdn w/nav. sys.	4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys.	S6	Class Average
7	7	6	5	6.6

Firm for a luxury vehicle. Sharp bumps can jolt, especially with 18-inch tires and sometimes with 17s. Virtually no highway float or wallow. S line and S6 sport suspension, 19-inch tires make for still firmer ride.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD 3.2 sdn	4.2 sdn w/nav. sys.	4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys.	S6	Class Average
8	8	8	9	7.2

All models corner with little body lean, reassuring composure, abetted by steering's satisfying weight and accuracy. AWD versions near top of class for agility, grip, poise. Brakes deliver smooth, short stops. S line and S6 have even sharper moves all-around.

Quietness

AWD 3.2 sdn	4.2 sdn w/nav. sys.	4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys.	S6	Class Average
8	8	8	7	6.9

V6 and V8 remarkably refined, though V8 snarls surprisingly at high rpm. S6's V10 has exotic-sounding roar in fast acceleration, subdued burble at cruise. Cabin impressively free of wind noise, even at high speed. Road noise subdued in A6s, noticeable with S line and in S6.

Controls

AWD 3.2 sdn	4.2 sdn w/nav. sys.	4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys.	S6	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.8

Audi's MMI easier to use than BMW's iDrive, but still a distraction vs. conventional switchgear. Other controls handy and intuitive, but CD changer resides in glovebox out of easy driver reach.

Details

AWD 3.2 sdn	4.2 sdn w/nav. sys.	4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys.	S6	Class Average
8	8	8	8	8

Cabins offer class-leading materials and assembly quality, plus smart, modern ambiance. Unique trim gives S6 cabin appropriately sporty vibe.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD 3.2 sdn	4.2 sdn w/nav. sys.	4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys.	S6	Class Average
9	9	9	9	7.4

Vast legroom, ample headroom. Comfortable, firm, supportive seats. S6's seats heavily bolstered for support in fast cornering, but still long-haul pleasant for most drivers. Excellent outward visibility in all directions.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD 3.2 sdn	4.2 sdn w/nav. sys.	4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys.	S6	Class Average
7	7	7	7	5.4

Doors open wide to nicely contoured, not overly firm seat. Adequate kneeroom, even behind taller front passengers, but scant toe space. Good head clearance for those up to 6-ft-1.

Cargo Room

AWD 3.2 sdn	4.2 sdn w/nav. sys.	4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys.	S6	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.2

Sedan trunks are long, fairly wide; have nonintrusive strut hinges, handy grocery-bag hooks. Rear seatbacks fold 60/40. All doors have generously sized map pockets, but interior storage otherwise subpar.

Value within Class

AWD 3.2 sdn	4.2 sdn w/nav. sys.	4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys.	S6	Class Average
7	6	6	5	6.1

A6 is tough to top for craftsmanship and offers all-weather AWD capability, great overall refinement, and cool sophistication. It's a must-see for any luxury-car shopper.

Total Score

AWD 3.2 sdn	4.2 sdn w/nav. sys.	4.2 sdn w/18-in. whls., nav. sys.	S6	Class Average
75	75	74	72	70.2

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		49
Average Score		70
High Score		75