2008 Audi A6: Road Test
2008 Audi A6 ▼
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- MSRP: $42,950 -$72,350
- Invoice: $39,943 -$67,285
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Our road test for the 2008 Audi A6 includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Audi A6 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Audi A6, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Audi A6 help you decide if a 2008 Audi A6 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 3.2 quattro sedan | 3.2 Avant quattro wagon | 4.2 sedan w/navigation | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
A V6 quattro sedan timed a brisk 7.6 seconds 0-60 mph in our evaluation. It showed good highway passing reserve but annoyed at town speeds with sometimes tardy transmission response. Despite the added weight, test wagons feel no slower than their sedan counterparts. A V8 sedan took just 6.5 seconds 0-60 and furnished ample power at all speeds, though some testers complained of imprecise low-speed throttle action. Audi claims S6 does 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. It's not explosive off the line, but it's plenty strong once underway. No front-drive sedans have been made available to Consumer Guide for evaluation.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 3.2 quattro sedan | 3.2 Avant quattro wagon | 4.2 sedan w/navigation | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 3.2 sedans averaged 16.1 mpg in mostly city driving and 20.5 with more highway use. A test wagon averaged 19.9 mpg. Test 4.2s averaged 14.7-16.9 mpg. An S6 averaged 15.8 mpg. Audi recommends premium-grade gas for the V6 and requires it for the V8 and V10.
RIDE QUALITY
| 3.2 quattro sedan | 3.2 Avant quattro wagon | 4.2 sedan w/navigation | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 6.6 |
Firm for a luxury vehicle. Sharp bumps can jolt, though it's not enough to be jarring. The S6's sport suspension and 19-inch tires make for a still firmer ride.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 3.2 quattro sedan | 3.2 Avant quattro wagon | 4.2 sedan w/navigation | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7.1 |
All models corner with little body lean and reassuring composure, abetted by the steering's satisfying weight and accuracy. AWD versions are near the top of the class for agility, grip, and poise. The brakes deliver smooth, short stops. S6 models have even sharper moves all-around.
QUIETNESS
| 3.2 quattro sedan | 3.2 Avant quattro wagon | 4.2 sedan w/navigation | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7.1 |
The V6 and V8 are remarkably refined, though the V8 snarls surprisingly at high rpm. S6's V10 has an exotic-sounding roar in fast acceleration and is nearly silent at cruise. The cabin is impressively free of wind noise, even at high speed. Road noise is subdued in A6s and noticeable with the S6.
CONTROLS
| 3.2 quattro sedan | 3.2 Avant quattro wagon | 4.2 sedan w/navigation | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6.2 |
Audi's MMI system generates mixed reactions from our testers. Some say it's easier to use than BMW's iDrive, others do not. Regardless, it's still a distraction versus conventional switchgear. Other controls are handy and intuitive, but the CD changer resides in the glovebox out of easy driver reach.
DETAILS
| 3.2 quattro sedan | 3.2 Avant quattro wagon | 4.2 sedan w/navigation | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.5 |
The A6's cabins offer exceptional materials and assembly quality with an overall smart, modern ambiance. Unique trim gives the S6 cabin an appropriately sporty vibe, especially with the available carbon fiber trim. One test wagon suffered from an intermittent rattle from the rear seat area.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 3.2 quattro sedan | 3.2 Avant quattro wagon | 4.2 sedan w/navigation | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.4 |
Vast legroom with ample headroom combine for great overall comfort. The seats are supportive all around. Note that smallish door openings complicate entry and exit. S6's seats are heavily bolstered for support in fast cornering, but they're still long-haul pleasant for most drivers. Outward visibility is excellent in all directions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 3.2 quattro sedan | 3.2 Avant quattro wagon | 4.2 sedan w/navigation | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Doors open wide to a nicely contoured, not overly firm seat. Kneeroom is adequate, even behind taller front passengers, but foot space is scant. Head clearance is good for those up to 6-ft-1.
CARGO ROOM
| 3.2 quattro sedan | 3.2 Avant quattro wagon | 4.2 sedan w/navigation | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
Sedan trunks huge for the class, long and fairly wide. They have nonintrusive strut hinges and handy grocery-bag hooks. Rear seatbacks fold 60/40. All doors have generously sized map pockets, but interior storage is otherwise subpar.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 3.2 quattro sedan | 3.2 Avant quattro wagon | 4.2 sedan w/navigation | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6.5 |
A6 is tough to top for craftsmanship, and it offers all-weather AWD capability, great overall refinement, and cool sophistication. It's a must-see for any luxury-car shopper. A6 wagons offer expanded versatility, but start about $3000 higher than sedans, a jump we find hard to justify. The S6 is one of the most potent all-wheel drive cars you can buy for less than $100,000.
Total Score
| 3.2 quattro sedan | 3.2 Avant quattro wagon | 4.2 sedan w/navigation | S6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | 76 | 74 | 71 | 69.6 |
Total Score: 74
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