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. S6 models are muscular from any speed; Audi claims 5.1 seconds 0-60. 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	2	4.6

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. We've not measured fuel economy for an S6. 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	6.3

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

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 a subdued burble 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	6.1

Some testers find Audi's MMI easier to use than BMW's iDrive, but nevertheless, it's 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
8	8	8	8	7.4

The A6's cabins offer class-leading materials and assembly quality with an overall smart, modern ambiance. Unique trim gives the S6 cabin an appropriately sporty vibe. 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	7.3

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	5.2

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	4.2

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	6.2

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. Note that A6 wagons offer expanded versatility, but start nearly $4000 higher than sedans, a jump we find hard to justify.

Total Score

3.2 quattro sedan	3.2 Avant quattro wagon	4.2 sedan w/navigation	S6	Class Average
74	75	73	69	68.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		56
Average Score		68
High Score		78