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Audi A6
If you’ve ever been in the market for an executive car there’s really only been three options worth considering, the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E Class or this the Audi A6. Now while the BMW has always been the driver’s choice, and the E Class synonymous with comfort and luxury that’s left the A6 in a bit of a no man’s land. Ultimately, it’s always been a capable all-rounder, managing to do everything well without being too outstanding.

This latest generation though is hoping to change that, with more aggressive looks, improved tech and a more driver focussed experience, but is it enough to make the number one executive car to come out of Germany? Let’s find out.

One thing’s for sure, the styling is sharper and more aggressive than previous models. Yet it does little to stand out from the larger A8 or smaller A4 with similar design elements like the head lamps and taillights as well as that imposing grille up front. It won’t scream individuality in the office car park, but it does enough to let anyone who sees you drive it that you’re doing well, especially if you look at higher spec models which add larger alloy wheels and carry with it a more luxurious presence.

Interior
Inside Audi has always been known for its superb build quality and layout, however it is an area that’s been slipping in other new Audis. With the latest A6 though there’s nothing to worry about. The layout is largely similar to the larger and more luxurious Audi A8, which is no bad thing. It’s clutter-free with controls and functions logically located and the materials are all as you’d expect from the brand.

There are three screens which do take a bit of getting used to, all in the interest of clean lines. At the top of the centre console is a 10.1 inch touchscreen infotainment system which displays all the usual information you’d get like satellite navigation, in car setup, DAB radio and phone connectivity, the A6 comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Then underneath there’s a screen that displays all the heater controls, this will take more getting used to especially for anyone used to dials. Both screens have haptic and acoustic feedback which means they vibrate slightly when you touch them.

The third screen is directly in front of the driver when the dials normally live. The Virtual Cockpit is excellent and can be configured in a number of ways showing everything from navigation information to speed as well as vehicle and radio information.

The latest A6 is bigger than the one it replaces, which means there’s more legroom in the back, not that the old one was lacking. To be honest even taller passengers will be able to get comfortable, if there was one small criticism is that anyone sat in the middle seat in the back will have impeded legroom because of that awkward transmission tunnel.
The boot is on par with the BMW 5 Series and only 10 litres smaller than the E-Class, so we’re talking fine margins. The high load lip though does mean loading heavier items might be a bit more fiddley than it needed to be.

On the road
The range starts with a 200bhp 2.0-litre 40TDI which is a good all-rounder offering good levels of performance and economy. Further up the range is a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, badged 55 TFSI, which pumps out 335bhp and will do the 0-60mph dash in around five seconds. This is also available with four-wheel drive and 282bhp which offers similar levels of performance, in a package that feels much heavier. If you’re looking for overall performance though, you’ll want to look at the S6 or RS6 models which are more targeted at competing with the BMW M5 and Mercedes AMG E63 S.

It’s no surprise that the entry level model is the most economical version with an official claimed fuel economy of just over sixty miles per gallon and emissions of just 117g/km of CO2. Not bad for a car of this size. As you progress through the range though running cost will increase, but not as harshly as you might expect. The most powerful diesel still returns a reasonable 50mpg and 146g/km of CO2.

Overall the whole driving experience is as we’d expect for an A6. It’s extremely refined and comfortable with a ride that is capable through the corners, as well as relaxed on motorways. It’s a great all-rounder, in fact while older versions which felt somewhat heavy and overweight, the latest one is in start contrast, its agile and more eager which brings it closer to the BMW 5 Series than ever before.

Verdict
Overall you won’t be disappointed with the A6. It’s an all-round excellent proposition, with impressive running costs, excellent build quality and a drive that’s better than ever. While Audi has improved things behind the wheel, it’s still not quite up to the same levels as the BMW 5 Series, but it’s still well worth considering if you’re in the market for a luxury executive saloon.