Audi designers have created an unmistakable look for all their new products in recent years. There are 2 distinctive features at the front of their vehicles that scream ‘Audi’. First is their Nuvolari grille that takes center stage as you see the car approaching your rear view mirror and then second are the daytime running lights that only Audi have been able to present to the world in the most stylish manner. The rest of the exterior is very much how Audi have been designing their cars in recent times, a very slippery looking shape that has little muscular overtones and more dignified lines.
From the first meeting this Audi A6 has plenty of presence. Significant exterior dimensions aside, the styling is bold and muscular with an imposing recipe shaped as much by the need for aerodynamic efficiency as the stylists’ desires.
The end result is a contemporary form, particularly in profile, that hints at the shape of the A4 and the A7. This identity is borne out in the interior also, where the Audi familiar traits of leather, plastics and aluminium trim are present on every surface.
What you get for your Money
From a value perspective this Audi A6 is hard to fault. Equipped with enough bells and whistles from the product catalogue from comfort luxury features like the large leather seats, adjustable in every direction possible, to the longest list of safety features to keep all occupants as safe as possible. The new A6 models are also way ahead of the competition when it comes to infotainment, with configurations ranging up to MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. An 8-inch colour LCD main display, full-colour in-dash LCD display, MMI control interface with touchpad input, voice controls, AM/FM/DAB tuner, 10GB on-board music storage, dual USB audio inputs is provided as standard.
The top-of-the-line navigation system with the power-retractable eight‑inch monitor is now based on a new technology platform that uses the fast Tegra 30 graphics chip from Audi’s partner Nvidia. The supplemental module Audi connect transfers data via the fast LTE standard and brings tailored online services into the car, including new media streaming apps.
The large boot offers 530 litres of load capacity and 60:40 split-fold seats offer additional versatility and capacity up to 995 litres. Standard features: cruise control, power-adjustable front seats, dusk-sensing xenon headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, climate control, trip computer, keyless entry and ignition.
Driving it
Under the bonnet of this A6 sits Audi’s 3.0-litre V6, boasting a headline figure of 333bhp and an effortless 440Nm of torque. This allows a 5.1 seconds dash from 0-100km/h (yes, this big sedan will run like a sports car from rest) and an effortless 250km/h top speed. Coupled to the 7-speed S-tronic ‘box with steering mounted paddle shift it provides muscular and flexible performance, where all 6-cylinder ensuring sharp throttle response and a broad range of usable power.
At low revs acceleration builds readily but once into the mid-range the A6 really starts to move; overtaking is easy and the muscle available at highway speeds is impressive, as is the hushed refinement, the engine only becoming vocal when extended beyond 6,000 rpms, and then not in a crude or harsh manner, but with gruff and excitement.
As a long range cruiser the A6 is hard to fault with firm absorbing suspension that takes to PLUS’s highway tarmac with ease. In day to day city driving where we took this A6 on the harshest of elements, Petaling Jaya roads, its handling was safe, inspiring with plenty of grip, rain or shine.
Features
At just under RM500k it is no surprise that you see very little activity from all Audi showrooms as Mercedes has cornered this segment with their E300 hybrid that sells for so much less (lower selling price which they benefited from lower tax due to hybrid concessions). You will however be happy to find that the A6 wants for very little in terms of toys and gadgets. The navigation system is perhaps the clearest and most effective we have used recently and the bassy Bose stereo provides strong and clear sound at almost any volume. The materials and quality on offer are almost beyond comment and the full array of safety features and technology tick all the necessary boxes one will need when buying a car like this.
In this market segment, buyers have plenty of choice from Germany, Japan, England and even Korea but the hybrid tax intensified Mercedes E300 hybrid brings more attention and value for money becomes more blurred.
It is certainly fair to say that the Audi A6 is a competitive package but pushed into a corner by local government incentives.
Conclusion
It doesn’t take much time behind the wheel of the Audi A6 saloon to appreciate the talents on offer. As a complete car it isn’t far behind any of its segment rivals and in fact might be in the top rung. However, this Audi A6 is a credible effort and for those who seek an alternative to the usual choices it is unlikely to disappoint.
Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Specifications
Engine: V6 Cylinder Direct Injection Turbo
Capacity: 2995cc
Gearbox: 7-speed S-tronic
Max power: 333bhp @ 5300-6500rpm
Max torque: 440Nm @ 2900-5300rpm
Top Speed: 250km/h
0-100 km/h: 5.1secs
Selling Price: RM487,900.00
