2008 Audi A6 4.2 Review

If, like me, you appreciate elegant things, objects that are simply pleasing to look at or designed to be admired, then the Audi A6 is for you.

This is the impression I got when I picked up the Audi A6 with its 4.2-litre, V8 engine. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it's large, lithe and lovely. In reality, this is a car aspiring to become a limousine.

The Audi A6 is discreet but timeless, in the tradition of great classic cars.

Temperamental interior
What strikes us inside is the quality and variety of the materials that complement a successful design. In this big Audi's case, the interior seems like it was hewn from a single block.

Like all Audis, it overflows with controls for all the electronic gadgets it offers up. The HVAC controls are a little complicated.

And since nothing's perfect, the ventilation system is noisy, and the MMI interface isn't any easier to use despite its perfect positioning.

As for interior space, the rear seats don't benefit from the same generosity as the front seats. Legroom is a little limited considering the length of the vehicle; it was sacrificed in favour of a larger trunk, which boasts a surprising cargo capacity despite its small opening. And what the storage compartments lack in size they make up for in number.

Unexpected handling
The A6's driving qualities are undeniable. Despite its weight, this Audi goes from 0 to 100 km/h in under 6 seconds thanks to a 4.2-litre, 350-hp, V8 engine. The engine is flexible and offers up a lot of torque, two important features for this type of car.

What's more, the engine is discrete inside but roars like a tiger outside. This symphony of power is accompanied by a fuel consumption of 11 litres per 100 kilometres, not bad for the size of the engine. The suspension is a little hard, like a sports car's, which surprised me. In corners, however, it's equal to its weight as it allows uncompromising manoeuvring.

This Audi goes from 0 to 100 km/h in under 6 seconds thanks to a 4.2-litre, 350-hp, V8 engine.