2005 Audi A6 4.2 Road Test

All four doors provide easy access to a cabin that takes a back seat to no one. I have always appreciated the fine

All four doors provide easy access to a cabin that takes a back seat to no one. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

workmanship and quality of Audi interiors, especially in the last decade or so. The A6 now takes that tradition to new heights with excellent material selection and a striking design capitalizing on an expansive dashboard and a magnificent centre console bearing genuine wood trim and a series of unique controls. Included in the switchgear is a rotary dial that administers audio, navigation and trip computer functions through the A6's dash-mounted Multi Media Interface (MMI) screen. Audi's MMI system of media convergence is less complicated than BMW's i-Drive format - but like the Bimmer's whirling dervish, the MMI takes some time to understand and use to its potential.

Once a basic level of MMI competence has been achieved, scrolling through a myriad of radio stations - including satellite - is quick and efficient. Even without ordering the upgraded Bose acoustics, the sound reproduction and dynamic capability of the ten-speaker system

I have always appreciated the fine workmanship and quality of Audi interiors, especially in the last decade or so. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

is marvelous. Unlike more traditional premium audio units, the A6 utilizes a glovebox-mounted six-disc player to keep the tunes fresh.

And fresh can also be used to describe how the wonderful front buckets in the A6 will keep occupants over the course of extended drives. Perhaps not as firm as some European perches, these seats provide splendid support where needed, including the upper thighs, thanks to an extendable seat cushion. I don't understand why more manufacturers don't design their premium seats with such a provision to help support the thighs of long-legged drivers. It's quite amazing how a modest extension to the seat cushion can relieve stress and fatigue in the legs and feet when seated for a long duration.