Learning how to use all the controls and buttons requires a certain amount of time because there are so many of them. Even the glovebox opens by pushing a button in the middle of the dashboard. If you're fond of gadgets and gizmos, you'll love the A6. In fact, only technophiles will know how to quickly surf through the
When driving for extended periods of time, say for a trip, owners benefit from a vast cargo area and a number of tie-downs to secure objects, which come in quite handy. I like this sort of things.
Fit and finish, Audi's strength
If there's one area where Audi excels, it's fit and finish. With the A6 Avant, the material selection is judicious and you can feel quality everywhere. The interior is well laid out and the colors and textures are well matched. The combination of the black dashboard with the beige leather seats is striking. Door panels also display the same contrast.
Every button and every control has a substantial feel to it. Of course, you would expect nothing less from such a premium vehicle. Still, Audi seems to pay great attention to details and to work meticulously to bring them all together.
In terms of exterior styling, the A6 Avant is rather subdued. Personally, I find the design a bit peculiar, with the rounded rear end creating a collapsing effect. However, the various comments I got were all positive, so maybe I don't know what I'm talking about. I guess, once again, it's all a matter of tastes.
Competition
You don't have to look very far to find quality rivals. A couple of German manufacturers also offer AWD-equipped premium midsize wagons. Mercedes-Benz has the E350 4MATIC which, at $77,300, comes with a 268-hp 3.5L engine. Meanwhile, BMW offers the 535xi Touring with a 300-hp 3.0L twin-turbo engine for $73,600.
As for our tester, which starts at $66,200, the list of options makes the price skyrocket: S-Line Package ($3,450), Technology Package ($3,700), Air Suspension ($3,000) and so on. The car you're reading about in this review is worth a total of $82,470. Ouch!
When driving for extended periods of time, say for a trip, owners benefit from a vast cargo area and a number of tie-downs to secure objects, which come in quite handy. I like this sort of things.
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| A slew of controls and buttons is what you'll find inside this car. |
Fit and finish, Audi's strength
If there's one area where Audi excels, it's fit and finish. With the A6 Avant, the material selection is judicious and you can feel quality everywhere. The interior is well laid out and the colors and textures are well matched. The combination of the black dashboard with the beige leather seats is striking. Door panels also display the same contrast.
Every button and every control has a substantial feel to it. Of course, you would expect nothing less from such a premium vehicle. Still, Audi seems to pay great attention to details and to work meticulously to bring them all together.
In terms of exterior styling, the A6 Avant is rather subdued. Personally, I find the design a bit peculiar, with the rounded rear end creating a collapsing effect. However, the various comments I got were all positive, so maybe I don't know what I'm talking about. I guess, once again, it's all a matter of tastes.
Competition
You don't have to look very far to find quality rivals. A couple of German manufacturers also offer AWD-equipped premium midsize wagons. Mercedes-Benz has the E350 4MATIC which, at $77,300, comes with a 268-hp 3.5L engine. Meanwhile, BMW offers the 535xi Touring with a 300-hp 3.0L twin-turbo engine for $73,600.
As for our tester, which starts at $66,200, the list of options makes the price skyrocket: S-Line Package ($3,450), Technology Package ($3,700), Air Suspension ($3,000) and so on. The car you're reading about in this review is worth a total of $82,470. Ouch!
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| While it features a wide array of advanced gadgets, the A6 Avant is fairly pricey in my book. |