2005 Audi A6 Preview

How much bigger is it? Although the A6 was never below average in size, Audi has felt the need to expand it to measure 4.92 meters (193.7 inches) in length, which is about 13 centimeters (5.1 inches) longer than the outgoing model. Now that's quite a bit! What about width? Currently at 1.86 m (73.2 inches),

Audi has felt the need to expand the A6 to 4.92 meters (193.7 inches) in length, which is a noticeable change over the previous version. (Photo: Audi Canada)

it's up by a substantial 5 centimeters (2 inches), while height stays nearly the same increasing from 1.45 m (57.1 inches) to 1.46 m (57.5 inches). Accordingly, with this extra space on hand, the wheelbase has also grown. Back-seat riders will now prosper from the car's additional 83 millimeter (3.3-inch) increase resulting in a total of 2.84 meters (111.8 inches).

The new A6 puts a bold face forward, brushing aside the handsome albeit slightly reserved treatments from the past. (Photo: Audi Canada)

But the car's bigger dimensions are only a small portion of the story. As with almost any redesign, Jaguar's new conservatively upgraded XJ excluded, the biggest news revolves around styling. The new A6 puts a bold face forward, brushing aside the handsome albeit slightly reserved treatments from the past. The 2005 car introduces design elements from Audi's recent concept cars as well as the luxury marque's top of the line A8 W12. Though the bi-xenon headlamps, which adapt to daylight as well as see around corners, are more angled and edgy than before, it is the massive center grille that first captures eyeballs. Thickly outlined in chrome, the trapezoidal grille tapers inward as it drops to the lower front fascia. A black plastic partition separates the upper grille from the lower, acting as a license plate holder. Slivers of chrome accent the two smaller intakes, which hold projector beam fog lamps. Overall, aside from the overbearing front grille, the A6's face is quite clean, and classy.