2017 Audi A6
Heating up the battlefield
A luxury car first and foremost needs to look the part. Thanks to its classic styling, the Audi A6 could easily get by on looks alone. Dig below the surface, however, and you'll quickly find a midsize luxury sedan that boasts exceptional performance, an intelligently designed cabin, and a veritable arsenal of in-demand technologies.
For 2017, the Audi A6 benefits from subtle new styling enhancements and a new 3.0T Competition trim.
Performance
The 2017 Audi A6 offers one of the most comprehensive powertrain lineups of any luxury car, with an equal focus on performance and efficiency.
The lineup starts with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This little four-banger produces an impressive 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to get the A6 from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 130 mph.
The four-cylinder engine is available with either front-wheel drive, or Audi’s signature quattro® all-wheel drive. Front-wheel-drive models get a seven-speed automated manual transmission, while all-wheel drive models are equipped exclusively with an eight-speed automatic.
With front-wheel drive, the A6 achieves an EPA-rated 28 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 35 mpg highway)* or 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive.
Finally, there’s a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that produces 333 hp (340 hp in the new Competition model) and 325 lb-ft of torque. It's available only with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. In this configuration, the A6 will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, reach the same 130 mph limited top speed as the other models, and return 24 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway)*.
Features
The 2017 Audi A6 is a four-door, five-seat sedan and is available in five trim levels: 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Prestige, and 3.0T Competition Prestige. There is also a high-performance S6 model which we will review separately. The 2017 Audi A6 starts at $47,000. **
The base A6 model is the 2.0T Premium. Standard equipment includes three-zone automatic climate control, a multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, sunroof, leather interior, heated eight-way power front seats, a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback, LED daytime running lights, and other features.
In addition to those standard features, the 2.0T Premium Plus model adds a power-adjustable steering wheel, power-folding heated exterior mirrors with memory, voice-controlled navigation, MMI® touch with handwriting recognition, and an 8-inch driver information screen, among other features.
The 3.0T Premium Plus shares a lot of its equipment with the 2.0T Premium Plus but benefits from a six-cylinder engine, chrome exterior accents, and a stop-start system that automatically shuts off the engine to save fuel when the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Stepping up to the 3.0T Premium Plus is a smart choice if you value even more convenience and styling elements. Aesthetes will appreciate the trim's adaptive LED headlights and ambient LED cabin lighting, while drivers looking for added convenience will appreciate the trim's power trunk, head-up display, ventilated front seats with front passenger seat power lumbar support, and more.
Next on the list is the 3.0T Competition Prestige trim, which is new for the 2017 model year. It comes with standard 20-inch titanium-finish wheels, a sport suspension, a high-performance rear differential, sport seats, and upgraded leather upholstery. The new trim also boasts a flat-bottom steering wheel, black cloth headliner, and other styling elements (such as red brake calipers) that underline its sporty stance.
Design
How do you enhance something that doesn't need enhancing? Truth is, you don't. The Audi A6 receives minimal visual upgrades for the 2017 model, which will suit fans well given that the original design is already so on point. The A6's exterior design is defined by clean lines and a chiseled look shared with Audi’s flagship A8, plus the familiar Audi corporate face consisting of a bold shield-shaped grille and sharp headlights with LED daytime running lights.
The A6 is just as refined on the inside as it is on the outside. Along with supple leather and intricate patterns, the 2017 A6 sedan includes Audi’s industry-leading MMI® infotainment and navigational system that continues to impress. If it's true luxury you crave, we strongly recommend the available Beaufort wood trim with aluminum accents, which does wonders for your sense of sight.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Audi A6 includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and front, front-thorax, knee, and head curtain airbags. The 2017 Audi A6 also comes with the Audi pre sense® system, which can detect when a collision is imminent and warn the driver by tightening seat belts and closing the windows. The Audi pre sense system works in tandem with pre sense rear, which flashes the brake lights as a warning to vehicles behind you.
Additional available safety features include rear side airbags and a night vision system as well as the optional pre sense® plus system, which operates similarly to the pre sense® but can also fully apply the brakes to avoid forward collisions or mitigate crash damage if a collision is unavoidable.
Verdict
The 2017 Audi A6 is a polished sports sedan with the style and technology needed to not only keep pace with the competition, but to effortlessly push past it.
Be sure to contact us online or visit Audi Silver Spring at 3151 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904 to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage may vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other charges.
Image: Audi