A6/S6/RS6 Official: New Audi A6 (C7)

[Ultimate Car Guy]

I agree, looks like Audi did a very good thing by cutting the weight a lot more than its rivals.

I wish they've gone with a more adventurous design to match that leap in engineering.

From BMW's perspective, i think they'll be scared with how close Audi has come to matching the 5er. Although it's close, but no cigar!

 

[Deleted member 1071]

One aspect in which one can evaluate the design of an automobile is how the car looks in absolutely standard specification, devoid of look-enhancing options, fancy rims, etc. This is probably a criteria that Europeans may be able to judge as I understand that most cars sold in North America are very well spec'd in standard form.

Here, I must say that the F10 5-series remains a very attractive car even in the most basic of trim. I cannot say that for the W212 E-Class. And after having seen a couple of relatively basic Audi A7s', I fear that the A6 will not be any better. In terms of appearance, the A6 and W212 scream for their respective S-Line or AMG packages. The 5 series doesn't require that at all.

 

[footie]

I just got the latest copy of CAR magazine. They've reviewed the new A6 and their comments are as follows:

"Even so, this is a compelling car with a fine drivetrain , sure-footed chassis and enough attitude to make me almost describe it as fun. As subtle and fluid as a 535i with BMW's Adaptive Drive chassis? No"

"it won't disspoint but, for those of us who still drive for fun, the 5 Series edges it, if only just"

Overall, I'm fairly impressed to with the new A6. Its a very good car and is as close to the 5 Series as ever.

How was the A6 they tested equipped, was it an SE or S/line, did it have stock suspension or air?

If the answer was no air suspension then this was exceedingly good news for potential Audi customers in the UK as this option is £2K, though did you notice their point of reference was the 5er with adaptive suspension, this is a car that really does benefit from this option more so than most. It will be interesting to see how the A6's stock suspension is received by UK press on home turf because if it's like the 5er in that air suspension is a must have option then it's £2K price tag will dull it's appeal because I doubt too many A6 will be sold with anything other than 19" and 20" rims.

P.S.
It's fair to say that Car along with EVO are probably the two bigger fans of BMW out of all the UK press and to get this kind of result speaks volumes for this car in my opinion.

 

[Ultimate Car Guy]

How was the A6 they tested equipped, was it an SE or S/line, did it have stock suspension or air?

If the answer was no air suspension then this was exceedingly good news for potential Audi customers in the UK as this option is £2K, though did you notice their point of reference was the 5er with adaptive suspension, this is a car that really does benefit from this option more so than most. It will be interesting to see how the A6's stock suspension is received by UK press on home turf because if it's like the 5er in that air suspension is a must have option then it's £2K price tag will dull it's appeal because I doubt too many A6 will be sold with anything other than 19" and 20" rims.

P.S.
It's fair to say that Car along with EVO are probably the two bigger fans of BMW out of all the UK press and to get this kind of result speaks volumes for this car in my opinion.

S-Line, Drive Select so its got the air suspension.

"So equiped, the A6 Quattro is a pretty superb device".

Seriously, after reading the reviews so far, i would say that the A6 is very close to the 5er as the best car in its class. As they said, the 5er is still number 1, but its not the superhero that it once was. The gap is closing - and fast.

 

[martinbo]

I must say, that from a 5er's appreciation point of view, the closing of the gap by the A6 to the 5er is relatively disappointing. I had high hopes for the F10 - wanting it to regain some of the ground lost from the all-round superiority of the E39 in transition to the E60.

So, all in all, kudos to the new A6.

 

[Ultimate Car Guy]

I must say, that from a 5er's appreciation point of view, the closing of the gap by the A6 to the 5er is relatively disappointing. I had high hopes for the F10 - wanting it to regain some of the ground lost from the all-round superiority of the E39 in transition to the E60.

So, all in all, kudos to the new A6.

I think it's the law of diminishing returns Martin. I mean, at some point it's almost impossible for them to make a better car without doing something completely radical altogether. As BMW approaches an inflection point in the development curve and their progress begins to plateau, it would only be a matter of time before their rivals catch-up.

I believe they had the same problem with the development of the E60 from the E39. The E39 excelled in all areas that the only way for BMW to move the game on was to be somewhat radical with the E60 (through it's styling, Active Steering, Aluminium frontal structure etc.)

 

[Human]

Under the skin the A6 delivers and indeed every review ends with it being closer to the F10.

Repeating myself but it's true that with brilliant German engineers, suppliers and technology in adaptive suspension+steering+dynamics all 3 (Audi, BMW and M-B) can 'change' into each others comfort and sport modes these days, so each closer and closing onto one another's previous differences/strong points

The A6 does not at all appeal to me in the looks department in-and-out, so it won't win any customers from BMW - F10 its is!

 

[martinbo]

Yeah, logical and sensible viewpoints UCG and Human. I guess my expectation was a touch naive.

 

[MoSs]

Here's the new A6 in one of it's new colours.


Aviator Blue Metallic

Oh damn what a beauuuuty! Those lights are amazing! Can't wait to see one!

 

[footie]

I think it's the law of diminishing returns Martin. I mean, at some point it's almost impossible for them to make a better car without doing something completely radical altogether. As BMW approaches an inflection point in the development curve and their progress begins to plateau, it would only be a matter of time before their rivals catch-up.

I believe they had the same problem with the development of the E60 from the E39. The E39 excelled in all areas that the only way for BMW to move the game on was to be somewhat radical with the E60 (through it's styling, Active Steering, Aluminium frontal structure etc.)

The E39 was a remarkable car, I owned one briefly for 14 months until my twims came along which forced it's sale but in my opinion is that even to this day it had/has one of the best ride qualities on any none air suspension car and even then it's still better than most of them. The E60 fell back, probably due to BMW's switch to runflats and not perfecting the suspension to this new technology, I still feel it's a mistake using them and probably part of the reason why adaptive suspension is still regarded as a must on the F10. But you are quite right about the law of diminishing, it will take something along the lines of what Audi have done by dropping weight to get a noticable improvement across the board. On this occasion with the CAR review the 5er is still the driver's choice which is something I would expect since it's rwd but the gap is probably small enough for most others that the decision could have been made by the slip of a coin.

Considering how well the normal car has been received the expectations for the S6 and RS6 must be sky high.

Under the skin the A6 delivers and indeed every review ends with it being closer to the F10.

Repeating myself but it's true that with brilliant German engineers, suppliers and technology in adaptive suspension+steering+dynamics all 3 (Audi, BMW and M-B) can 'change' into each others comfort and sport modes these days, so each closer and closing onto one another's previous differences/strong points

The A6 does not at all appeal to me in the looks department in-and-out, so it won't win any customers from BMW - F10 its is!

I keep repeating this, if you poach customers from any of the others then that's a bonus but ultimately you don't alienate your current customers.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

Indeed, the E39 5 series .

Arguably absolutely head and shoulders above its' W210 E-Class and C5 Audi A6 rivals. I find it remarkable how fresh the E39 looks today, 8 years after its' model run has ended. Truly one of the very greatest sedans of all time.

Especially M-B, but also Audi dropped the ball back then. The W210 E-Class is considered by many to be the worst executive class car that M-B has ever produced. A real sh--box of a rustbucket full of electronical niggles (save the rather nice interior) and up until a few years ago, many could be found in local junkyards. Quite pathetic for a relatively young car. The C5 Audi A6 was a rather revolutionary car for Audi in terms of design and it continues to influence Audi cars of today. But disintegrating Multitronic transmissions and self-detonating engines (save the 1.8Ts' and the indestructable but thirsty and aenemic 2.4 V6) tarnished the cars image.

But M-B and Audi have fortunately upped their game considerably.

 

[donkeykong]

Oh damn what a beauuuuty! Those lights are amazing! Can't wait to see one!

To me it has the coolest looks in it's segment.

 

[footie]

S-Line, Drive Select so its got the air suspension.

"So equiped, the A6 Quattro is a pretty superb device".

Seriously, after reading the reviews so far, i would say that the A6 is very close to the 5er as the best car in its class. As they said, the 5er is still number 1, but its not the superhero that it once was. The gap is closing - and fast.

Just got a hold of the magazine and either I have read it wrong or yourself that's read it wrong, the A6 3.0TDI was the car which was equipped with the air suspension but straight after this they switch to the A6 3.0TFSI S/line, the quote "Even so, this is a compelling car with a fine drivetrain , sure-footed chassis and enough attitude to make me almost describe it as fun. As subtle and fluid as a 535i with BMW's Adaptive Drive chassis? No" was with reference to the A6 3.0TFSI which was on stock S/line suspension. If I'm right then it's hardly a fair to compare a S/line sprung A6 with an adaptive sprung 535i and expect it to be as good.

 

[footie]

Surprise, surprise, the A6 3.0TFSI S/line only gets 3.5stars from EVO.

A very predictable review from the Audi haters.

 

[Zafiro]

Surprise, surprise, the A6 3.0TFSI S/line only gets 3.5stars from EVO.

At least its a better score than they gave to the new 5-series

 

[footie]

At least its a better score than they gave to the new 5-series

True but then again that particular motor tested was equipped with the stock suspension and bigger wheels, two options that I did say wouldn't mix and they opinion proved that point, but they then later on gave the even stiffer strung 535i M/Sport 4 stars which shows their inconsistency.

 

[Levi68]

Even if in the looks, IMO the 5 Series is the best in and out, also the proportions are the most beautiful, short overhangs, the 5 Series is no more the drivers car. I hope BMW won't mess it up with the new 3 Series. If they do my next car won't be a BMW 3 Series Sedan but an Audi A3 Sedan/Coupé.

 

[Human]

Even if in the looks, IMO the 5 Series is the best in and out, also the proportions are the most beautiful, short overhangs, the 5 Series is no more the drivers car. I hope BMW won't mess it up with the new 3 Series. If they do my next car won't be a BMW 3 Series Sedan but an Audi A3 Sedan/Coupé.

Why do you say that?

It all depends, the next 3er WILL BE as sharp as ever with sheer driving pleasure and handling to boot. On the other hand BMW may offer EDC (Electronic Damper Control) as an option, which will offer different driving modes etc. If that is the case - using new technology - does that change a BMW from being a drivers car to not being one?

IMO Audi and M-B are catching up and becoming more 'drivers' cars - the car BMW was and ALWAYS will be - only now (from the F01) with adaptive dynamics a BMW can become a Mercedes at the touch of a button in terms of 'damping comfort',

 

[footie]

Why do you say that?

It all depends, the next 3er WILL BE as sharp as ever with sheer driving pleasure and handling to boot. On the other hand BMW may offer EDC (Electronic Damper Control) as an option, which will offer different driving modes etc. If that is the case - using new technology - does that change a BMW from being a drivers car to not being one?

I wonder whether this will be true, I mean the adoption of electro-mechanical steering systems have up to now robbed all cars of any real steering feel, not that any recent BMW had that much anyway, well not in comparison to a Porsche if you get my drift, but point is that I doubt the F30 will feel as connected as the one it replaced though I don't doubt it will ride, handling and drive with more polish.

IMO Audi and M-B are catching up and becoming more 'drivers' cars - the car BMW was and ALWAYS will be - only now (from the F01) with adaptive dynamics a BMW can become a Mercedes at the touch of a button in terms of 'damping comfort',

Both Audi and Merc have been closing the gap to BMW, though it's probably Audi's improvement in recent years and especially within the last three or so that has been the most surprising, they definitely have a desire to take the crown from BMW and with some models (R8, RS4 and S4) this has been the case but its only being the odd exceptional model and not a model range as a whole that has showed real promise, that is until the A6 came along. I can't wait until Autocar or the likes compared all three on British roads (arguably the most challenging anywhere) to like if it's as good as a 5er.

 

[donkeykong]

Audi A6 commercial "Manipulation"

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