Audi continues to define class, sophistication, and elegance in its sedans, offering a combination of stylish looks, sumptuous interiors, and expert engineering to produce cars that make you feel more important than you perhaps really are. The 2005 Audi A6 is the mid-sized Audi sedan, and it gets a revamp this year.
The 2005 A6 is down to only two trims, a 3.2-liter, 255-hp V6 with direct fuel injection, and a 4.2-liter, 330-hp V8 (borrowed from the S6). Both are sedans; there is no Avant wagon in 2005. Both are paired with a new 6-speed Tiptronic transmission, and the CVT is no longer offered. Quattro is now standard across the line. The 2005 A6 is also bigger inside, with a 3-inch longer wheelbase and 2-inch wider body to provide more headroom, elbow room, and leg room, particularly in the back seat. The trunk too has been enlarged, making the A6 one of the biggest mid-size sedans around. As always, Audi's trademark is a focus on safety, and the 2005 A6 features 4-wheel ABS, electronic stability, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, and multiple airbags.
Outside, the restyling is dominated by the wide-mouthed grille that takes some getting used to. Doors, windows, and lids have been made more flush, all in an effort to reduce road noise. Inside, Audi reigns supreme on driver comfort, and the standard leather seats are supportive, while the dash is easily accessible. A new multimedia interface (MMI) centrally controls many functions, reducing the amount of buttons on the panel. All models come standard with dual climate control and heated mirrors and a center console. The 4.2 adds memory seats and adaptive Xenon headlights.
A stiffer suspension borrowed from the A8 provides more precise handling and more stable control. Drivers note the minimal body roll, responsive transmission, the greater off-the-line acceleration, and the extra interior space with the A6. Overall, the 2005 Audi A6 seems to be a lot quieter as well, ensuring a peaceful, pleasant driving experience. One consumer likened it to a mini limo. Drawbacks include the perennial useless cupholders, a trunk opening too small for the size of the trunk, complaints that the MMI is too confusing, and firm seats that tend to get uncomfortable on long rides.
