Audi A6 vs Lexus IS

The 2008 Audi A6 presented a blend of smooth, rounded lines from the early 2000s with a more aggressive and sharper look. Its front end was dominated by a large grille that extended from the lower bumper to the hood, creating a somewhat awkward focal point in an otherwise clean design. The A6's exterior was sleek and upscale, with minimal logos and badges. Inside, the A6's interior mirrored its exterior's tidiness, featuring wood and metal trim that broke up the dark color scheme. The center stack was button-heavy but intuitively organized, with a navigation screen positioned for easy driver visibility. Leather seats and thick carpeting added to the luxurious feel of the cabin.

The 2008 Lexus IS distinguished itself with small details, such as the rear door cutline that wrapped around the rear window. Its nose was tapered with an aggressively sloped hood, while the rear was short and square. Despite its RWD chassis, the IS wasn't as low or sleek as expected. Inside, the IS impressed with attractive colors and a high-end look, featuring rich leather and wood trim. The interior was crafted with care, akin to the flagship LS sedan, with sculpted rear seatbacks and detailed instrument panel gauges. The IS F model offered subtle upgrades, with larger wheels, air intakes, and quad exhaust tips, hinting at its underlying power.

The 2008 Audi A6 offered two engine options: a 3.2-liter V6 producing 255 horsepower and a 4.2-liter V8 with 350 hp, the latter available only in the sedan. FWD models featured a CVT called "Multitronic," while quattro AWD models used a 6-speed automatic transmission. The V8 engine provided a thrilling driving experience with 325 lb-ft of torque, delivering authoritative acceleration and a sporty sound. The A6 was a competent cruiser with responsive handling, and its fuel economy was respectable, with the FWD model achieving 18 city, 27 highway, and 21 combined mpg.

The 2008 Lexus IS came with two V6 engines, available in RWD or AWD. The base IS 250 had a 2.5-liter V6 with 204 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The IS 250's performance was subdued, but the manual transmission offered a smooth driving experience. The IS 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 306 hp and 277 lb-ft, provided a more spirited drive, especially with paddle shifters. The IS F model featured a 5.0-liter V8 with 416 hp and 371 lb-ft, offering a race car-like experience with an 8-speed automatic transmission and re-engineered suspension.

The 2008 Audi A6 prioritized space and comfort, offering a sporty yet cushy interior. Despite the sloping roof, the cabin was airy with generous headroom and ample legroom due to its lengthy wheelbase. The A6's interior felt personal and warm compared to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Jaguar XF. Sound insulation and a comfortable suspension made it a pleasant place to spend time. The trunk featured special hinges for easy access and grocery hooks for convenience.

The 2008 Lexus IS had a user-friendly infotainment system with hard shortcut buttons surrounding a large color screen. The back seat was tight, but knee cutouts in the front seatbacks helped accommodate passengers. The trunk offered 13 cubic feet of space. The front seats were comfortable and supportive for long drives, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2008 Audi A6 was equipped with advanced automotive technologies, including the MMI vehicle management system, which required some learning but functioned smoothly. It featured a navigation system on a 7-inch screen and a premium audio system that sounded excellent in the well-insulated cabin.

The 2008 Lexus IS came standard with push-button start, proximity entry, a six-disc CD changer, a 13-speaker stereo, and 10-way power leather seats. Optional features included heated and ventilated front seats, power rear sunshades, rain-sensing wipers, and bi-xenon adaptive headlights. The sport package on IS 350 models added a stiffened suspension, 18-inch wheels, and aluminum interior trim. Optional Bluetooth, a reversing camera, and a DVD navigation system with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound were also available.

The 2008 Audi A6 received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with "Good" ratings for moderate overlap front, side, and head-restraint crashworthiness, and an "Acceptable" rating for roof strength. Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes, side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a first aid kit. Optional features included a lane-departure system and adaptive cruise control.

The 2008 Lexus IS came with dual front airbags, dual front knee airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear head curtain airbags as standard. It also featured ABS, traction, and stability control. An optional Pre-Collision Assist system used radar to detect impending crashes, activating seatbelt pre-tensioners and priming the brakes. The IS received "Good" ratings from the IIHS for front moderate overlap and side tests, and NHTSA ratings of four out of five stars for frontal crashes and five stars for side crashes. However, it was affected by defective Takata airbags, requiring recall repairs.