Review: Audi C6 A6 and A6 Avant (2004-11)

Review: Audi C6.I A6 and A6 Avant (2004-08)

Overview

In October 2004, the Audi C6 Series I (C6.I) A6 sedan was released, with the A6 Avant (wagon) following in July 2005. Manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany, the Audi C6 A6 and A6 Avant ranges initially consisted of four variants: the 2.4, 3.0, 3.0 TDI and 4.2 FSI. In 2005, however, the 3.0 was discontinued and the range was subsequently expanded with the introduction of the 3.2 FSI (in 2005), 2.0 TFSI (2006) and 2.8 FSI (2007). Beyond the variants, the A6 and A6 Avant were available as front-wheel or four-wheel drive quattro vehicles and with a range of transmissions. The full range is given in the table below.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the Audi C5 A6 , the C6 A6 sedan was 119 mm longer (at 4916 mm), 45 mm wider (1855 mm), 25 mm lower (1459 mm) and had a 83 mm longer wheelbase (2843 mm). Compared to the sedans, Avants were 17 mm longer (at 4933 mm) and had a 4 mm higher roofline (1463 mm). Furthermore, the C6 chassis achieved a 34 per cent increase in torsional stiffness.

Suspension

The Audi C6 A6 had four-link front suspension with unequal length wishbones and self-tracking trapezoidal link rear suspension that was adapted from the Audi D3 A8 .

quattro and electronic differential locks

Like their C5 predecessors, the quattro system for the Audi C6 A6 and A6 Avant included a Torsen Type 1 centre differential which provided a default front:rear torque split of 50:50. If traction was lost, however, up to 75 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to either axle. The quattro models were also fitted with rear electronic differential locks – in addition to the front electronic differential locks for front-wheel drive models – which could brake spinning wheels and effectively transfer torque to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer). For quattro models, the electronic differential locks operated at speeds of up to 80 km/h, but only up to 40 km/h for the front-wheel drive models.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi C6.I A6 included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2004 Audi A6 2.0 TDI sedan received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.3 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features: A6 2.4 and 2.0 TFSI

Standard features for the Audi C6 A6 2.4 and 2.0 TFSI included 16-inch alloy wheels, Audi’s Multi Media Interface (‘MMI’) with a ten speaker stereo, six-disc CD player and seven-inch colour monitor, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, rear parking sensors, front and rear fog lamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, an electromechanical parking brake and immobiliser.

Features: A6 2.8 FSI, 3.0 and 4.2

The Audi A6 2.8 FSI and 3.0 were further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the 3.2 FSI added a power sunroof. Beyond this, the A6 4.2 added 18-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, voice recognition, TV tuner, directional bi-xenon headlights, front parking sensors, power folding mirrors, a power adjustable steering column, powered blinds and driver memory settings (for the seat, mirror and steering column position).

July 2006: Audi A6 update

In July 2006, the Audi A6 and A6 Avant ranges underwent a minor update, as standard features were extended to include front parking sensors and a power sunroof, though the 2.8 FSI omitted the latter. The 3.2 FSI variants were further equipped with Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.

2008 Audi A6 2.8 FSI White Edition

In May 2008, the Audi A6 2.8 FSI variant was released in a limited-run ‘White Edition’. Compared to the standard 2.8 FSI, the Audi A6 White Edition was distinguished by its Audi ‘Technik Package’ (proximity key, Audi Music Interface, Navigation system, Audi parking system, ‘Advance’ with rear view camera and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation), sports suspension, a powered glass sunroof, privacy glass and an Audi ‘Exclusive Black Package’ (polished black radiator grille finish, matt black radiator slates, polished black trim strips below the headlights and black exterior window trim).

Review: Audi C6.II A6 (2008-11)

Overview

Released in December 2008, the Audi C6 Series II (C6.II) A6 was solely available as a sedan as the A6 Avant was discontinued. Other changes included the introduction of 3.0 TFSI and 2.7 TDI variants, while peak torque for the upgraded 3.0 TDI engine increased by 50 Nm.

Visually, the Audi C6.II A6 could be identified by its revised grille, rectangular fog lights, daytime LED running lights, LED indicators in the side mirrors, a revised rear bumper with a wider diffuser, twin-branch LED tail-lights and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, there was an upgraded MMI, additional aluminium switchgear, new colour combinations and re-shaped rear seats.

quattro

The ‘quattro’ system for the C6.II A6 consisted of a Torsen Type 3 centre differential which provided a default front:rear torque split of 40:60. If traction was lost, however, up to 70 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the front axle and up to 85 per cent to the rear. The C6.II A6 was also fitted with new shock absorbers and had revised spring rates.

Safety equipment

Compared to its C6.I predecessor, safety equipment for the Audi C6.II A6 was largely unchanged, though the head restraints were upgraded and featured an anti-whiplash function. Optional safety equipment included ‘Side Assist’ (lane-change warning), ‘Lane Assist’ (lane-drift warning) and adaptive cruise control.

Features

Standard features for the Audi C6.II A6 were extended to include 17-inch alloy wheels, Audi’s MMI Navigation Plus system including satellite navigation system, voice recognition, a 40GB hard drive and DVD player.

The Audi C6.II A6 2.8 FSI, 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI were further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the A6 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI were fitted with xenon headlights and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Audi C6 A6