Review: Audi C5.I A6 and A6 Avant (1997-99)

Overview

The Audi C5 Series I (C5.I) A6 sedan was released in November 1997, with the A6 Avant (wagon) following in October 1998. Manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany, the A6 and A6 Avant were available with either 2.4- or 2.8-litre petrol V6 engines (the ‘2.4’ and ‘2.8’ variants, respectively), both mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. For the A6, both variants were available with the quattro four-wheel drive system; for the A6 Avant, however, only the 2.8 variant had quattro.

Audi C5.I A6 specifications
	Variant	Engine	Trans.	Drive	Peak power	Peak torque
A6	2.4	2.4-litre AGA petrol V6	5sp auto	FWD, quattro	121 kW at 6000 rpm	230 Nm at 3200 rpm
A6	2.8	2.8-litre AGK petrol V6	5sp auto	FWD, quattro	142 kW at 6000 rpm	280 Nm at 3200 rpm
A6 Avant	2.4	2.4-litre AGA petrol V6	5sp auto	FWD	121 kW at 6000 rpm	230 Nm at 3200 rpm
A6 Avant	2.8	2.8-litre AGK petrol V6	5sp auto	quattro	142 kW at 6000 rpm	280 Nm at 3200 rpm

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Audi C4 A6 , the C5 A6 sedan was 1 mm shorter (at 4796 mm), 27 mm wider (1810 mm), 33 mm taller (1453 mm) and had a 73 mm longer wheelbase (2760 mm). Compared to the sedans, Avants had a 26 mm higher roofline at 1479 mm.

The Audi C5 A6 had independent, four-link front suspension and, for front wheel drive models, torsion beam rear suspension. The Quattro models, however, had double wishbone rear suspension.

quattro

The quattro system for the Audi C5 A6 included a Torsen Type 1 centre differential which provided a default 50:50 front:rear torque split. 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.

The quattro models were also fitted with a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension configuration rather than the torsion beams employed for the front-wheel drive models.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi C5.I A6 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelt pretensioners. The 2.8 quattro was further equipped with electronic stability control and traction control.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 1998 Audi C5 A6 2.4 received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 23. In the offset impact test, the driver’s chest experienced relatively high loadings indicating marginal protection; the lower fascia also contained hard structures which could damage the knees and increased the risk of injury to the upper legs and pelvis. In the side impact test, chest protection was also assessed as marginal.

Features: Audi A6 2.4 and 2.8

Standard features for the Audi A4 2.4 included 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather trim, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, trip computer and an immobiliser. The A6 Avant was also equipped with rear parking sensors.

The A6 2.8 variants were further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, power adjustable front seats and split and folding rear seats, while the quattro models were also fitted sports suspension settings and an alarm system.

Review: Audi C5.II A6 and A6 Avant (1999-01)