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Audi A6 4.2 2005
By Peter Bleakney
 I'm getting used to it. Can't say that I like it, but at least it's not so much of a shock now. I'm speaking of Audi's new corporate snout of course – the huge chromed trapezoidal horse collar that adorns the front of my 2005 A6 4.2 tester. Although it may be at odds with the rest of this sleek four door Euro luxury sedan, you can't argue that the in-your-face visage makes a statement, and in this league of high-falootin' machinery, you want the plebs to know you've arrived.
The fact that the previous generation A6 suddenly looks dull suggests Audi is on to something.
Once you get past the nose, this all-new A6 is an impressive piece. The car has grown in every dimension, and the resulting interior space is generous. There's plenty of elbow room up front, and the back seat accommodation is down right limo-like. The trunk is a cavernous 15.9 cubic feet, complete with split 60/40 folding rear seats and ski pass-through (part of a cold weather package that also includes heated rear seats and steering wheel).
As would be expected in an Audi, the interior is a paragon of taste and execution. I do miss the simple sweeping elegance of the previous A6, as this new dash has a more American look with a big chunky console and a similarly less streamlined steering wheel. But you certainly can't fault the build quality, and the multi-adjustable leather chairs offer a fine balance of comfort and support. With the fully adjustable steering column, it's easy to dial in the perfect driving position, and the whole thing can be set to memory.
 The central control knob and surrounding buttons of Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) occupy most of the centre console. A seven-inch LCD screen lives centre stage on the dash and communicates all the necessary HVAC, sat/nav and audio information you can handle. Although this system is more intuitive than BMW's dreaded iDrive, it can still be annoying, and the disclaimer screen that welcomes you with lawyer-speak every time you start up is a tiresome ritual.
No complaints with the drivetrain, however. The 4.2 litre, DOHC V8 kicks out a healthy 335 hp and 310 lb/ft of torque, and rockets this big sedan with authority. Power delivery is silky-smooth and linear, and the muted howl from behind the firewall provides a pleasant soundtrack as the big sedan performs its claimed 6.2 second dash to 100 kph.
The engine works in concert with a six-speed Tiptronic transmission. Shifts are seamless, but if you wish for more involvement, push the shift lever over to the right gate and tap forward for upshifts – back for downshifts. Shifts are much quicker than in the last few Tiptronics I've driven, although paddle shifters on the wheel would be a worthwhile addition, as they would keep your hands where they belong.
While all of the A6's competitors offer all-wheel-drive as an option, Audi's dynamic Quattro system is of course standard, and bestows upon this luxury cruiser surefooted grip while powering through corners and an extra helping of security and stability in inclement weather. The system is completely transparent in its operation, shuttling power to the wheel or wheels where it is needed most. And of course there is traction control, electronic stability control and ABS with brake assist.
 Keeping all this on the grey stuff are meaty P245/45x18 tires.
Audi has tuned the front multi-link setup and rear self-tracking trapezoidal-link suspension to provide a pretty good sport/comfort compromise, although smaller impacts seemed to intrude into the cabin more than the larger ones.
The 2005 A6 is certainly a marvelously engineered car, and presents itself as a worthy entrant in the high-end German luxury car arena. But there were a few things that really bugged me, and I must get them off my chest.
The electronic variable assisted steering is unnaturally light and vague below 25 kph. Granted, it firms up as speed increases, but it is ultimately wooden in feel and offers very little feedback. Too bad, because a more tactile connection with the contact patches would make this car considerably more enjoyable.
And then there are the brakes. Yes, they are very powerful, but after a week of driving the A6, it was still a challenge to gradually retard this big sedan without looking like it was my first day with a driver's license. The first inch of pedal travel is a no-man's land, after which the brakes grab with a force that is completely unrelated to the pressure you are so gingerly applying. The word "linear" does not apply here. The word "frustrating" does.
 And speaking of frustrating, trying to select a radio station while driving in this car is not my idea of a good time. I understand the allure of one controller accessing many functions of a modern, high-technology automobile, but when a simple matter of switching stations requires one to peer at a screen while scrolling through a list via a roller on the steering wheel or the main MMI control knob, it seems, well, to be a step (actually several steps) in the wrong direction.
Progress? I don't think so. Dangerous and distracting? Absolutely.
Interestingly, after returning the A6, I immediately hopped into a new Jetta diesel wagon. The brake and steering feel were a revelation. Not to mention those six clever little buttons on the radio called presets.
There. I feel better now.
Don't get me wrong. The Audi A6 4.2 is a fabulous automobile, and with a base price of $72,900, it represents a good value when compared to a similarly equipped BMW or M-B. If Audi could just sort out the brake feel, and to a lesser extent the steering, it would be damn near perfect.
It's so close right now.
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