When we drove the Audi A6 2.0 recently, we were impressed at how well it stacked up as an overall package, despite it being the base model of the range.
Now, we have with us the full kahuna, the top-of-the-range, 3.0-litre TFSI S-tronic version. For quite a significant bit more money, you get a whole lot more features. Not to mention an upgrade to a delightful supercharged V6 engine.
But are the extras worth the additional outlay?
Exterior
Externally, the flagship A6 looks no different from its smaller-engined siblings. It still cuts a handsome figure, with its tight lines and distinctive Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) in front striking an imposing presence.
But still, that might come as a bit of a disappointment to image-conscious Singaporeans, who may want something a bit extra other than a badge to showcase their more extravagant purchase
Now, we have with us the full kahuna, the top-of-the-range, 3.0-litre TFSI S-tronic version. For quite a significant bit more money, you get a whole lot more features. Not to mention an upgrade to a delightful supercharged V6 engine.
But are the extras worth the additional outlay?
Exterior
Externally, the flagship A6 looks no different from its smaller-engined siblings. It still cuts a handsome figure, with its tight lines and distinctive Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) in front striking an imposing presence.
But still, that might come as a bit of a disappointment to image-conscious Singaporeans, who may want something a bit extra other than a badge to showcase their more extravagant purchase
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To that end, Audi offers an S line kit which throws in lowered suspension, a choice of sporty wheels, and LED headlamps, if you're willing to fork out the dough, of course.
The kit transforms the car instantly from classy to subtly aggressive, and honestly, it's just a matter of which way one is so inclined. Either way, the A6 still turns heads.
And of course, it still boasts of the hybrid aluminium body that has been much talked about in Audi's advertising spiel.
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Interior
Being the top dog variant of the A6 range, this 3.0-litre version boasts of quite a fair few more features than the base 2.0-litre.
Our test car got quite lovely wood panelling on the dash, made from genuine wood, instead of those cheap plastic knock-offs you find in lesser cars. There is also the choice of carbon fibre for those of a sporting slant.
Other extras include an electric sunroof, powered blinds, a head-up display, for drivers to play fighter pilot, active lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and the Audi Multimedia Interface (MMI) system which includes a touchpad on the centre console for controls. No more fiddling with buttons.
The feature that is most likely to wow passengers and spook passers-by is the Park Assist Function. Especially useful in cramped Singapore, the system basically self-parks the car, using an array of sensors and cameras planted all around the vehicle.
Being the top dog variant of the A6 range, this 3.0-litre version boasts of quite a fair few more features than the base 2.0-litre.
Our test car got quite lovely wood panelling on the dash, made from genuine wood, instead of those cheap plastic knock-offs you find in lesser cars. There is also the choice of carbon fibre for those of a sporting slant.
Other extras include an electric sunroof, powered blinds, a head-up display, for drivers to play fighter pilot, active lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and the Audi Multimedia Interface (MMI) system which includes a touchpad on the centre console for controls. No more fiddling with buttons.
The feature that is most likely to wow passengers and spook passers-by is the Park Assist Function. Especially useful in cramped Singapore, the system basically self-parks the car, using an array of sensors and cameras planted all around the vehicle.
It does take a bit of learning, but basically, once you activate the system by pushing a button on the dash, the Park Assist function goes into work trying to detect a suitable lot.
Once it has done so, all the driver has to do is engage reverse and control the brake pedal. The car does the steering itself, easily pulling the rather sizeable A6 into the lot.
It's not fool-proof, and it requires the driver to watch out for obstacles around the area, but still, it works amazingly well. Audi is not the first to offer this feature, of course, but it still bears mentioning.
But despite all the impressive features, it is still possible to add on even more stuff to your A6. Things like a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Night Vision Assistant, LED headlamps and air suspension are all specifiable options to the already well-specced A6.
Once it has done so, all the driver has to do is engage reverse and control the brake pedal. The car does the steering itself, easily pulling the rather sizeable A6 into the lot.
It's not fool-proof, and it requires the driver to watch out for obstacles around the area, but still, it works amazingly well. Audi is not the first to offer this feature, of course, but it still bears mentioning.
But despite all the impressive features, it is still possible to add on even more stuff to your A6. Things like a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Night Vision Assistant, LED headlamps and air suspension are all specifiable options to the already well-specced A6.
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The Drive
The 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that powers this particular A6 churns out 300bhp and 440Nm of torque, and despite all the loaded features, the aforementioned hybrid aluminium construction means that the car is able to rocket from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds.
It certainly does feel fleet-footed, with the power available almost instantaneously on demand. All you need to do is plant your right foot down slightly firmly on the right pedal and you'll find yourself accelerating rapidly towards the horizon. That's 440Nm of torque talking for you.
And it achieves that rate of speed in a swath of calmness and comfort, flicking away the advances of slower cars with the casualness of an indifferent superstar. The way it can easily dismiss most other traffic on the road without fuss or drama is certainly something to commend about. The S-tronic transmission fitted to the top line variant, compared to the Multitronic gearbox on the 2.0 and 2.8 versions, does help with the performance as well, offering quick and seamless shifts between gears.
The 3.0-litre version of the A6 also comes with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard. It's not all marketing waffle, because Quattro really works in the bends. The car feels more planted and stable than its front-drive brethren, and somehow, the car's handling feels more precise and controllable.
The 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that powers this particular A6 churns out 300bhp and 440Nm of torque, and despite all the loaded features, the aforementioned hybrid aluminium construction means that the car is able to rocket from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds.
It certainly does feel fleet-footed, with the power available almost instantaneously on demand. All you need to do is plant your right foot down slightly firmly on the right pedal and you'll find yourself accelerating rapidly towards the horizon. That's 440Nm of torque talking for you.
And it achieves that rate of speed in a swath of calmness and comfort, flicking away the advances of slower cars with the casualness of an indifferent superstar. The way it can easily dismiss most other traffic on the road without fuss or drama is certainly something to commend about. The S-tronic transmission fitted to the top line variant, compared to the Multitronic gearbox on the 2.0 and 2.8 versions, does help with the performance as well, offering quick and seamless shifts between gears.
The 3.0-litre version of the A6 also comes with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard. It's not all marketing waffle, because Quattro really works in the bends. The car feels more planted and stable than its front-drive brethren, and somehow, the car's handling feels more precise and controllable.
When you're done with having fun, and want to settle into relaxation mode, the A6 is also more than up for the job. The ride copes mostly well enough for our roads, but even if it's somehow not to your exacting standards, the Audi Drive Select system allows you to choose from different modes that varies the suspension and steering settings, ranging from Efficiency to Comfort to Dynamic modes.
Conclusion
300 grand can buy quite a number of nice cars these days, even in the face of spiralling COE prices. Viewed purely on that basis, the A6 3.0 might not come across as the best value for money.
But you only need to spend a little time with it to see how that extra money goes into making the A6 just that bit better over its rivals. The added features, that bahn-storming performance, and its overall sensation of excellence, makes the extra outlay feel much more worthwhile.
And frankly, when placed beside its immediate rivals, the A6 3.0 comes across as a bargain in comparison. For that reason, the A6 sits at the top of the German executive sedan pile.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
300 grand can buy quite a number of nice cars these days, even in the face of spiralling COE prices. Viewed purely on that basis, the A6 3.0 might not come across as the best value for money.
But you only need to spend a little time with it to see how that extra money goes into making the A6 just that bit better over its rivals. The added features, that bahn-storming performance, and its overall sensation of excellence, makes the extra outlay feel much more worthwhile.
And frankly, when placed beside its immediate rivals, the A6 3.0 comes across as a bargain in comparison. For that reason, the A6 sits at the top of the German executive sedan pile.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
