Test Drive Audi A6 - Get Paid $100
#1
Test Drive Audi A6 - Get Paid $100
Last week I received an invitation in the mail to test drive an Audi A6/7, and in return get a $100 American Express gift card. Today is Black Friday and I did a test drive in a phantom black pearl A6 with naugot brown interior.
A few quick thoughts while it is fresh in my mind.
1. The interior is stunning. Significantly improved from the last gen A6, and imo it is now class leading. No cheap materials anywhere to be found. The interior is sportier than the exterior of the car would suggest.
2. The new 3.0 liter TSFI is a great engine. Appears to be even quicker than the 535xi (although it doesn't sound as nice) and lightyears ahead of the 3.5 V6 in my 2011 E350.
3. I love the Audi select ride where you can program the engine, transmission, and steering from comfort to dynamic. No harshness or clunking over rough roads or potholes! Felt composed and confident everywhere I drove it.
4. Looks are always subjective, however, I love the undestated clean lines of the A6, and the LED eyeliners are distinctive and sexy. IMO the E350 and 535xi are both good looking cars and I can see how each has their share of fans.
5. Nice electronics! The Nav screen is brilliant (although I'm not sure how I feel about the pop-up implementation) and the basic back up cam, radio, etc. are far nicer than the E350. Cool available features like the mobile hotspot and an awesome Bang and Olufson audio system if you are willing to spend big bucks.
6. I love that Audi has stayed away from "dumb features" like run flat tires, auto start-stop, etc.
At this point the A6 would be my top choice when my lease expires next fall. However price is always a consideration and Audi lease deals are never as generous as Mercedes or BMW. The Mercedes dealers in my area are discounting big time to move cars, while the Audi dealers may only have a half dozen cars on the lot.
I need to spend some time in the Audi forums to see what owners are saying about their cars.
A few quick thoughts while it is fresh in my mind.
1. The interior is stunning. Significantly improved from the last gen A6, and imo it is now class leading. No cheap materials anywhere to be found. The interior is sportier than the exterior of the car would suggest.
2. The new 3.0 liter TSFI is a great engine. Appears to be even quicker than the 535xi (although it doesn't sound as nice) and lightyears ahead of the 3.5 V6 in my 2011 E350.
3. I love the Audi select ride where you can program the engine, transmission, and steering from comfort to dynamic. No harshness or clunking over rough roads or potholes! Felt composed and confident everywhere I drove it.
4. Looks are always subjective, however, I love the undestated clean lines of the A6, and the LED eyeliners are distinctive and sexy. IMO the E350 and 535xi are both good looking cars and I can see how each has their share of fans.
5. Nice electronics! The Nav screen is brilliant (although I'm not sure how I feel about the pop-up implementation) and the basic back up cam, radio, etc. are far nicer than the E350. Cool available features like the mobile hotspot and an awesome Bang and Olufson audio system if you are willing to spend big bucks.
6. I love that Audi has stayed away from "dumb features" like run flat tires, auto start-stop, etc.
At this point the A6 would be my top choice when my lease expires next fall. However price is always a consideration and Audi lease deals are never as generous as Mercedes or BMW. The Mercedes dealers in my area are discounting big time to move cars, while the Audi dealers may only have a half dozen cars on the lot.
I need to spend some time in the Audi forums to see what owners are saying about their cars.
Last edited by BenzE350; 11-25-2011 at 08:32 PM.
#2
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I love the understated clean lines of the A6
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Last edited by Live Oak; 11-25-2011 at 07:11 PM.
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http://www.insideline.com/audi/a6/20...ison-test.html
In July Inside Line rated the 2012 A6 favorably over the BMW 535. Their test results had the A6 at 5.2 seconds for 0-60, and 4.9 seconds with 1 foot of rollout. Not shabby for a 4,000 lb+ 6 cylinder with AWD.
In July Inside Line rated the 2012 A6 favorably over the BMW 535. Their test results had the A6 at 5.2 seconds for 0-60, and 4.9 seconds with 1 foot of rollout. Not shabby for a 4,000 lb+ 6 cylinder with AWD.
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I agree about the motor, really amazing at how smooth and fast it is for "only" 300 HP. Felt more powerful/linear/smooth than the 535i to me as well.
The interior I also have to say I liked in person (not so much in pics), but found quite a few cheap, light and very hard plastics, and the lack of stitching anywhere on the door areas, showing only flat vinyl doesn't look too luxurious IMO. Also, the pop up Nav is extremely "afterthought"-ish and cheap looking to me.
The A6 is extremely understated and elegant, but IMO the front throws the whole balance off. It's the fussiest and most overstated of the bunch (between E and 5) and when you look at the car from the front 3/4 angle, the futuristic-attempt of the a front makes the sides look rather extra-bland and dated in comparison. The sides are far more elegant and cohesive than the front, however. All in all, still a nice car.
Audi is doing "BMW" better than "BMW" this time around, and the Reviewers adore the car. It is worth noting that in their quest to take the Sport advantage, many reviewers and drivers have reported a lack of road noise/noise isolation, bringing down the comfort/luxury aspect.
If Audi gets more aggressive with their deals, then it would be interesting to see just how well the new A6 could keep up to Americans eyes (in terms of them buying it). It would also provide necessary variety on the roads.
BTW, does this $100 thing still stand?
The interior I also have to say I liked in person (not so much in pics), but found quite a few cheap, light and very hard plastics, and the lack of stitching anywhere on the door areas, showing only flat vinyl doesn't look too luxurious IMO. Also, the pop up Nav is extremely "afterthought"-ish and cheap looking to me.
The A6 is extremely understated and elegant, but IMO the front throws the whole balance off. It's the fussiest and most overstated of the bunch (between E and 5) and when you look at the car from the front 3/4 angle, the futuristic-attempt of the a front makes the sides look rather extra-bland and dated in comparison. The sides are far more elegant and cohesive than the front, however. All in all, still a nice car.
Audi is doing "BMW" better than "BMW" this time around, and the Reviewers adore the car. It is worth noting that in their quest to take the Sport advantage, many reviewers and drivers have reported a lack of road noise/noise isolation, bringing down the comfort/luxury aspect.
If Audi gets more aggressive with their deals, then it would be interesting to see just how well the new A6 could keep up to Americans eyes (in terms of them buying it). It would also provide necessary variety on the roads.
BTW, does this $100 thing still stand?
#5
I'll agree with the op here. We recently bought a q5 and I was able to look at every model. I just got the e350 but only because of its price. After testing out the a6 and even our q5 in many ways, the e350 seems lacking The biggest being mpg to engine power, it just feels sluggish for a v6. My heart was set on the A5 and I'm still leaning towards that once the 2013 refreshed version comes out.
The downside of audi, as you mentioned is inventory and prices. We paid msrp for the q and waited two months. Generally, most models are like that.
The downside of audi, as you mentioned is inventory and prices. We paid msrp for the q and waited two months. Generally, most models are like that.
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At this point the A6 would be my top choice when my lease expires next fall. However price is always a consideration and Audi lease deals are never as generous as Mercedes or BMW. The Mercedes dealers in my area are discounting big time to move cars, while the Audi dealers may only have a half dozen cars on the lot.
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
If it was a mistake the first time, due to saving a few bucks, it'll be a mistake the second time. Best to learn from mistakes and do what makes you happy in life. Money should buy you happiness when it comes to cars.
Last edited by K-A; 11-26-2011 at 07:34 AM.
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100 bux huh?
is that desparity or what??
is that desparity or what??
#11
No I would not consider another similarly equipped E350. However, I would seriously consider a E350 (or E550) with a more powerful engine, non-sport package, P2, and additional options, etc., that would satisfy the majority of the issues with my current car.
Overall the MB E350/E550, Audi A6, BMW 535 (and many others) are all very nice cars, and having the luxury of choosing between them is a nice "problem" to have. I have been fairly critical of my E350 at times (justifiability) mainly because it failed to deliver on my high expectations. It's easy to get spoiled. It's fun to have the ability to upgrade every 2 years and get to choose between some of the best affordable (non-exotic) cars in automotive history.
#12
As I said before, I think the E350, 535 and A6 are all good looking cars (finally!).
#13
I have purchased / leased dozens of nice cars over the past 2 decades. Overall I have been mostly satisfied with the majority of them. Reflecting back the cars that I fondly remember the most had a few things in common - peformance, handling, looks, lifestyle (not necessarily all together). Unfortunately the E350 just never collectively registered strongly enough on these attributes for me.
If the performance was better (more powerful V6) maybe I wouldn't be as unforgiving on the handling. If the handling was better (non-sport, not "thunking" over rough pavement) maybe I could overlook the performance.
To sum it up for me, the E350 is a very nice car and near the top of its class - unfortunatley the sum the parts never reached the point where it stirred any passion.
#14
Yes, I think it's clever marketing from Audi. Many car manufacturers are doing simething similar. Cadillac sent me to a golfing clinic last year with David Leadbetter to try out their new lineup. I have heard of some very attractive incentives that some friends have received in the past.
Now I'm wating for BMW to give me a good "excuse" to give the 535xi another test drive.
Now I'm wating for BMW to give me a good "excuse" to give the 535xi another test drive.
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Agreed.
I have purchased / leased dozens of nice cars over the past 2 decades. Overall I have been mostly satisfied with the majority of them. Reflecting back the cars that I fondly remember the most had a few things in common - peformance, handling, looks, lifestyle (not necessarily all together). Unfortunately the E350 just never collectively registered strongly enough on these attributes for me.
If the performance was better (more powerful V6) maybe I wouldn't be as unforgiving on the handling. If the handling was better (non-sport, not "thunking" over rough pavement) maybe I could overlook the performance.
To sum it up for me, the E350 is a very nice car and near the top of its class - unfortunatley the sum the parts never reached the point where it stirred any passion.
I have purchased / leased dozens of nice cars over the past 2 decades. Overall I have been mostly satisfied with the majority of them. Reflecting back the cars that I fondly remember the most had a few things in common - peformance, handling, looks, lifestyle (not necessarily all together). Unfortunately the E350 just never collectively registered strongly enough on these attributes for me.
If the performance was better (more powerful V6) maybe I wouldn't be as unforgiving on the handling. If the handling was better (non-sport, not "thunking" over rough pavement) maybe I could overlook the performance.
To sum it up for me, the E350 is a very nice car and near the top of its class - unfortunatley the sum the parts never reached the point where it stirred any passion.
#16
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That is why they make E "luxury" with 17" for people with ride priorities, E "sport" with 18" for those who don't, and AMG with 19"...well we wont go there.
A8 and S class come with 20s, 7-series with 21s. All ride great.
PS: A friend of mine in NYC tri-state area finally gave up. Last week he traded-in his beloved W212 E for new ML. He regrets the move each time he gets into his ML, but says on NY/NJ roads there is no way to drive anything else other than an SUV. Any local to that area congressman here? Could put a lot of people to work.
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Seriously, we need some MAJOR infrastructure improvements. Very unfortunate that we have to base our car buying around how sh*tty the roads are where we live, and that people like your friend have to downgrade to an ML which doesn't give him the same warm fuzzy feelings as his E did, etc.
BTW, on the W221 Boards I remember reading LOTS of complaints of rough riding and blowouts on N.Y roads and the like on Sport Packaged S-Classes.
BTW, on the W221 Boards I remember reading LOTS of complaints of rough riding and blowouts on N.Y roads and the like on Sport Packaged S-Classes.
#18
Admittedly the front of the A6 is not as understated as the rest of the design, but IMO is a very nice and complimatary contrast. The LED eyeliners are very distinctive and sexy looking.
As I said before, I think the E350, 535 and A6 are all good looking cars (finally!).
As I said before, I think the E350, 535 and A6 are all good looking cars (finally!).
Another gripe I have with the e350 is the sport mode. On our q5, the transmission actually revs to higher rpms and you can feel the power difference. I wish the mode did something similar on the e350. Also, I'm new to mercedes, but why don't they have turbo e350's? A supercharged 3.0 will be perfect for this car.
#19
Good point.
No I would not consider another similarly equipped E350. However, I would seriously consider a E350 (or E550) with a more powerful engine, non-sport package, P2, and additional options, etc., that would satisfy the majority of the issues with my current car.
Overall the MB E350/E550, Audi A6, BMW 535 (and many others) are all very nice cars, and having the luxury of choosing between them is a nice "problem" to have. I have been fairly critical of my E350 at times (justifiability) mainly because it failed to deliver on my high expectations. It's easy to get spoiled. It's fun to have the ability to upgrade every 2 years and get to choose between some of the best affordable (non-exotic) cars in automotive history.
No I would not consider another similarly equipped E350. However, I would seriously consider a E350 (or E550) with a more powerful engine, non-sport package, P2, and additional options, etc., that would satisfy the majority of the issues with my current car.
Overall the MB E350/E550, Audi A6, BMW 535 (and many others) are all very nice cars, and having the luxury of choosing between them is a nice "problem" to have. I have been fairly critical of my E350 at times (justifiability) mainly because it failed to deliver on my high expectations. It's easy to get spoiled. It's fun to have the ability to upgrade every 2 years and get to choose between some of the best affordable (non-exotic) cars in automotive history.
Last edited by Tonvic; 11-27-2011 at 02:04 AM.
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Seriously, we need some MAJOR infrastructure improvements. Very unfortunate that we have to base our car buying around how sh*tty the roads are where we live, and that people like your friend have to downgrade to an ML which doesn't give him the same warm fuzzy feelings as his E did, etc.
BTW, on the W221 Boards I remember reading LOTS of complaints of rough riding and blowouts on N.Y roads and the like on Sport Packaged S-Classes.
BTW, on the W221 Boards I remember reading LOTS of complaints of rough riding and blowouts on N.Y roads and the like on Sport Packaged S-Classes.
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
You're right. I do not want 18". I need at least 19".
That is why they make E "luxury" with 17" for people with ride priorities, E "sport" with 18" for those who don't, and AMG with 19"...well we wont go there.
A8 and S class come with 20s, 7-series with 21s. All ride great.
PS: A friend of mine in NYC tri-state area finally gave up. Last week he traded-in his beloved W212 E for new ML. He regrets the move each time he gets into his ML, but says on NY/NJ roads there is no way to drive anything else other than an SUV. Any local to that area congressman here? Could put a lot of people to work.
That is why they make E "luxury" with 17" for people with ride priorities, E "sport" with 18" for those who don't, and AMG with 19"...well we wont go there.
A8 and S class come with 20s, 7-series with 21s. All ride great.
PS: A friend of mine in NYC tri-state area finally gave up. Last week he traded-in his beloved W212 E for new ML. He regrets the move each time he gets into his ML, but says on NY/NJ roads there is no way to drive anything else other than an SUV. Any local to that area congressman here? Could put a lot of people to work.
That is big enough for most drivers. I have no problem with people who want bigger rims, but let that be special order. Don't inflict the image and race track handling thing on unsuspecting drivers who feel 'embarrassed' into saying, "yeah, of course I want the sport suspension with the big rims" to make up for smaller things in their life!!! Regards. Ned.
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
PS. It always amazes me how we get off topic on so many threads!! Sorry about that Benze350. Regards. Ned.
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You're right. I do not want 18". I need at least 19".
That is why they make E "luxury" with 17" for people with ride priorities, E "sport" with 18" for those who don't, and AMG with 19"...well we wont go there.
A8 and S class come with 20s, 7-series with 21s. All ride great.
PS: A friend of mine in NYC tri-state area finally gave up. Last week he traded-in his beloved W212 E for new ML. He regrets the move each time he gets into his ML, but says on NY/NJ roads there is no way to drive anything else other than an SUV. Any local to that area congressman here? Could put a lot of people to work.
That is why they make E "luxury" with 17" for people with ride priorities, E "sport" with 18" for those who don't, and AMG with 19"...well we wont go there.
A8 and S class come with 20s, 7-series with 21s. All ride great.
PS: A friend of mine in NYC tri-state area finally gave up. Last week he traded-in his beloved W212 E for new ML. He regrets the move each time he gets into his ML, but says on NY/NJ roads there is no way to drive anything else other than an SUV. Any local to that area congressman here? Could put a lot of people to work.
There are many things involved with ride quality that has nothing to do with wheel size.
A suspension is calibrated for a certain wheel size or a small selection of wheels - for example, a suspension my be calibrated for 17 and 18 inch wheels, but a 19 or 20 inch wheel would be out of the range.
More importantly, a suspension can be calibrated for a larger wheel if the car is designed for a different overall diameter.
Ride quality is a function of suspension design, sidewall size and and sidewall stiffness. As the sidewall gets shorter, all things being equal, it also gets stiffer, giving a more jarring ride.
Let's look at a few examples to show how manufacturers use larger wheels without making the ride unbearable.
Base BMW 335 - 18" wheel, 25 inch outside diameter. That makes a 3.5 inch sidewall
E350 - 18", 25.72 inch outside diameter - 3.86 inch sidewall
Audi A8 - 20", 28.7 inch outside diameter - 4.35 inch sidewall
Accordingly, it is obvious that even though the A8 has a larger wheel diameter, everything else being equal, the A8 will have a smoother ride because it has more sidewall.
That is not taking into consideration that a manufacturer can use a slightly more compliant suspension with a shorter sidewall to achieve the same handling results.
Ride gets harsher as you move up in wheel size on any given car because each inch of wheel size increase results in a half inch less sidewall.
#24
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I understand, sir, and more so than most here.
My response was to a general comment regarding 18" or larger wheels on "luxury" cars (not E specific). Your comments are correct and I know the subject very well. Just did not want to go into details myself, but knew that someone will not pass an opportunity to jump on it.
My response was to a general comment regarding 18" or larger wheels on "luxury" cars (not E specific). Your comments are correct and I know the subject very well. Just did not want to go into details myself, but knew that someone will not pass an opportunity to jump on it.
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You call that front end "understated?" What are they trying to do there??? Are they trying to recreate Edsel? (Oh, most of you here are too young to know Edsel!) That's what drove me away from Audi -- even though I'm ~much~ more interested in ~other~ things about a car.
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