‘You are in a kind of low-noise cocoon much more than before’
The Audi A6 plays an important role as a special police vehicle. Officers told us that the car is excellent for this task. However, most Audi A6s are owned by civilians and are generally not used for quick interventions. Is it still that good?
To answer that question, we turn to the user reviews. We don’t have a lot of them, but the reviews that do exist are all so complete that they paint a good picture of ownership. To be clear, we are looking at the current generation A6, the C8, which has been with us since 2018.
Why an A6?
When asked why private individuals choose an A6, a driver gives a clear answer. “Choice of materials: beautiful. This is still an important reason why I choose an Audi. The switches, the knobs, the upholstery, etc., it all feels and looks very good,” he writes about his A6 40 TDI. But there’s more. “Although, if you look and feel closer, the quality of the previous version was simply better. From a distance it all looks more ‘modern’ now, but the quality of the plastics and the details is simply lower.”
There is something different about that, says another 40 TDI driver. “I want to immediately start with the major differences compared to the A6 C7. Firstly, there is the big leap in driving and noise comfort. It’s not that the C7 was uncomfortable or loud, but what they did with the C8 is still remarkable. You sit in a kind of low-noise cocoon much more than before, even at higher speeds it remains really quiet on board.”
But there is more, writes the driver of an Audi A6 45 TFSI. “The seats are comfortable, with sufficient lateral support, and everyone can find a good position behind the wheel. The space in the back is also more than generous and adults can last a very long time.” Another director also emphasizes this. “Thanks to the sports seats, the seating comfort is perfect. Seat in the lowest position, the leg extenders fully extended, the steering wheel pulled fully towards you, the backrest straight, the lumbar support properly adjusted and you sit perfectly.”
Striking operation
With this generation, Audi introduced a new MMI system. This has not one, but two touch-sensitive screens. The well-known rotary and push button was eliminated. “The touchscreens naturally attract fingerprints and dust, but generally work very intuitively. Entering addresses in the MMI is finally a lot faster than turning a controller,” writes a 40 TDI driver. “A whole leap forward!”
The driver of an A6 45 TFSI is also very pleased with the new solution. “Now on to the two screens in the center console. On Autoweek.nl you often read about the lack of the MMI button. I was also afraid that I would miss this one, but that is 100 percent not too bad for me. In fact; I personally think it is a big improvement.”
Another 45 TFSI rider is just as satisfied with the operation, but does have a suggestion for the manufacturer. “The steering wheel houses most of the important functions (radio, volume, virtual cockpit settings) and there is also a rotary volume knob on the center console. The only thing missing is the same dial for the temperature, so you don’t have to touch the screens while driving.”
How does the A6 drive?
A driver writes about his four-wheel drive Audi A6 40 TDI Quattro: “Suspension comfort and damping, nothing but praise here. Even on the typical concrete roads with cross seams in Belgium, it works perfectly.” Which version does it concern? “The car has the standard suspension, so not the lowered S line, not the adaptive dampers and not the air suspension and the standard 18-inch wheels. Despite the comfortable adjustment, the car feels more than sufficiently tight and quick load changes are no problem at all.”
The owner of an A6 45 TFSI, with 245 hp, also opted for the standard chassis. “Previously I had an A6 with an S line chassis, my new one has the normal chassis. The advantage is that it is now a lot more comfortable and absorbs bumps (and thresholds) much more pleasantly.” There is also a point of criticism. “Although I feel like the car corners more easily than its predecessor, the steering feel is very limited.”
Another 45 TFSI driver is also less pleased with the dynamic capabilities. “Sporty driving is absolutely not an option. Actually, the 45 TFSI should have AWD as standard, because 245 hp on the front wheels alone is too much. Traffic light sprint is almost impossible, as the wheels spin immediately, despite the Pirelli P Zero slippers underneath. If I had to choose a front-wheel drive A6, it would be the 40 TFSI with 190 hp. That’s more than enough.” Indeed, such an A6 40 TFSI driver does not complain about a lack of traction and summarizes his experience as follows: “The car excels on longer journeys, where it is very comfortable and quiet at higher speeds.”
Opinions are divided about the S tronic automatic transmission. “I already mentioned the slowness of the gearbox in my initial review,” the driver writes about his A6 40 TDI. “Not when upshifting during acceleration, then it is just lightning fast, but when resuming or taking off. Then he is lazy, too lazy.” Another rider was afraid of abrupt engagement of the double-clutch automatic transmission, but is not disappointed. “Here the S tronic performs exceptionally well beyond all expectations. Driving away is very gradual and gentle.”
Maintenance and breakdowns
So far the Audi A6 is doing very well. How does it score in terms of reliability? “Unfortunately, in my opinion, the car is not very strong in terms of software,” says a 45 TFSI driver. “Already had several minor malfunctions (gearbox, child safety lock and black screen cameras). Turn the car off and on and the problem is gone again.”
Problems with the cameras also occurred with another rider, which was not resolved with a small reset. “I wrote about the cameras in the previous update. After a six-month stay at the dealer, during which just about everything that was remotely related to displaying the camera images was replaced, the problem was finally completely resolved. Fortunately, I have been able to drive around without any problems for the last six months,” he sighs.
Finally, the first-mentioned driver provides insight into the regular maintenance costs that such a car entails. “The car has just had a service, invoice for €1,350. What was broken then?” he asks himself. “Well no, nothing, just long life service including oil change, air filter, cabin filter, new spark plugs, gearbox oil, air conditioning treatment, windshield wipers and MOT.” And one more thing: “The Audi Connect had to be extended, which still costs €185 per year. Anyway, then he can go another 30,000 km,” this driver concludes optimistically.
It seems that the Audi A6 is also a good thing for non-cops. Yet citizens are slightly more critical than police officers. For example, several drivers feel that the interior is less beautifully finished than the previous generation and they do not think the Audi’s steering is particularly dynamic. The new multimedia system, which also benefits the people in blue, and the improved highway capabilities have been positively received. The latter is nice for every target group.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl