SW17LS

Just curious.

I was over by the auto park in Silver Spring the other day, about 2 hours early for an appointment and I went over and drove the A6, E Class, and GS. I have driven an E Class before, but it was some time ago, and had never driven an A6.

I really didn't like the E class, awkward driving position, boaty ride (boatier than my ES if you can believe it), poor navigation quality, etc) but thats the topic for another thread.

What I was surprised by was how much I liked the A6! The interior is a little bland, but if you get a color with something to it, like that saddle brown interior it spices it up, interior quality is excellent, the exterior is smooth and appealing IMHO and I loved how it drove and rode. The GS I think is still sportier, has a more unique exterior (which I still haven't decided 100% if I like that), and no doubt has a nicer interior, but that A6 is easily my second favorite car in the category...

zoombie99

A6 was too cramped for me. I am 6'1".

Liferules

Having come from an A6, I can tell you I didn't consider another A6 as its replacement mainly over reliability. There were a couple of other pet peeves such as the drive-by-the-wire accelerator lag but mostly the reliability. Otherwise, I agree, the car is very fun to drive and has great style and lines. I think the interior is outstanding. But even with warranty and EW, I didn't like having to have the car in the shop so often. Just want something that works 99% of the time, not 80%.

SW17LS

I'm 6' and found the A6 plenty comfy...

The reliability would be something that I would be concerned about having previously owned and had family that have owned VWs...

Outrage

The only other car I seriously considered along side the Lexus GS 350 was the Audi A6 3.0T. I found the GS 350 to have better feel and handling ability. The Audi A6 has less immediate response due to its higher weight. Its overall balance feels more like a FWD car, which it is. The GS 350's interior was of a higher quality. Additionally, its seats were more comfortable. I have heard nothing positive concerning the reliability of Volkswagen Group products. Conversely, Lexus reliability is the standard by which all other automotive brands are compared. My local Lexus dealer treated me with respect (Bobby Rahal) unlike the local Audi dealer (Sun Motor Cars). Thankfully, I was able to negotiate a better deal on the GS 350.

Rexus300

iTrader: (1)

Why would I need a new A6 if I already have a 2012 Audi A8L in my garage.

SW17LS

Power split is supposedly 60% rear...

How do you like the A8? I really like the new A8, haven't driven one but sat in one at the dealership before I drove the A6. VERY nice.

jre002

I am driving a 2012 A6 rental right now in Germany. It's a base model FWD, but has leather and navigation, etc... Comparing my AWD GS 300 or RWD GS 350 to it, there is no comparison. The Lexus wins in pretty much every category to me. The Lexus does not feel like a nice Toyota, but the Audi definitely feels like a nice VW. Basically, it just sucks, IMO. I've switched around cars several rental cars since January... started out with a 3 series, then a C-Class, then a BMW X1, and finally the A6. I don't like SUVs, so the X1 was not to my liking, but the 3 series and C-Class completely kill the A6 in spirited driving, as well as steering feel. The A6 feels numb and bland. It is kind of unfair to judge the A6 based on the lower end model compared to fully loaded GSs, but the 3 series and C-Class were also base models and were so much more enjoyable to drive. I'd have to drive a fully loaded A6 Quattro to really get a good feel of what the Audi has to offer. In its current configuration, I think it is ok as a rental, but would never buy it.

The interior is nice, but I personally do not like Audi interiors, so I am biased. It is comfortable, though and gives a smooth ride. Exterior is somewhat bland... I much prefer the Audi A5 sportback (four-door) in the looks category. Unfortunately they do not sell that car in the states, otherwise I may have considered buying one. Every time I see an A5 sportback, I can't help but stare at its beautiful proportions. The A6... not so much.

Rexus300

iTrader: (1)

We love our 2012 Audi A8L so much. Just got it few days ago. Its a solid, smooth, quiet, and powerful sedan. Very comfortable and has great bells and whistle. The GS F-Sport is my second car for a sportier drive around town and I love the contrast and personality that both cars have to offer. Really no comparison but each car is the best in their respective category to be perfectly honest with you so I am very happy. Our coupe is the 2008 BMW 335i xdrive and our SUV is the 2010 Mercedes Ml350 so we get the best of each category.

Outrage

Yes, I believe the Audi A6 3.0T AWD defaults to a 40% / 60% front / rear AWD bias. The Lexus GS 350 AWD defaults to a 30% / 70% front / rear AWD bias, however. Combine that with a 55% / 45% weight distribution on the A6 versus a 52% / 48% on the GS 350, and you'll get greater turn-in understeer and a more ponderous feeling in the Audi. I think another component contributing to this behavior is the A6's "benign" chassis tuning.

I also test drove an Audi A6 2.0T FWD. The lighter weight of that vehicle versus the 3.0T AWD was apparent. This helped in steering responsiveness and turn-in feel. Unfortunately, the trade off was expected FWD platform behavior, significantly less power on tap, and dollops of torque steer under heavy throttle.

I think the Audi A6 3.0T AWD would benefit from a decrease in overall weight.

sydtoosic

hey REX,,,, you have an impressive line-up. did you consider the LS 460L or the LS600 before you settled on the A8? i test drove the 460L a few weeks ago and it was impressive to say the least.

tucker21

what do you do for a living if you don't mind sharing.

Rexus300

iTrader: (1)

We wanted to wait for the newer LS coming this fall as the current one while very good was getting a bit long in the tooth so I couldn't pull the plug on that car and found the GS to be the best blend of luxury/performance for a midsize sports sedan while the A8L is the best blend in the upper luxury sedan range.

Rexus300

iTrader: (1)

Taking care of my patients.

kdsr123

08 335, come on Dr, get the new 6 series convertible