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It was the phone call no one wants to get. I was settled in for a long winter night, with the weather guessers inciting panic over the impending ice storm when I got the call. I had a family medical emergency in St. Louis and was needed immediately. Fortunately for me, Audi had just delivered the perfect car for a road trip in unpredictable weather. Tonight, Audi all wheel drive luxury became a necessity. Throwing a few clothes together, I buckled into the 2005 Audi A6 for a cross state late night race against the storm. A more perfect automobile would be hard to find as I fired up the 335 horsepower, 4.2 Liter V8 and let the transmission effortlessly shift through the six speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. I am the first to say that a big throaty V8 engine and all wheel drive are often wasted on sport utility vehicles driven by housewives picking up little junior at middle school. But somehow it not only seemed natural this night but a necessity as I battled eighteen-wheelers in the dead of night on a rain slicked interstate. I've driven I-70 in everything from open-air roadsters to luxury cars. But when you know it's going to be a long night in bad weather, the comfort of a luxury-touring vehicle cannot be overrated. This newly redesigned 2005 Audi A-6 was simply the perfect vehicle for imperfect conditions. The seven-inch full color screen of the Multi Media Interface became second nature as I controlled the GPS Navigation and outstanding BOSE Surround System from the single control stick. Sirius Satellite radio really is much more than a curious emerging technology for those who travel between cities. This night, satellite radio was worth its weight in gold. My test vehicle was equipped with the Advance Key access and authorization option, so I could keep the transponder in my pocket as I entered and started the vehicle. Advanced technology extends to the dual zone climate controls with indirect ventilation and whisper quite operation. Seats were extremely comfortable for my long distance drive but an unforgivable deficit is the lack of standard heated seats on cars of this level. While other upscale European manufacturers also offer heated seats as part of a cold weather package rather than standard equipment, this remains a serious oversight. However, the cold weather package does include both front and rear heated seats as well as heated steering wheel and headlight washers. I liked the red glow of the interior lights and controls at night and to Audi's credit they backlit almost all of the controls for easy use. I realize this is a luxury car but the remote control opening for the oversize glove box was a bit much. Should I mention the controversial trapezoid front grill? No, it speaks for itself and I have no problem with the fresh design. Over all the styling is sleek, and modern with recognition of Audi history. After I had finished my business at the VA Hospital, I made a brief stop to eat at my favorite Italian restaurant. As I parked in front of Rigazzi's on the Hill, I walked across the street and admired how this car looks at home anywhere. The 2005 Audi A6 is available in both a 255 hp V6 and the 335 hp V8. Saving a cool $9,600 with the 3.2 Liter V6 sounds like a viable option for adding one second to the 6.1 second zero to sixty acceleration of the 4.2 liter V8. But the V8 version also includes several options as standard that the V6 version does not have making up the price difference. The V6 version of the 2005 Audi A6 starts at $41,620 while the V8 starts at $51,220. My test vehicle had an MSRP of $56,270 including the destination charge. I don't recommend anyone driving to St. Louis in ice and rain in the middle of the night on purpose. But when you have to drive it sure is nice to drive the right vehicle. In challenging driving conditions, I'm not sure if you can be safer or more comfortable in any other car than the 2005 Audi A6.
2005 Audi A6 Quattro AT6
$56,270 MSRP as driven
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©2003 - Stan Risener