2008 Audi A6 LS Great Truck FOR Winterva Inspected 4x4 SU

Vehicle Overview Audi last redesigned its A6 in 2005, and the car receives a few new standard features for 2008, including a headlight washing system, Sirius Satellite Radio and S-line exterior trim. Available in sedan and Avant wagon form, the A6 competes with other midsize luxury sedans like the BMW 5 Series and Infiniti M. Newly optional features for 2008 include a standalone navigation system, Audi lane assist (which warns drivers when they are drifting out of their lane), RS 4-styled 19-inch wheels, and an S-line interior package that bundles together front sport seats, Milano leather upholstery, aluminum door sills and a three-spoke steering wheel. Offered with V-6 or V-8 power, the A6 is available with front- or all-wheel drive. Audi also produces a high-performance version of the sedan dubbed S6 that features a V-10 engine. The S6 is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section. Exterior People are likely to focus first on the A6's large trapezoidal grille. The sedan has an upswept shoulder line and what Audi calls a curved dome in the middle of the hood. Wraparound taillights and a horizontal chrome trunk strip are installed. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard. Wagons can have a tailgate that opens at the push of a button. Interior The A6 holds five people on leather seating surfaces. Controls on the wide center console face slightly toward the driver. A large tachometer and speedometer are installed, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel features a trapezoidal center design that mimics the grille. Automatic climate control is standard. Trunk volume totals 15.9 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, the wagon holds 58.6 cubic feet of cargo. The Multi Media Interface system features a 7-inch color screen and controls things such as audio settings, navigation (if equipped) and many other vehicle functions. Options include a rearview camera, Bose audio system, Adaptive Cruise Control, adaptive air suspension, and keyless entry that provides electronic access by unlocking the door as it's pulled. Under the Hood The base 3.1-liter V-6 makes 255 horsepower, while the available 4.2-liter V-8 produces 350 hp. Both engines team with a six-speed automatic transmission that incorporates Tiptronic for manually selected gear changes, but the V-6 can also work with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Safety Sideguard curtain airbags and side-impact airbags for the front seats are installed. Audi's electronic stability system is standard. Antilock brakes include electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Driving Impressions Confident handling and sure-footed all-wheel drive are the A6's strongest attributes. The car doesn't qualify as a powerhouse, but acceleration is quite satisfying with the V-6. The A6 is quiet, but not eerily silent. The automatic transmission responds promptly and effectively with the V-6 and delivers a civilized experience. The taut suspension reacts promptly but not excessively. It can cope with most road roughness, but the ride can become bouncy through harsher stretches. The supportive, firm seats are on the hard side, and visibility over the left shoulder is limited. Most controls are satisfactory, but Audi's MMI setup is still too complicated and the display screen isn't in the driver's line of sight.