2016 Audi A6 3.0T VIDEO REVIEW

2016 Audi A6 3.0T VIDEO REVIEW by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

Enhanced look, more power and better tech – the 2016 Audi A6 is a car that just does everything right.

It’s been nearly 4 years since I tested the all-new 2012 A6 and in that amount of time, a car can often become quite stale. Which is why it’s even more surprising that this refreshed 2016 model still feels like the class leader; the most appealing choice in the $50,000 + luxury midsize segment. Already a striking car, this A6 sports updated front and rear end designs including a high-gloss black Singleframe grille, redesigned headlights and LED taillights, and a sportier rear bumper with trapezoidal chrome tailpipes. The optional 20” Black Optic package includes these magnificent matte titanium finish wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero max performance summer tires, and the high gloss Black package. Optional S line trim pieces make it pop even more. A 4-year old car rarely garners this many looks, but they’re certainly well deserved.

Though A6 Premium and Premium Plus models can be specified with a new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 7-speed double-clutch transmission in either front or all-wheel drive, this top-trim Prestige model comes standard with the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with a rear-biased version of quattro. A diesel is also available. Enhanced by 23hp from the previous version, the 3.0T now produces 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed auto with sport mode and paddle shifters remains unchanged. It’s a beautiful pairing demonstrating the utmost in smoothness and immediacy. No racy engine sounds or overzealous exhaust, the A6 just whisks you away in competent serenity. It sits low to the ground and weighs a comparably tidy 4,178 pounds, fostering agile handling. Want to dial up the excitement? Use Drive Select to easily choose a setup that meets your tastes. In Dynamic mode, the A6 feels particularly quick, reaching 60mph in a segment-best 5.1-seconds with requisite adjustments to engine, transmission and steering settings. Unfortunately, the adaptive air springs are reserved exclusively for the high performance S6. As part of the optional S line package, my car receives a sport suspension calibration that keeps body lean to a minimum while still preserving a very pleasant ride quality. It’s not overtly sporty from behind the wheel, but it’ll keep you more than satisfied with how it connects you to the driving experience. The seats are soft yet supportive, the touchpoints enhance the luxury experience and the heads-up display, though extremely basic, lets you keep your eyes on the road. The fine grain ash natural wood inlays exude boutique design, the craftsmanship is top notch and even though this cabin looks almost exactly like when the car first went on sale, it’s still spectacular.

Audi’s MMI System has evolved into a very likable infotainment unit and for 2016 it receives some key updates. My favorites are the addition of a 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection and the integration of Siri Eyes Free which allows me to communicate directly with my iPhone.

Google Earth mapping, excellent graphics and Audi connect features make this system a winner. Without the optional driver assistance package, electronic safety is pretty much reduced to side assist and a back-up cam so this A6 seems woefully behind the times there. The 2 rear seats are slightly elevated and contoured for backroad comfort; include 2 zones of climate control and sunshades all around. And the trunk is oversized for the class.

I’ve been driving a lot of sports models recently so when this A6 arrived it was like checking into a luxury hotel after a week of camping. So comfortable, quiet spacious and easy going, the A6 is the perfect upscale midsize. There’s plenty of tech but it’s not overwhelming, it’s absolutely gorgeous and this supercharged engine is one of my all-time favorites…so powerful but refined and fuel efficient. I could drive this car forever.

A start-stop system with energy recuperation works somewhat like a hybrid to help save gas and the A6 3.0T earns an impressive 20mpg city/30mpg highway rating while my average was a frugal 25mpg.

This silver metallic A6 3.0T Prestige starts at $63,075 and tallies $66,875 as tested; a slice of luxury heaven in the midsize class.