2017 Audi A6 Sedan 3.0T Competition Quattro
By Vince Bodiford
Overview:
This is the 2017 Audi A6 Sedan 3.0T Competition quattro. Did I ever mention I love this car? Well I do, but you must not consider German luxury cars unless you can truly afford the price of admission and the price of repairs, both of which are not for the faint-hearted. (meaning you must have a budget as big as your appetite) – no beer budgets allowed, Armand de Brignac Brut Rose Champagne is more like it.
General Information: It is assembled in Neckarsulm, Germany; Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Germany 58%; Hungary 18%. Engine – Hungary and transmission – Germany; Classification is Mid-size. Cars from Audi: A3 Cabriolet, A3 Sedan, A3 Sportback e-tron, A4, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6, A7, A8, Allroad, Q3, Q5, Q7, R8, RS 5, RS 5 Cabriolet, RS 7, S3, S4, S5, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S6, S7, S8, SQ5, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, and TTS Coupe.
Opinion / Observation:
Drivers – on the highway today drivers range from polite to complete jerks, as you well know. My advice is to be aware and stay clear of those bad drivers. Those are the ones who tailgate, pass and cut you off and if they are especially having a bad day, they may apply the brakes to scare the crap out of you.
My take on the 100 plus miles a day I drive is that ‘speed’ doesn’t kill, ‘stupid’ does.
Handling & Performance:
Audi’s are always Special when it comes to ability and for some it is flat out fun and exhilarating to drive such cars. When I challenge test cars it is over what I call the Crest Test. Some may not know about Angeles Crest Highway, California route 2, that crosses the San Gabriel Mountains between La Canada and the High Desert to the North.
It is a very curvy route for 40 miles climbing to about 5,000 feet. I’m always confident the ride in an Audi will be the safest and for the uninitiated it may also be the scariest all at the same time.
Styling:
Design is traditional Audi that is very identifiable on the road or more importantly, for some, is how it looks in the driveway.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent, as is the case in this segment of the market.
Cost:
Why does it cost so much – let me count the ways: $67,600 plus options on this test car included Driver Assistance package for $2,550, Silver metallic paint $575; Cold Weather package $500; Destination charge $950 for a total of $72,175. But that is only for the cost side of the story. Performance and wonderful features don’t come cheap. You get what you pay for.
Conveniences and comfort:
Outstanding by any measure as equipped.
Consumer Recommendations:
This is my kind of competition – I hate too many options to choose from whether selecting a car or what to eat at a restaurant. It just occurred to me that must be the reason why Hot Dog Stands do so well… very few choices.
Recognized Competition:
Audi A6 $68,000, Jaguar XF $67,000, Volvo S90 $57,000, Audi S6 $72,000.
Good News:
Truly a special driving experience, luxurious, at the top in comfort.
Bad News:
A special driving experience will cost you a bunch.
Standard Equipment:
3.0 liter 340 horsepower V6 engine, all wheeel drive, 8-speed automatic transmission, 20” titanium matte finish wheels, sport suspension, power sunroof, full LED headlights, power adjustable steering column with memory, auto dimming power folding heated exterior mirrors, split folding rear seat back and passthrough, heated 12-way power front sport seats in Valcona leather, three-spoke flat bottom leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, brushed aluminum inlays, Audi navigation, Sirius XM all access service, Audi connect, Audi side assist, Audi advanced key and garage door opener, Bluetooth, Audi parking system with rearview camera, Bose surround sound system, Four zone automatic climate control, Audi smartphone interface, Red brake calipers, front side and side curtain airbags, Anti-theft vehicle alarm system and ignition immobilizer, LATCH system for child safety.
Gas Stats:
$3.05/ Gal avg. April 23, 2017
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
21 City and 29 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $67,600. (with Driver Assistance Pkg add $2,550)