A6 3.0 TDI Quattro S Line (245PS) test

[Audi convert]

Me again ( A6 Quattro? (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?153715-A6-Quattro))

Got my hands on a A6 3.0 TDI Quattro S Line (245PS) loaner for a few days:

19" 7 twin spoke alloys
Parking system advanced with rear view
Bose system
Head up display
Heated front seats
Oolong grey metallic paint
Tech package

On the road £47,370

My first impression of Audi after a 20 mile commute home from the office (mixed A roads and winding country roads) is very good. Not sure why I had never considered Audi before?

The Quattro sticked to the road like glue despite the wet weather and the performance of 245PS put a smile on my face (not sure what mpg I was getting but who cares as it is so much fun compared to my BMW X3 20d).

I found the S Line on 19"s very comfortable but think I will still go for 18"s for longer journey comfort factor.

I was surprised, however, that I had to remove one of the rear headrests to fit my sons car seat (allowing it to sit back correctly).

I also found the MMI confusing compared to BMWs iDrive system (but Im sure I will crack it tomorrow).

The Bose system sounded impressive but need to listen to standard stock system before deciding.

As writing I am converted and expect to order as following this week (that is if I can kick my sudden A7 attraction)

A6 S line Quattro 3.0 TDI 204PS S tronic
Moonlight blue metallic
Valcona black leather
Oakwood beaufort wood inlay
Privacy glass
Heated front seats + lumbar
Technology package

And either

Bose speaker system or LED headlights????????

On the road +\- £45.5k

Any thoughts or suggestions on options? (# I will be test driving 3.0 TDI 204PS without Quattro later in the week before ordering).

[belly buster]

There's a few threads on here that have said that the LED headlights haven't been the best value option. Not that the LEDs are bad but the Bi-Xenons are also very good and is no extra cost on the s-line.

Heated seats are a good bet, as is the tech pack

[jk88]

I have the LED headlights and they are fantastic, however mine were bought and paid for by the previous owner, so would agree with BB that FOC Xenons are better value.

Don't forget that there are fantastic discounts out there. A quick look at drivethedeal.com suggests the spec you are looking at can be had for around the £36k mark including BOSE.

If you do end up going for the A7 instead you won't regret it and similar deals to be had.

[C172s]

Glad you like Audi.

Generally, if you can afford it, go for the quattro. You will never look back. The FWD versions drive nicely indeed where the tail follows the front, however you get a lot of front wheelspin whilst trying to accel and turn from standstil with the auto box. That's not a problem as the tail slides around so they don't under steer as bad as you might think in fact it may impress and change your view on front wheel drive. Overall, nothing compares to quattro.

From on your other thread you received a few comments about the wood interior. I say go for it. We can't all have the same interior. I've a black edition so I have the piano black inlays. That's what I always wanted. You need your car to make you happy and as Audi make the better interiors in the trade, you won't be disappointed.

Tech pack and Bose has enhanced Dolby sounds over standard bose and it can get so loud, that your seats will vibrate, but then that's just showing off. Lol.

Good luck.

[M1tchy]

I've got the LED headlights on an A7 and initially there isn't much difference, now when I drive a car with xenon I think they look dull and yellow. They look amazing day or night too.

Not that I'm biased at all but get an A7!


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[Audi convert]

Glad you like Audi.

Generally, if you can afford it, go for the quattro. You will never look back. The FWD versions drive nicely indeed where the tail follows the front, however you get a lot of front wheelspin whilst trying to accel and turn from standstil with the auto box. That's not a problem as the tail slides around so they don't under steer as bad as you might think in fact it may impress and change your view on front wheel drive. Overall, nothing compares to quattro.

From on your other thread you received a few comments about the wood interior. I say go for it. We can't all have the same interior. I've a black edition so I have the piano black inlays. That's what I always wanted. You need your car to make you happy and as Audi make the better interiors in the trade, you won't be disappointed.

Tech pack and Bose has enhanced Dolby sounds over standard bose and it can get so loud, that your seats will vibrate, but then that's just showing off. Lol.

Good luck.

Sorry, I didn't make myself clear

Im only trying the non Quattro for performance of the 204PS vs the 245PS

The 204PS in Quattro is not available for test but now available to order
No Quattro = No Audi for me

I have also switched from the darker wood inlay to oak Beaufort (for now anyway)

I enjoyed the Bose system en route to work, argh decisions, decisions....

[Audi convert]

I have the LED headlights and they are fantastic, however mine were bought and paid for by the previous owner, so would agree with BB that FOC Xenons are better value.

Don't forget that there are fantastic discounts out there. A quick look at drivethedeal.com suggests the spec you are looking at can be had for around the £36k mark including BOSE.

If you do end up going for the A7 instead you won't regret it and similar deals to be had.

It will be a company car, new factory order on contract hire (P11D value limit is for income tax purposes rather than actual budget)

It is frustrating to to pay tax on a value that was only paid in the first few weeks of release in 2011

[ukgroucho]

I've not had a company car for so many years I'd lost track of what they do for tax (I opted out and take the cash 'equivalent').
Really does suck that they base the tax calculation on the vehicle list price... you could get a lot more car (or the same car and a cheaper tax bill) if it was based on invoice.
Let us know how you get on with the 204... I suspect it's going to feel quite "restrained" after the 245.

[retired99]

I suppose different people have different priorities when choosing a car. For me performance and ride are key.

I test drove an Allroad with the 204 engine; liked the ride but not the performance; smooth and refined but ultimately quite slow. I wouldn’t buy this. I then drove a 245 Allroad. The performance step up is very marked and, for me, transformed the car. If the BiTurbo didn’t exist I would be happy with 245. But the BiTurbo does exist, so that’s what I got.

[Bloater]

My A6 was my first Audio with the mmi interface. I had a 3 series as a loaner on holiday and found the idrive to be very confusing in comparison.

It's a case of you get used to what you have I guess, it's all rather intuitive now for me.

Enjoy

[Audi convert]

Let us know how you get on with the 204... I suspect it's going to feel quite "restrained" after the 245.

That is my fear, but it will be a beast compared to my 20d tractor (it was painful driving it last night compared to the Audi)

The 245 PS is less than 1 second 0-60 quicker than 204PS but knowing performance of the 245PS will no doubt stay in the back of my mind!

[Audi convert]

I suppose different people have different priorities when choosing a car. For me performance and ride are key.

I test drove an Allroad with the 204 engine; liked the ride but not the performance; smooth and refined but ultimately quite slow. I wouldn’t buy this. I then drove a 245 Allroad. The performance step up is very marked and, for me, transformed the car. If the BiTurbo didn’t exist I would be happy with 245. But the BiTurbo does exist, so that’s what I got.

Performance is secondary to how the cabin is specified for me (but after driving 245PS it is becoming a very close call)

[Audi convert]

The cost to my pocket each month is negligible between 204PS and 245PS

It would mean dropping LED and Bose speaker (although I was only ever going to have one or other)

Decisions, decisions.....

[ukgroucho]

OK my 2 pennies... although, as always, priorities and preferences are very individual.

- S-line comes with Xenons I believe. You could add the adaptive functionality for £600 and they are 'not far off' what the LEDs provide (see live thread on the forum right now). That would be £660 cheaper than the LED option...
- Bose speaker system. Hmm, don't get me wrong I think Bose stuff is great (had a number of their noise cancelling headphones and right now I have a set of QC15 over ears and the QC20i noise cancelling ear buds - I travel a lot) BUT...cars are not a perfect audiophile environment by any means... the standard 10 speaker system is pretty good. So unless you are an audiophile, plan to use CD/DVD or content ripped at very high bit rates (say 384kbps) and, probably, intend to listen a lot while the car is stationary then I'm not convinced you get a huge benefit.
- Ultimately the heart of any car is the way it drives... Engine, drive train, suspension. Money spent in those areas will affect the experience that you have every second that you are driving the vehicle. Next on that list is the cabin - and fortunately the A6 cabin is a lovely place to be, even in 'base' spec.

I guess what I'm suggesting is S-line 245 with option PXB - adaptive xenon upgrade.

[Greyanglia]

I agree with Groucho re the 245

I've had my C7 Allroad 245 a couple of months now and although I bought it at 6 months old it came packed with goodies. Whether I would have paid for all of them straight from the options lists I'm not so sure but the 245 is a no-brainer if youv'e tried a 204. Full LED's look great but are pricey and I noticed an ad for the new Seat Leon (also VAG) and they are only a £995 option and I bet they come from the same supplier.

I personally rate the Bose as it gives more punch than the standard kit and but as Groucho says it comes down to preference. The Tech Pack is a must as it gives you a bigger colour screen and I have been enjoying the panoramic roof but that is probably more appropiate on the Allroad/Avant. I prefer the upgraded 19' alloys as I am a bit wary of 20' ultra low profile as I do 20k+ miles a year and they pop too easily on our crap road surfaces.

Having said all that I would probably have sacrificed most of the options to get a 313!

[ScottyA6]

Another vote for the 245. I drove the 204 and regardless of the 0-60 being slight the 'real world' performance difference is marked. By real world I look to things like overtaking performance between 30-50 and at that the 245 eats the 204 for breakfast. I am sure that the S-tronic as opposed to the Multi made a difference but I read the Multi is (if not already gone) on its way out. Even having said that I think that the 245 will pretty quickly show the smaller output engine a clean pair of heels on the road.

I have a friend with a 204 Multi A7 and he was very happy with the performance until he had a go in My Avant !

[ukgroucho]

Scotty, the 204 quattro is S-tronic rather than Multi - at least the 204 allroad I test drove was and I can't believe they'd build both a multi and S-tronic versions of the power train with quattro. Your point about real world performance is well made... particularly in the world of diesel power. 0 - 60 (or 100kph) has never been the best measure for the performance of a diesel, it's the mid-range grunt that makes for real world pace.
The 1 second difference in 0 - 60 between the 204 and 245 might only look like a 15% difference but it really does not tell the full story about the difference in mid range get up and go which, I am sure, feels substantially 'more'. I suspect the same is true of the BiTdi 313 - although I never drove a 245 so cannot say for sure.

[johnsimcox]

Scotty, the 204 quattro is S-tronic rather than Multi - at least the 204 allroad I test drove was and I can't believe they'd build both a multi and S-tronic versions of the power train with quattro. Your point about real world performance is well made... particularly in the world of diesel power. 0 - 60 (or 100kph) has never been the best measure for the performance of a diesel, it's the mid-range grunt that makes for real world pace.
The 1 second difference in 0 - 60 between the 204 and 245 might only look like a 15% difference but it really does not tell the full story about the difference in mid range get up and go which, I am sure, feels substantially 'more'. I suspect the same is true of the BiTdi 313 - although I never drove a 245 so cannot say for sure.
Multitronic comes with the FWD 204bhp car, the recently introduced 204bhp Quattro has 7 speed S-Tronic as does the 245bhp. The BiTDi get 8 Speed Tiptronic. Just noticed that apart from the S6 and the A6 Hybrid there is no longer a petrol option for the A6 in the UK

[Necroscope]

So coming from a X1, dare I ask why you disregarded the 525d and 530d? Just curious :)

[ukgroucho]

I think he spelled out that he wanted quattro...
To get a 4 wheel drive BMW 5 series you need to get a 550d (the only one with xDrive right now AFAIK)

[Starbucks Fred]

Hi,
New to Forum
Got my new A6 Avant in July 2012
2.0 tdi S line Auto with pan roof, bose ( well worth it ) 19's, auto boot and rev camera
Interior light pack is cool for only 200 quid
Economy 36 - 40 mpg
Generally great car, very smooth and comfortable, Quattro the one to go for though
Just watch the options
Mine was £38.8k, just 18 months in, being offered 18k in px by Audi
They say Audi cars hold their value, rubbish, its the dealers making the money, they will mark up by 8k ish

[Audi convert]

I think he spelled out that he wanted quattro...
To get a 4 wheel drive BMW 5 series you need to get a 550d (the only one with xDrive right now AFAIK)

Correct and if they did x drive in 5 series I probably would have got it without calling into Audi showroom (BMWs loss)

They do the x drive in 3 series rhd but not the 5 unless you go BIG

Current BMW is the F25 X3 20d and I was quite content with it until having the Audi

At this point in time the 245PS is the way I will go :-)

[Audi convert]

Hi,
New to Forum
Got my new A6 Avant in July 2012
2.0 tdi S line Auto with pan roof, bose ( well worth it ) 19's, auto boot and rev camera
Interior light pack is cool for only 200 quid
Economy 36 - 40 mpg
Generally great car, very smooth and comfortable, Quattro the one to go for though
Just watch the options
Mine was £38.8k, just 18 months in, being offered 18k in px by Audi
They say Audi cars hold their value, rubbish, its the dealers making the money, they will mark up by 8k ish

Hello and welcome from another new member

I just decided to drop the Bose system in favour of the 245PS and then you go and say it is "well worth it" arrrghhhh

[Necroscope]

Ops, my bad, speed reading at work I guess. I took that as it's a quarter Audi or something else. With you coming from a BMW and knowing how poor their stereos are, I would say drop the bose in favour of the 245 if you can find a way to do it.

[belly buster]

If you don't go quattro, you can't say "FIRE UP THE QUATTRO!"

Or if you buy a BMW.

[Eddo1968]

Hello and welcome from another new member

I just decided to drop the Bose system in favour of the 245PS and then you go and say it is "well worth it" arrrghhhh

This is a matter of personal preference and I really think that you should try out the Bose and then the standard system before deciding (if possible). I personally didn't think that the difference between the standard and the Bose was worth the extra cost, and I'm quite happy with the standard system. On the few occasions that I get to drive it alone with the volume turned up it's been pretty good. If you think that the sound difference of the Bose is worth the high cost you should go for it.

on another note, BMW Switzerland seem to supply all their models with the x drive option. After all the facing with the steering on my Audi I'll probably check them out next time.

[Eddo1968]

Not facing - faffing. Thanks autocorrect!

[ukgroucho]

BMWs problem with the current 5 series and xDrive is that the four wheel drive system gets in the way of where you would need some of the RHD control systems would go.. not sure if it's steering or breaks / accelerator but this is the reason that they have stated for not creating a RHD 550d. I know that they have started rolling xDrive out across other vehicles in the 5 series range although I don't think they have 'complete' coverage.

Obviously the fact that they seem to be providing four wheel drive as an option across most of their vehicles - especially the high performance ones, in no way dilutes their mantra that rear wheel drive was the only way to go and that audi were crazy to have quattro (I paraphrase). ;)

[retired99]

As far as I know there are no Xdrive BMW 5 series available in RHD ( apart from the X5 itself). I remember reading that the reason is because there is no space for the steering components.

I had a 535D before the Allroad and one of the reasons for getting rid of it was its inability to put 300 odd hp down effectively, esp when damp. Another was the dreadful ride quality.

I would have looked at another 5 series if 4wd had been available. The ride problem can be fixed by specifying suspension upgrades (all BMW press cars seem to have this fitted).

BMW are making xdrive available on other rhd models as I suspect they’re losing some sales due to its absence.

As mentioned elsewhere BMW offer 4wd much across the range in LHD, as do Mercedes.

[Audi convert]

As far as I know there are no Xdrive BMW 5 series available in RHD ( apart from the X5 itself). I remember reading that the reason is because there is no space for the steering components.

I had a 535D before the Allroad and one of the reasons for getting rid of it was its inability to put 300 odd hp down effectively, esp when damp. Another was the dreadful ride quality.

I would have looked at another 5 series if 4wd had been available. The ride problem can be fixed by specifying suspension upgrades (all BMW press cars seem to have this fitted).

BMW are making xdrive available on other rhd models as I suspect they’re losing some sales due to its absence.

As mentioned elsewhere BMW offer 4wd much across the range in LHD, as do Mercedes.

I was told by BMW dealer that 5 series will get xDrive for next generation

[Audi convert]

After my extended test of the A6 I have been converted from the dark side (BMW) and Audi got my full attention.

The A6 3.0TDI Quattro 245PS is great fun and Im very close to pulling the trigger on a order for one, but.....Im going take take a quick test in the A7 on Sunday, either way A6 or A7 will be ordered next week (this buying a new car is stressful stuff)

[M1tchy]

I had an A6 on loan as a courtesy car today and have written about my findings in the A6 forum. Also have done a review on my A7 in the A7 section. Obviously your personal experience will decide for you but good luck either way.


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[ukgroucho]

So what did you end up ordering?

[Audi convert]

So what did you end up ordering?

The ordering is today, and the winner is.......

Between A7 3.0 and A7 3.0 Quattro (both 204PS) I think?

[BigAid]

I'd go Quattro :-)

[Necroscope]

So the A6 got left behind and possibly the Quattro, very interesting. Let us know what you go for, have fun.

[Audi convert]

So the A6 got left behind and possibly the Quattro, very interesting. Let us know what you go for, have fun.

The winner is......

A7 Sportback SE 3.0TDI Quattro 204PS (BIG SMILE ON MY FACE)

options

Beaufort oak inlay
Privacy glass
19" 10 spoke alloys

[Necroscope]

Fantastic :-)

What colour?

Can I ask how/why the A7 won the race?

[Audi convert]

Fantastic :-)

What colour?

Can I ask how/why the A7 won the race?

Quartz grey metallic

As great as the A6 is, especially the Quattro, the A7 looks a million dollars (I think looks alone won me over)

[Necroscope]

Great stuff.

When she arrives, drop a picture in this thread as I know many would like to see it and most probably don't venture into the A7 section.

[Audi convert]

The deed is done and my A7 is on order

BIG Thanks to help from you all during the process of deciding on my new car and the A6 was a close second choice

Finally ordered my A7 this pm (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?154283-Finally-ordered-my-A7-this-pm)

[Audi convert]

Great stuff.

When she arrives, drop a picture in this thread as I know many would like to see it and most probably don't venture into the A7 section.

Here you go Necroscope, well pleased with my choice!

[M1tchy]

Very nice - but I am biased!

[ukgroucho]

Nice Audi_Convert... it looks like polished aluminium in that light!

I test drove an A7 BiTi and really liked it, just not enough 'lugging' space for me but if you can live with the space then it is a great looking car.. although I think my allroad looks pretty distinctive too (but I am biased)

Enjoy the car, post some thoughts on how you get on!

[Audi convert]

Nice Audi_Convert... it looks like polished aluminium in that light!

I test drove an A7 BiTi and really liked it, just not enough 'lugging' space for me but if you can live with the space then it is a great looking car.. although I think my allroad looks pretty distinctive too (but I am biased)

Enjoy the car, post some thoughts on how you get on!

That BiTDI must be great (wife wishes I had gone all-road as A7 making her travel sick)

Make a visit to A7 forum to see my thoughts

[Passatier3]

As far as I know there are no Xdrive BMW 5 series available in RHD ( apart from the X5 itself). I remember reading that the reason is because there is no space for the steering components.

I had a 535D before the Allroad and one of the reasons for getting rid of it was its inability to put 300 odd hp down effectively, esp when damp. Another was the dreadful ride quality.

I would have looked at another 5 series if 4wd had been available. The ride problem can be fixed by specifying suspension upgrades (all BMW press cars seem to have this fitted).

BMW are making xdrive available on other rhd models as I suspect they’re losing some sales due to its absence.

As mentioned elsewhere BMW offer 4wd much across the range in LHD, as do Mercedes.

Well given that the EU are interfering again by proposing that number plates are uniform across the EU so that we would lose our unique design perhaps they will also propose that all cars are LHD! That will sort the problem!

The EU seem intent on watering down all countries individualities. :mad:

[ScottyA6]

I was admiring an A7 Quattro while working my way through Leeds the other day but alas, like ukgroucho I need the space in My Avant. wife plus two lanky daughters, a Spaniel and more luggage than you could shake a stick at etc. Great looking car though.

[rickerby]

Well given that the EU are interfering again by proposing that number plates are uniform across the EU so that we would lose our unique design perhaps they will also propose that all cars are LHD! That will sort the problem!

The EU seem intent on watering down all countries individualities. :mad:






I think that was just a Daily Express scare story. Probably about as accurate as one of their weather forecasts

[NewAudi]

I think that was just a Daily Express scare story. Probably about as accurate as one of their weather forecasts

It has also been mentioned in AutoExpress and in the media here in Germany. Personally I don't think it would make a huge difference other than that the UK may end up with a white plate at the back as well as the front. Perhaps keeping the font would be a good idea as it's much easier to read than the European version (ie German et al).

What is really good IMO is the country code on the left and this should have been standard issue from day one also in the UK.

[Passatier3]

The deed is done and my A7 is on order

BIG Thanks to help from you all during the process of deciding on my new car and the A6 was a close second choice

Finally ordered my A7 this pm (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?154283-Finally-ordered-my-A7-this-pm)

Never mind you nearly got it right! :D

Only joking, great car and you will love it.

[Passatier3]

It has also been mentioned in AutoExpress and in the media here in Germany. Personally I don't think it would make a huge difference other than that the UK may end up with a white plate at the back as well as the front. Perhaps keeping the font would be a good idea as it's much easier to read than the European version (ie German et al).

What is really good IMO is the country code on the left and this should have been standard issue from day one also in the UK.

The tight gits didn't even provide number plates with the EU symbol unlike with my previous Passat.

[NewAudi]

The tight gits didn't even provide number plates with the EU symbol unlike with my previous Passat.

Very strange! On all new cars that I have ordered in the UK, the dealers have always asked me if I wanted with or without EU symbol....

[johnsimcox]

Very strange! On all new cars that I have ordered in the UK, the dealers have always asked me if I wanted with or without EU symbol....
The dealer who supplied my car defaults to a non-EU plate and only fits EU plates if the customer asks due to the vast majority of their customers not wanting the EU plates. Maybe a reflection of Surrey demographics!

[dmcconachie]

The dealer who supplied my car defaults to a non-EU plate and only fits EU plates if the customer asks due to the vast majority of their customers not wanting the EU plates. Maybe a reflection of Surrey demographics!
Edinburgh Audi operates this way too.

[NewAudi]

The dealer who supplied my car defaults to a non-EU plate and only fits EU plates if the customer asks due to the vast majority of their customers not wanting the EU plates. Maybe a reflection of Surrey demographics!


Edinburgh Audi operates this way too.

Well, I lived 15 years in Essex (Colchester to be exact) and both Volvo and Mercedes-Benz asked me.... perhaps, as you say, demographics!

[belly buster]

On my A4 I asked for it without the EU plates and they ignored me and it came with the EU plates. When I ordered the A6 I did ask either way; when it arrived it came without the EU plates.

[Passatier3]

Never asked me, but then the sales guy was an a*s.

My plates are very plain looking as well, I think I'll get some new ones made up with the EU symbol and a border.

Chap I sold my Passat estate to fitted some black surrounds to his number plates which looked good. Worth considering on the rear I think as the front already sits in a surround. Anybody fitted one?