A6 3.0 TDI Quattro S Line (245PS) test

[Audi convert]

Me again ( 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