2005 Audi A6 Preview

An appealing new A6

by Christian Wardlaw


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Introduction

Audi A6 -- 2005 Preview: Though the new face of Audi debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show fronting the A8 L 6.0 ultra-luxury sedan, it is the new 2005 Audi A6 that will bring the German automaker's updated visage to the masses when it debuts in Geneva the first week of March.

What It Is

Love it or hate it, it will be hard not to notice the Audi A6's new horse-collar nose. The rest of the sheet metal is harder to identify as redesigned; it employs Audi's traditionally swept roof-line, triangular rear quarter glass, and clean flanks. At the rear, the taillights are lower than before to give an impression of width, connected along the top by a bright strip of trim that smells faintly of Saturn L300. The result is an attractive but austere sedan that imparts a business-like no-nonsense character, which could be confused with dull and bland. At least it's more readily appealing to the eye than the BMW 5-Series, if not as interesting.

What's Inside

Inside, the shape and detailing of the 2005 Audi A6's trapezoidal grillework repeats on the driver's airbag cover. Traditionally sumptuous leather, wood, and metal detailing ensures Audi's status as creator of some of the industry's most luxurious and tasteful cabins. The dash design is more driver-centric than before, and includes Audi's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system to control various entertainment, navigation and climate functions. Leg and shoulder space is increased front and rear for greater comfort and a variety of upholstery, wood and aluminum trims are available to tailor the 2005 Audi A6 to personal tastes. Standard equipment includes a stereo with a CD player, automatic climate control with a humidity sensor, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and an electromechanical parking brake. Xenon dynamic adaptive headlights that track with the Audi A6's steering to illuminate around curves are available. Notable options include keyless entry and engine starting, DVD navigation, Bose audio with in-dash CD changer, radar-based adaptive cruise control, satellite steering wheel controls, and a tire pressure monitor.

About Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw joined Autobytel's Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, and current serves as Manager of Content Development for Autobytel. Previously, Christian spent eight years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Christian is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Christian has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English. His daily drivers include a 1994 Mazda Miata, a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, and a 2005 Nissan Murano.