Review: Audi A6 SE (2018–present)

The Audi A6 has been a smash hit with the Irish market ever since its introduction in 1994. In its 5th generation now, does the C8 generation live up to the expectations that the mighty C7 generation has set?

 The Exterior

Seen pictured (and tested) in the “SE” trim, the A6 keeps up its reputation as an angular, upright executive saloon. It follows the Audi tradition of evolution rather than revolution especially upfront where everything is just slightly tighter and more taught. The rear chrome strip across the boot lid is a nice touch, although you get the feeling that the A6 was designed right before the rear light bar trend became popular and that the chrome is an attempt to make up for the lack it. It looks the full value of its €61,205 base price, and while it is more conservative in design it is certainly better looking than the equivalent 5 series.

The Tech-heavy Interior

 It is almost unbelievable that the interior of previous generation A6 and this new one came one after the other. The new A6 is a wash with screens, everything bar drive modes and some heater controls are done through capacitive touch screens. They give an audible click and a vibration when touched but it is still easy to find yourself pressing the wrong buttons if you’re not looking. The lower screen especially, which is used to manage the heater controls, is needless confusing and fussy to use when trying to quickly change temperatures or sync the dual zone climate control. The top screen works like a normal touch screen controlling media and navigation. It’s easy to use, very configurable and quick to respond, just like the incredible digital gauge cluster. Pairing to your phone is very easy with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay giving no issues. To go back to that €61,205 starting price, you would think that electric seat adjustment would be come as standard but no, you have the do it the old-fashioned way which is a bit ridiculous considering those very same seats can be heated at a touch of screen. The fit and finish is classic Audi, incredibly well put together with no creaking and a bank vault feel when behind the wheel.

The Drive

The A6 has never been the dynamic leader in its class being front wheel drive, but especially in the non-sporty SE trim it is able to give a soft and smooth ride while still feeling solid and strong over the bumps. Putting the car in the “Dynamic” drive mode tightens up the steering and wakes up the “S Tronic” 7-speed gear box. The steering remains numb but is very precise and unless absolutely mash the throttle when you shouldn’t be, the front wheel drive set-up does little to get in your way. I imagine the different drive modes would have a larger effect if the car were optioned with the dynamic dampers, giving greater flexibility over the suspension.

 As a cruiser the A6 excels. The gearbox stays out of your way with smooth shifts, coming standard with a 2.0 TDI that makes 201hp and 295 lb-ft overtaking is a breeze, and the already mentioned bank vault feel gives you a “CEO of the road” feel. I did find the cruise control to be frustrating to use at times, but once your speed is set you can drive for hundreds of kilometres stress free…. No really you can, you will get over a 1000km’s from a full tank. The sound insulation adds to this comforting feel, only ever overcome when starting from cold, where the sound of the diesel is rather audible.

 Verdict

Overall, the C8 Audi A6 does what the A6 has always done. A smooth driving, imposing, and in a pinch, sporty executive saloon that I have no doubt will continue to do well in the Irish market. It’s only slightly let down by its screen only approach to its interior and sometimes fussy controls.