2008 Audi A6

In regard to the 2008 Audi A6 Avant Wagon, Edmunds says the "A6 Avant wagon is an excellent choice, providing arguably more style than the other wagons in its class can muster."

The 2008 Audi A6's interior isn't as handsome as the previous generation's, but it's still a functional and cleanly designed place to work, with wood and metallic accents livening up the typically dark trim. “If you bought one based on its luxurious cabin alone, you wouldn't be disappointed,” Edmunds says. ConsumerGuide finds the layout "handy and intuitive," with the exception of the CD changer, which "resides in the glovebox out of easy driver reach." Kelley Blue Book thinks the "leather surfaces are inviting" and deems the overall interior design "satisfying for long term touring." Cars.com observes, “Everywhere you look in the A6 there's unexpected detailing…It's these details—along with Audi's characteristically good materials and tight-fitting trim pieces—that make the A6's cabin so inviting.” Even the stalwarts at Consumer Reports note “the interior is well-finished and filled with nice details.” Edmunds attests, “for those looking for a more sporting look inside, a new S line interior package is now available that includes front sport seats, a three-spoke steering wheel and various decorative additions.”

As The Auto Channel explains, "two engines are available in the A6, a 350-hp V8" and a "255-hp, direct injected 3.2-liter V6." The Los Angeles Times recommends upgrading to the V-8, calling it "as state-of-the-art as a V-8 can currently get," with "equal parts power, composure, comfort and excitement." In terms of acceleration, Edmunds finds the V-6 a "little short on low-end torque," which is listed at "243 pound-feet." In contrast, the V-8 delivers "325 lb-ft of torque," enough for Edmunds to call the Audi A6 2008 "as smooth and potent as any eight-cylinder in the class." They conclude “neither will set the world ablaze with their acceleration, but these world-class engines manage to propel the A6 with more than enough gusto for most luxury buyers.” ForbesAutos says the A6 “is equally happy cruising on the highway as it is taking spirited turns on back roads. It's especially fun to drive with the optional V8 engine.”

Transmission gets the thumbs-up from reviewers as well. Edmunds says, “The 3.2 front-wheel-drive sedan has a continuously variable transmission (with driver-selectable shift points), while all other A6s come with a six-speed automatic transmission and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system.” The Los Angeles Times finds the six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission "so well geared that the engine is barely turning 2000rpm at 65 mph." Cars.com remarks, “The six-speed automatic's shifts are almost imperceptible during leisurely driving, but become appropriately firm when the car is driven hard.” Kelley Blue Book notes that a "lack of a manual transmission option could be a turn-off."

According the Kelley Blue Book, the "Audi's famed quattro all-wheel-drive system gives the A6 a real advantage." ConsumerGuide agrees, declaring "AWD versions are near the top of the class for agility, grip, and poise," and adding that "the brakes deliver smooth, short stops." For performance, “We timed a 3.2 Quattro sedan at 7.9 seconds from zero to 60 mph,” Edmunds says. “As expected, the V8 is as smooth and potent as any eight-cylinder in the class and posts a 0-60-mph time of 7.1 seconds.”

“Quattro's downside, as with any all-wheel-drive system, is reduced fuel economy,” ForbesAutos reports. The Los Angeles Times notes "fuel consumption on the freeway can be as impressive as 26 mpg." ConsumerGuide points out "Audi recommends premium-grade gas for the V6 and requires it for the V8." The EPA rates the A6 at 18/27 mpg as a front-drive V-6 with the CVT, which no reviews seemed to encounter, and at 16/23 mpg for the sedan with all-wheel drive and the V-8 engine.

With any of the engines, the A6 lineup has a distinctly light touch to its controls, far from the hefty responses you'd get from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or BMW 5-Series. The steering is deft and quick, the brakes responsive, and even with the less powerful V-6 engine, the A6 feels lighter on its feet than most of the cars in this class. “While the 2008 Audi A6's handling is softer than that of other top midsize luxury cars, it provides an excellent ride around town, along with predictable reflexes and precise steering through turns,” Edmunds says. "During high-speed cruising, the A6 provides a serene cabin and a confident feel at the wheel.” ForbesAutos observes the A6 “excels at isolating occupants from road irregularities while offering ample agility for more-aggressive driving.” “Handling is responsive and secure,” Consumer Reports finds, and “the ride is firm yet comfortable.” However, Car and Driver says, “Ride gets harsh with larger wheel options,” and it contradicts other sources when it reports “overly sensitive throttle and brakes as well as numb steering will annoy the enthusiast.”

In the backseat, Kelley Blue Book rejoices over "plenty of headroom and knee space," but warns, "the center passenger must suffer the indignity of a stiff perch and a high floor hump." ConsumerGuide applauds the 2008 Audi A6's "contoured, not overly firm seat." ForbesAutos counters the compliments: “the steeply raked windshield, high beltline and low roofline create a sense of claustrophobia because the side windows are relatively small.” Cars.com adds, “the rear seats have firm cushioning and the backrest is relatively upright, but there's adequate room for two.”

Edmunds reports “all A6s are particularly roomy, while the Avant wagon offers a spacious 34 cubic feet behind its rear seats and 59 cubes with them folded.”

Audi has built its reputation on well-crafted interiors, and ConsumerGuide enjoys the 2008 Audi A6's expected "smart, modern appearance." Edmunds elaborates, describing the interior as filled with "exquisite materials, meticulous fit and finish and an overall attractive design."  Cars.com points out that it's the "details" that "make the A6's cabin so inviting." The Los Angeles Times hints at a few of these details by listing "heated front seats and a cool Bose audio system" as highlights of the Audi A6 experience.

In terms of quietness, ConsumerGuide notes the Audi A6 "cabin is impressively free of wind noise, even at high speed," and when discussing cargo space, likes the "nonintrusive strut hinges and handy grocery-bag hooks."

A plain-Jane endorsement from Consumer Reports includes the nugget that “reliability has been above average of late.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not tested the A6.

The admirable list of standard safety features available on the 2008 Audi A6 includes "Antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags, an electronic stability system, a tire pressure monitoring system and a first-aid kit," according to Cars.com.

Edmunds notes "rear-seat side airbags are optional," and Audi offers safety options like a lane-departure warning system and adaptive cruise control for an additional measure of safety.

Technology reigns with a transistorized fist inside the A6. Kelley Blue Book concedes that the "high-tech interior may be a bit overwhelming" for some. Edmunds agrees, saying "there is a steep learning curve involved" when it comes to using the MMI vehicle management system. The 2008 Audi A6 MMI was a point of contention with many reviewers. ConsumerGuide calls the feature a "distraction versus conventional switchgear," but admits it is "easier to use than BMW's iDrive." Cars.com says “too many features that are needed on a frequent basis — like the air conditioning settings — are controlled by MMI when a simple switch would suffice.” ForbesAutos adds, “The number of switches in the cabin is staggering. The dash and instrument panel resemble a jet plane's cockpit, especially when they light up at night.”

The Auto Channel enjoyed driving their test Audi A6 2008 with the Premium Package, which includes "power tilt and slide sunroof, heated front seats, Bi-Xenon headlights, Bose sound system, auto-dimming mirror with compass, auto-dimming and electric outside folding mirrors, and memory function for driver's seat." The total bill for the Premium Package is $3,550.

The Technology Package is another popular 2008 Audi A6 upgrade. The package retails for $3,350, according to ConsumerGuide, and includes "rear-obstacle-detection system, navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview camera, keyless access and starting."

Stand-alone options on the A6 Audi 2008 are plentiful as well, with Edmunds listing "19-wheels with performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension, an adaptive air suspension...adaptive cruise control, a navigation system, iPod integration and voice-recognition technology" as some notable highlights.