2004 AUDI A6 NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Audi A6?
A sport-tuned A6 2.7 T debuts for 2004. Called the Audi A6 2.7 T S-line, this model includes a 265-horsepower, 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine driving all four wheels through a Tiptronic automatic transmission. Audi says that the 2004 A6 S-line will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. S-line trim includes real wood on the interior, a rear spoiler similar to the RS 6 and special alloy wheels. In other news, a Servotronic steering assist is added to the 3.0 front-wheel-drive (FrontTrak) model while all other versions of the 2004 Audi A6 get a standard power sunroof. FrontTrak models equipped with the Multitronic CVT transmission gain a sport-shift mode, and a power outlet replaces the retractable cup holder in the front center console of all A6s. Otherwise, the Audi A6 carries over virtually unchanged.

Advantages of the 2004 Audi A6:

• Beautifully-detailed interior
• Available quattro all-wheel-drive system
• Powerful 4.2 V8 model
• Sedan and wagon iterations available
• Free scheduled maintenance

Objections to the 2004 Audi A6:

• Lacks cachet in the mid-luxury segment
• Wagon comes only with 3.0-liter V6 engine
• Somewhat tight rear leg space
• Architecture dates to the late 1990s

Editor's Advice:
Due for a complete redesign in 2005, the 2004 Audi A6 is a rather stale, if capable, entry in the luxury marketplace. Availability as a sedan or a wagon helps broaden appeal, as do the options of all-wheel-drive and both turbocharged six and V8 engines. As a luxury car, the A6 scores with its beautifully trimmed interior, but loses points for its austere and anonymous exterior design. As a sporting sedan, the A6 does not engage the driver as much as several competitors. Until the new Audi A6 arrives next year, it’s likely that only die-hard fans of the marque will select the A6 for 2004.