Audi A6 saloon

Drive

Thanks to its aluminium construction, most A6 models – except the four-wheel drive versions – are lighter than rivals like the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class. The A6 doesn't feel especially agile as a result, but on a twisty road there's very little body roll. The steering doesn't offer much feedback either, but the A6 strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness. The entry-level 175bhp 2.0-litre diesel has more than enough pace for most people, while the 3.0-litre diesel and 3.0-litre turbo petrol models are fast if expensive. The top-spec S6 model is outrageously fast but offers little in the way of driver invlovement over the cheaper diesel models.

Comfort

Go for the entry-level SE version and you get 17-inch alloy wheels and steel suspension as standard – and that makes for a very comfortable experience. There's very little road noise or wind noise and long motorway journeys are a breeze thanks to a highly adjustable driving position, allowing anyone to get comfortable. However, while S line versions look great with their 18-inch alloy wheels, bodykit and 20mm lower sports suspension, they have a very firm ride. Despite being shorter than the old car, the A6 is wider and there's room in the back for two tall adults. The boot, at 530 litres, sits between the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Reliability

This model is brand new and comes with Audi's strong reputation for build quality so there's no reason to doubt its reliability. It also uses tried and tested engines and other components – such as the seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox – that have already proved their worth in models as across the range from the compact A4 to the flagship A8.

Practicality

Despite being shorter than the old car, the Audi A6 is wider and there's room in the back for two tall adults. The boot has a wide load area, and at 530 litres, sits between the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. You can fold the rear seats down for extra luggage space, but if you want to carry really big items, you’re probably better off going for the A6 Avant estate version.

Value for money

Audi has kept the A6 range straightforward by offering only two trims – and the SE and S line models come very well equipped. The entry-level SE features climate control, sat-nav and Bluetooth, as well as a 10-speaker, 180-watt sound system. Go for the S line, and you get a bodykit, plus higher-quality leather and electrically adjustable sports seats. Buyers can also choose a head-up display system, night vision and a Bang and Olufsen stereo from the options list. Other extras include voice and touch-activated sat-nav and a TV – but get carried away, and the price can soon pass £60,000.

Running costs

The lightweight aluminium construction means impressive fuel efficiency: Audi claims nearly 50mpg even for the 242bhp 3.0-litre diesel. But the 2.0-litre diesel will be the top-selling A6 – hardly surprising, as it's capable of almost 60mpg and emits 129g/km of CO2. The 2.0 diesel should retain its value as well as a BMW 520d, and the flagship 3.0 diesel has even better residuals than a 530d.