2005 Audi A6 Test Drive

One Mystifying Ride

The new Audi A6's handsome exterior and powerful V-8 are offset by confusing controls that undermine its appeal.

Should You Buy This Car?

The new A6 is less stately than the more expensive Volkswagen Phaeton and more sleek. The Phaeton, whose interior is bathed in wood trim, feels more like a clubroom; the A6 feels more like a tech center.

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f you're just looking for a luxurious sedan with lots of amenities but can deal without all the horsepower, save yourself $15,000 to $20,000 and get a Toyota Avalon. However, we understand the appeal of German luxury sedans: They are still exclusive, and those brand names (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) still buy you prime bragging rights over your Buick-owning friends.

The A6 is for iconoclasts who like gobs of technology and don't mind rethinking the experience of, say, turning up the fan. For better reliability, better prices and less flashy gizmos, turn to the Japanese cars.