New Car Profile of the 2004 Audi A6 Series Mid-Size Sedan

Description: Mid-Size Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $35,950-$49,500
Invoice Price Range: $32,439-$44,746

The mid-size sedans and estate wagons from Audi stand in size between compact A4 and full-size A8. The series consists of three sedans and an avant wagon that vary through owertrains yet a unibody structure shared by all contains lightweight aluminum structural components. Base A6 3.0 sedan uses Audi's 3.0-liter V6 worth 220 hp.

A five-speed Tiptronic automatic is standard with sport settings, but a multitronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) is offered on FrontTrak models and it carries a new sport mode shifting program. Audi's quattro traction system is optional. Next step up in the series leads to the A6 2.7T sedan tipping decidedly to the sporty side of performance with a unique bi-turbo 2.7-liter V6 aboard for 250 hp. The two turbo-chargers -- one for each of two cylinder banks -- take up less space than a single large unit and the small size means faster response from accelerator pressure to firing time and higher torque at lower engine speeds. A6 4.2 sedan stocks the powerful 4.2-liter dual cam V8 for massive muscle. And for superior strength in a wagon, the sport-tuned A6 4.2 avant also gets the V8. A sunroof shows up as standard equipment on all A6 quattro models for 2004.