New Car Overview of the 2005 Audi A6 Premium Mid-Size Sedan and Wagon

Description: Premium Mid-Size Sedan and Wagon
Base MSRP Range: $40,900 - $50,500
Invoice Price Range: $37,255 - $46,583
Where built: Germany

The A6 mid-size sedans from Audi stand in size between the compact A4, and the full-size A8.

The A6 series begins a new generation of models in 2005 with a new design patterned after the elegant A8. Compared to previous A6 issues, new versions measure nearly five inches longer with the wheelbase stretched three inches, and the width expanded by two inches.

Styling is sleek and dramatic. The sport package features a revamped face with single-frame grille and adaptive bi-xenon headlamps. A spacious five-place passenger compartment contains lavish appointments, including leather seats and trimmings in wood and aluminum.

Two models emerge, each with quattro AWD traction but a different powertrain. A6 3.2 draws a new 3.2-liter, V6 worth 255-hp through a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The top model A6 4.2 uses the 4.2-liter, V8 out of the A8.

Dashboard on A6 incorporates Audi's MMI -- Multimedia Interface -- which organizes various car controls through a dash-mounted video display and a joystick on the console. Optional gear extends to a DVD-based navigation system with voice recognition, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and premium Bose audio equipment.