The 2008 A6 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, luxury sports sedan, or luxury wagon, available in 4 trims, ranging from the 3.2 to the 4.2 with Tiptronic.
Upon introduction, the 3.2 is equipped with a standard 3.2-liter, V6, 255-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 4.2 with Tiptronic is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, V8, 350-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
The 2008 A6 is freshened for 2008.
CarREVIEW editor review of the Audi A4 cabriolet is available HERE.
Photos of the A4 cabriolet posted in the photo gallery.
Summary: Having just returned from driving my A6 in Europe for two weeks (see WARNING below about Audi’s European delivery program), during which I drove over 2,400 miles, I can report my complete satisfaction with the vehicle. Even when trying in vain to make sense of Italy’s road signs (which display far too many route numbers, city names, and regional descriptions, yet at the same time rarely what you need to reliably navigate through to your destination), the car was still a joy to drive.
The A6 is a very comfortable car to drive, whether on a quick hop down the street or a long haul spanning a country. The seats (standard, not sport) hold you firmly in place yet produce no sore spots even after hours of riding. The low noise levels of the cabin aid greatly in limiting fatigue and the controls are well positioned for easy use. The much maligned MMI (main controller for navigation, radio, phone, and car setup options) does require some study, but is convenient to operate and a much better alternative than having 100 or so separate buttons. If you can point and click your way to this review, you can easily learn to operate all of the MMI functions.
The performance and handling of the A6 is impressive. I opted for the 3.2 liter (3,123 cc) instead of the 4.2 to optimize both fuel economy and handling. The extra cost of the 4.2 both to purchase and operate is not easily justified by the moderate increase in acceleration. When I want to accelerate my eyeballs to the back of my head, I hop on my FJR1300 motorcycle. And the 3.2 does just fine in getting up to speed, whether merging, passing, or setting the pace for autobahn traffic.
Driving in Germany is an experience everyone should have. After limiting my pace to 100 mph or so for the break in period, I reached the car’s electronic speed cap of 134 mph several times. In the A6, that seemingly reckless velocity is in reality a rather mundane occurrence while at the same time still very cool. Even at that speed, the car is rock solid with very tight steering and no drift, shake, wobble, or float. And when the time comes to rein in the horses for slower traffic ahead, the brakes are very controlled and predictable. The downside of course is that once my car is back here in the states, my ability to keep within our paltry speed limits will be greatly impeded.
The suspension of the A6 is a surprising combination of road surface sensing and isolation from harsh jolts. The feel is like reading the road with your hands, having the ability to detect any grove, bump, ridge, or even surface composition changes. But that ever present and useful information is easily ignored and imposed on the driver only with substantial impacts with surface imperfections. You always “know” what conditions the tires are encountering but rarely do you have to think about it.
And the quattro all wheel drive is truly remarkable. While I didn’t have any snow to drive on in Europe (Switzerland doesn’t allow cars up to it’s Jungfrau and Schilthorn areas), I did test out the traction control on a dirt parking lot. I stomped on the accelerator and got nothing but a surprising amount of forward acceleration. Any other drive system would have dug a hole and spread a lot of dirt.
Having done a lot of research on quattro at torsen.com and other sites, I summarize its operation with the following: All other four wheel drive systems are like walking on a slippery sidewalk, slipping, and then catching yourself before you fall. Audi’s quattro is like not slipping in the first place. It does this by mechanically and instantaneously sending extra torque to the set of wheels (front or rear) that has more traction. Other systems have to slip first, then detect the slip with ABS sensors, then actuate a clutch which then sends more torque to the wheels with more traction. Audi does use ABS sensors to regulate slip between the left and right wheels on the front or rear of the car, but uses the ingenious and completely mechanical TORSEN center differential to distribute torque between the front and rear pairs of wheels. In most cases, this prevents slip before it happens, rather than trying to play catch up like those systems on BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Acura, etc.
Strengths: The exterior styling of the 2008 model contains an extra grille slot below main grill that adds a significant amount of additional flare to the front appearance. Also, the now standard 18” 5 spoke wheels should be easier to keep clean and are an aesthetic improvement over most smaller and higher spoke count wheels.
The interior design features the classic Audi attention to detail with very attractive wood inserts and stitched leather seats. I opted for the lighter beige interior color and the segmented steering wheel which has wood sections to complement those of the dash, doors, and center console.
As for features, those that I most like include the adaptive air suspension (special order only on the 2008 3.2) which allows for selecting comfort or dynamic modes depending on your current whim, and also a “lift” option which provides more ground clearance at lower speeds. The back up camera is ready to go right on startup and is very useful once you get used to its indications. The Bose sound, audio pilot, and surround sound options make for great listening, which is a little surprising for a company (Bose) that seems to be almost entirely focused on marketing. The headlight washers will be great for keeping the lights bright even when driving home from skiing in the mountains through sand filled road spray. The rain sensitive wipers do not have a non-rain-sensing intermittent option, but perform reasonably well in most circumstances. The trunk is large with the entire back seat being able to fold down for all the storage one might want in a sedan or just the left seat to retain the right seating position. The full size spare keeps you riding in safe control in case of a flat. The adaptive headlights really help to illuminate corners, especially on dark nights with unlit roads.
Weaknesses: WARNING about Audi’s European delivery program: While I highly recommend taking European delivery (go to audiusa.com and look under “experience”), Audi’s program, which just restarted a couple of years ago, is extremely behind schedule. I had to fight very, very hard just to get my documentation two days before my departure, not the two weeks promised on their web site. They seem to be critically understaffed in this area.
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Summary: I bought a used Audi A6 2003 from a dealer in New Jersey for $21,500. It was a pretty good bargain, especially since the car had less than 50K miles on it. The car was "pre-certified" so I assumed that everything was checked/inspected and in like-new condition. I drove it back home and the car handled very nicely. The car could accelerate quickly thanks to the turbos. The inside is also very spacious and refined.
After 2000 miles (4 months of VERY light driving), however, the engine started making a strange whining noise. Soon, a lot of smoke started coming out from the tailpipes. I brought it to the dealer and they told me that the turbochargers needed to be replaced. Thank god the car was covered by a 2 year 50,000 mile warranty. I believe a single turbocharger costs about $1000. I had to get both of them replaced and The car was in the shop for a week. I had a spare vehicle so I was not inconvenienced much, but be warned that most repairs to Audis will generally last several days.
On the plus side, the repair seems to have fixed the problem. The car now performs like how I first bought it. The mechanics that repaired the car were also quite pleasant to deal with and test-drove the car for a day to make sure the problem was fixed.
Still, I just hope that nothing else becomes an issue with the car in the future. I am experiencing some of the electrical problems that other people have described. My seat memory stopped working a while ago and I will get it repaired soon, under warranty of course.
So, if you plan to buy an Audi, I would definitely recommend getting an extended warranty if it is an option. I like my Audi but if the car acts up again, I will not consider buying another Audi for my next car. On the other hand, my Lexus RX300 has been quite reliable and only needs to be serviced every 30K miles or so (repairs/service is generally around $2000). It has 140K miles on it and still drives great. Like several of the other reviewers here, I would recommend getting a Lexus if you are looking for a luxury car.
Strengths: - Great interior, very elegant
- Nice sound system
- Handling and acceleration
Weaknesses: - Repairs are costly
- Electrical issues
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Summary: Nice beautiful car when new.
BUT I have to retire early just to take care of my Audi A6.
Three visits to dealer to repair fuel sensor and gauge within 3 months of delivery. Teeth-trouble with new model A6!
Water pump leaks, radio replaced, speakers replaced, numerous tie-rods replacements.
Flimsy control joystick for rear side mirrors - broke within 3 year!
Seat sudden jammed 10cm from steering while on a trip to Nashville! Now lumbar support not working.
Replaced timing belt at dealer - Mrak Motor of Ottawa, Canada. Found by other mechanic to be leaking oil within the week! Terrible workmanship. Why does Audi make such a beautiful car only to be wreck by their "factory trained" mechanics?
Latest and now - sudden- no response with climate control, no honk, no turn indicators, no wipers!!!
You will NEVER catch me buying an Audi ever again in this life time.
If you give me bumper to bumper service for life I will still not have the time to go and spend waiting at the dealers.
I bought the Hyundai and it is like a dream compared to the A6 at a fraction of price and stress!
Help, Help, help.
Strengths: Beautiful appearance and interior and well thought out luggage space
Weaknesses: Quality of every other thing except possible the engine!
Similar Products Used: Benz, Toyota Camray, Hyundai Sante Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee.
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Summary: All in all a very stylish and great car. Requires good care and treatment and not just start and drive, stop and forget one ofcourse. Not much of a mileage churner, but considering the roads and traffic in Pittsburgh, I wouldnt be surprised.
What most importantly appealed to me is the amazing smoothness in driving this car, which I never felt for driving any other car. Believe me when I say that I will think 10 times before I switch over to another brand.
I dont want to give you an extra ordinary technical spec of it which many wont even understand. If you are looking for absolute power, well this is not it, but for good power, speed, amazing winter condition driving then this is it.
The inbuilt Bose system is just beyond words one of the best for your ears. The car is very spacious and a pleasure to take for a long trip.
Coming to the snags, well, the electrical systems are not much of a trust gaining aspects. My car had trouble with the auto seats, the door and headlight indicators, but only once. Since it was under factory warranty, got it replaced without much of a problem.
Proper care and driving will ensure a good mileage too. What I initially gathered to be just 16 miles a gallon now gives me a nice 18 to 19 in city limits, which considering the engine and power, its just cool.
Great road grip, might control, good power, nice big sunroof, heated seats and a good air conditioning system and beautiful styling makes this car a owners pride! Enjoy the drive if you decide to buy this.
Strengths: Good Power, great control, amazing Audio system, memory seats and a decent mileage for its power!
Weaknesses: Electrical problems, and bomb in your pocket if it is not covered under warranty. Believe me, always have it covered under warranty.
Similar Products Used: Previously driven a 1989 Mazda 626, 1999 Toyota Camry, 1997 Honda Accord.
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Summary: Let there be no doubt this is a beautiful car. I have only one issue with this car and its somewhat of a big one- its in the shop every 3 months. A few weeks after leasing this car I went to start it up at the airport after being gone a few days. It died. Took it in and Audi service found nothing wrong with it. From then on, each time I started it the idle would stutter for a few minutes until it "warmed up." Audi service looked at it again and tried to convince me thats the way these cars are. It continued to die and had to be taken in again. This time it was faulty fuel injectors which they replaced under warranty. More recently the gas guage would fall from 1/4 tank to empty in a matter of seconds. I took it in again to find out it needed a new float in the tank and needed some software upgrades. No problem. Driving home I could smell a very strong odor of gas. This morning I walk into the garage to find my A-6 above an enormous puddle of gasoline. Ive had it with this thing.
Strengths: Absolutely beautiful looking car. When it runs right it is quite fun to drive.
Weaknesses: Audi service department spends more time with my car than I do.
Similar Products Used: Honda Accord
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