Ride Quality of 2005 A6???
#1
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I have not had a chance to drive the new 05 A6, but have read all the reviews and posts I can find. It seems to state almost everywhere that the ride is "choppy" or rough. What experiences from real owners? I am deciding between the E500, M35/45 and A6. The BMW 5 series is out due to its design - interior and exterior. I currently have a 2002 530i w/sport and premium pkgs and want a little more "cruiser" ride this time. The dealer also recommends the 3.2 over the V8 and does not even have a V8 to test. Comments on the engines also welcome.
#2
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I bought my A6 this past January because National Car Rental in Germany rented me one on three separate business trips to germany last fall.
In Germany I had the pleasure of the TDI, but here in the states I bought a 3.2.
No matter if it was doing 255 KPH on A9 to Garmisch from Munich, or doing 90 MPH last night from Washington, DC down to Virginia Beach, I would never consider the ride either choppy nor rough.
Take one for a ride and learn for yourself.
In Germany I had the pleasure of the TDI, but here in the states I bought a 3.2.
No matter if it was doing 255 KPH on A9 to Garmisch from Munich, or doing 90 MPH last night from Washington, DC down to Virginia Beach, I would never consider the ride either choppy nor rough.
Take one for a ride and learn for yourself.
#3
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Thought the ride was excellent, even when rolling through construction areas. A great compromise between comfort and handling.
I also drove a BMW 530i with a similar setup, and thought the handling was pretty close to the A6, although the steering was definitely sharper on the BMW.
Car & Driver thought the new A6 was too rough, but they had the sport package. That's why I chose to not get the sports package. Not all reviews explain their car's setup, which is critical of course.
As for V6 vs. V8, for me the difference was the fact that by the time I loaded up a V6 with all the options I wanted (nearly all available) it was only an additional $4K to $5K for the V8.
Gotta drive 'em.
I also drove a BMW 530i with a similar setup, and thought the handling was pretty close to the A6, although the steering was definitely sharper on the BMW.
Car & Driver thought the new A6 was too rough, but they had the sport package. That's why I chose to not get the sports package. Not all reviews explain their car's setup, which is critical of course.
As for V6 vs. V8, for me the difference was the fact that by the time I loaded up a V6 with all the options I wanted (nearly all available) it was only an additional $4K to $5K for the V8.
Gotta drive 'em.
#4
AudiWorld Member
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The ride is firm and controlled - vast improvement over my previous A6 - absolutely one of the most non-fatiguing automobiles that I have ever driven. Find the regular seats to be supportive, cabin is quiet and the power in the 3.2 is absolutely linear - (of course, if you want a little more oomph from time to time you can drive it in sport mode or tiptronic).
Also test drove the A6 4.2 extensively. Also non-sport suspension - loved the V8, but didn't think I really needed it - and didn't care to pay the premium.
Ya gotta drive 'em yourself. The reviews are just too all over the place to be able to make an informed decision on a purchase this large.
IMHO.
LIY
Also test drove the A6 4.2 extensively. Also non-sport suspension - loved the V8, but didn't think I really needed it - and didn't care to pay the premium.
Ya gotta drive 'em yourself. The reviews are just too all over the place to be able to make an informed decision on a purchase this large.
IMHO.
LIY
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#8
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I have 18" and sport, and if you hit a pothole, there's definitely not a lot of damping going on (mainly due to the tires being so low profile), but the ride over undulating surfaces and bumps on the freeway are fine.
On the other hand, the car grips the corners like the tires have crazyglue on them, it's a really entertaining drive!
On the other hand, the car grips the corners like the tires have crazyglue on them, it's a really entertaining drive!
#10
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The sales rep is really pushing the 3.2, almost won't talk about the 4.2 - he says its hard to get 4.2, that the 3.2 offers very good power - more than enough for the car, that it is a better value, can use regular or premium and that it offers better gas mileage. I think it may also have something to do with his ability to move a car that is in stock or tradeable to another dealer for one I want. He naturally does not want to do an order. He also says they will not discount the 4.2 but can give 1,500.00 off sticker on a 3.2, making it an even better value so no reason to even look at a 4.2- his words.