The first generation A6 (a facelifted Audi 100) was a good car, well thought of in motoring circles. The second generation (1997-2004) was a different proposition altogether, in a very positive way, being positioned against the BMW 5 series and the Mercedes E class. This new A6 presented itself with a wide range of engines and configurations. The crisp 30-valve 2.4 and 2.8 V6 engines represented the bulk of the A6's development programme, with a multitude of other engine configurations available throughout the globe. As an alternative to the manual transmission, a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission was also available. The new A6 was released in 2005. Designed by Walter de'Silva, the new model is visually an evolution of the previous one, but is longer (492 cm), incorporates the new Audi trademark single-frame grille, and features more sophisticated technology. Most notable is the MMI (Multi Media Interface) which is a system controlling in-car entertainment, satellite navigation, climate control, car settings such as suspension configuration and optional electronic accessories through a central screen interface. This has the advantage of minimizing the wealth of buttons normally found on a dashboard by replacing them with controls which operate multiple devices using the integrated display. |
