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Audi A6 40 TDI Quattro Black Edition 4dr S Tronic [Tech] Review

Why the overall winner won

Best small SUV

Best family car

Best small electric car

Best luxury car

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In this entry-level 201bhp 2.0-litre diesel form, the A6 is a tad slow off the mark, but only because its standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox hesitates when you put your foot down. It's plenty brisk enough thereafter, though with 0-62mph taking 8.1sec, and more efficient than the equivalent BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class in real-world conditions. Automatic only, but available with front or four-wheel drive.

40 TDI Quattro

Saloon

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Based on S line, Black Edition adds 20in alloy wheels, black exterior detailing with tinted rear windows and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. We wouldn’t bother as the big wheels don’t do the ride any favours.

Black Edition

40 TDI Quattro Black Edition 4dr S Tronic [Tech]

40-tdi-quattro-black-edition-4dr-s-tronic-tech

4 way electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger

ISOFIX child seat mounting and Top Tether with front passenger airbag deactivation

Electrically adjustable front seats with driver memory

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) including ABS, ASR and EDL

Airbags - Front side, front and rear including head

Audi smartphone interface includes wireless Apple carplay/Android Auto

Audi parking system plus - acoustic and visual park assist system for front and rear

Electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors with driver memory function and integrated LED indicators

Tour pack - A6 Black Edition/S6/S6 Black Edition

Audi A6

The A6 is quiet, spacious and an impressive luxury car all round, and will also cost you far less than most rivals. Granted, it’s not the most enjoyable car in the class to drive, but it’s up there with the most comfortable, which is arguably more important.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plush ride and the ability to cruise in near-silence </li> <li>Powerful and efficient engine</li> <li>Space for passengers to stretch out in the rear seats</li> <li>Exquisite materials and build quality</li> <li>Endless luxuries on the options list</li> <li>Sensible fuel and tax bills</li></ul>

If you’re in the market for a luxury car, you’ll be after a sumptuous interior, a ride that can soak up the worst of the UK’s pockmarked roads and supreme refinement that allows you to travel at speed in near-silence.

Your cheapest (and smallest) options are the Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class and brilliant BMW 5 Series, the latter of which is so good we voted it our 2017 Car of the Year. Larger options that are definitely worth considering if you plan to travel in the back include the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and the Mercedes S-Class, which is beautifully finished inside and not as expensive to run as you might think.

Or if money really is no object at all, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is hard to overlook – especially in extended-wheelbase form. It’s as opulent as cars get.

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

Audi A6 40 TDI Quattro Black Edition 4dr S Tronic [Tech] Review

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