Verdict
The Audi A6 saloon is more comfortable than the BMW 5-Series, but less fun to drive. It's packed with impressive technology, including in-car Wi-Fi.

Expert rating: 4.0

Pros
• Refined
• Comfortable
• Impressive technology

Cons
• Not fun to drive
• Costly options
• Firm S line suspension

Full Review
1. Exterior: 4/5
The rear is less elegant than the model it replaces. All models feature Audi's trademark lighting strip in the front and rear lights, and all come with alloy wheels 17 or 18 inches in diameter, although 19s are available optionally.

2. Interior: 5/5
Audi is known for the quality of its interiors, and the materials used, plus the fit and finish are as good as the very best. The dials are all easy to read, and a colour screen in the main instrument cluster offers all kinds of driver information, but is never distracting.

3. Practicality: 3/5
The interior of the A6 is spacious enough for four adults to travel long distances in comfort, with excellent leg, head and shoulder room. The 530-litre boot is large and compares well with rivals, although it's hampered by a small opening.

4. Ride and handling: 3/5
The A6 is a comfortable car, supressing engine, road and wind noise well, but larger wheels compromises ride comfort. The 17-inch alloys give a more supple ride, but the optional 19 inchers make things quite harsh. The standard suspension does a good job, but enthusiasts should opt for the adjustable air suspension. Audi's quattro four-wheel drive provides plenty of grip, although front-wheel drive models are still capable on damp roads.

5. Performance: 3/5
Three of the four engines available at launch displace three litres, but the entry-level 175bhp 2-litre diesel will account for over 70 per cent of UK sales. It's a smooth engine with lively acceleration and a 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds. The 3-litre diesel with either 201 or 242bhp and petrol with 296bhp are quick, the last taking just 5.5 seconds to hit 62mph.

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6. Running costs: 5/5
Audi says the A6 is the class leader for fuel efficiency and emissions. The highlight is the 2-litre TDI, which returns an impressive 57.7mpg while emitting only 129g/km of CO2. Even the 201bhp 3-litre TDI diesel returns 47.1mpg and emits just 137g/km. The 190g/km petrol model is most expensive to tax. Used values are among the best in class too.

7. Reliability: 4/5
While the car is new, most engines and technology are prevalent in the Audi range, where there have been few reliability issues. The car is impeccably built, inside and out and Audi has a customer satisfaction rating which continues to rise.

8. Safety: 5/5
The A6 is very technologically advanced. As well as the usual airbags and skid prevention electronics there's a new form of lane assist, which can automatically help to steer the car back to safety. A camera mounted in the windscreen can read road signs too.

9. Equipment: 4/5
Launch sees SE and S line trim levels, the first getting 17-inch alloys, stop & start, cruise control, park assist plus auto headlights and wipers. S line adds 18-inch alloys, firmer and lower suspension, sports leather seats, body styling kit and LED daytime running lights. Cutting-edge options in-car Wi-Fi hotspot with integrated Google Earth maps and sat-nav.

10. Why buy? 4/5
The Audi A6 is the world's biggest-selling executive car. It's more comfortable than a BMW 5-Series, more enjoyable to drive than a Mercedes E-Class and features some hard to ignore technology, including in-car Wi-Fi.