A6 3.0 TDI

Just as avant garde-looking as the exteriors are the gobsmacking insides. Again this is an Audi for sure but with some new shapes, new details and an even higher standard of fit and finish that makes you want to paw the cabin almost continuously. The wraparound design that starts with a wedge of wood on the doors is simply stunning and features from the A8, like the fabulous instrument cluster with the big screen in the centre straddled by raised dials, the touchpad control on the transmission tunnel and Audi’s new asymmetric chrome highlights, lift the mood of the cabin to a different class. And there is visual drama here too. The MMI screen, for example, pops out from behind the vents or can be tucked away to give back the clean look of the dash.

Long-limbed drivers will find themselves particularly comfortable behind the wheel. There is acres of space for the driver, adjusting the seat and steering wheel allows you to find the perfect driving position, and visibility is very good as well even when you reverse. The driver’s seat, however, doesn’t feel very large and that’s the case in the rear as well. Though the rear seat has loads of legroom and decent headroom too, it is set a touch too low and this adversely impacts under-thigh support. It’s comfy enough at the back but we feel the rear seat could have been slightly larger and offered more support.

Audi hasn’t stinted on features. Standard on the new A6 is the keyless entry and go, sunroof, four-zone climate control, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, leather seats, a 20GB hard drive and adaptive air suspension. You can equip it further with LED headlamps (as fitted to the test car), the MMI touchpad, DVD changer, reverse camera and a BOSE sound system. And, as expected, there is a long list of safety features too. It’s got ESP, ABS, six airbags, the Pre Sense system and of course the all-wheel-drive grip.  Strangely, there is no stop-start or energy recovery system on the diesel. These will feature on the petrol versions that will debut later though.