Is Audi's A6 Showing Its AGE? What Will The Next-Gen A6 Have To Do In Order To Win The Mid-Size Executive Sedan Battle?

Is Audi's A6 Showing Its AGE? What Will The Next-Gen A6 Have To Do In Order To Win The Mid-Size Executive Sedan Battle?
In the world of new mid-size executive saloons, there has been a ton of activity and new model roll outs. Let's think: the brand spankin' new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the all-new 2011 BMW 5-Series and the all-new 2011 Infiniti M sedan.

Then there are the other guys who are not slouches neither: Hyundai Genesis, Cadillac CTS, Acura TL, Jaguar XF and Lexus' GS.

To say there is not a good selection is just a flat-out lie.

But one car that was high up on the list was the Audi A6. Having driven that car extensively, I am not alone when I say I thought that car was best-in-breed. But with the new guys looming, particularly the 2011 BMW 5-Series and 2011 Infiniti M, it is likely that the Audi will be turned into mush.

So, after taking a look at its competition -- past and present -- what will the all-new Audi A6 need to have and do in order to take out its rivals?








2011 BMW 335is Photo Gallery

2011 BMW 5-Series Photo Gallery

2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery

AutoSpies.com Photo Galleries

If you want to see your photos running on our homepage photo ticker, be sure to upload your photos on the go by sending them to Mobile@AutoSpies.com

Share on Facebook


 




BondMI6BondMI6 - 2/4/2010 9:59:36 PM
+2 Boost
A lot.

But let's face it- the A6 has never really been a popular model even though C&D rated it #1 recently in their test. The problem is that no matter how good they make the new model (and this is in doubt- the new A7 and A8 will more than likely steal the show)it still will have a hard time selling anywhere near the same units as the E-class and 5er(here in the States anyways.)
The A6 is a good car but to most people the "E" and new F10 are the standard and their sales results prove it.


VISOVISO - 2/5/2010 12:46:52 AM
-2 Boost
Hmm, yet annother hate Audi article at Autospies.com. First of all, the A6 has been the best selling car in its class globally for the last several years. The US market is not a really great example of its popularity globally. The new A6 will debut at the end of 2010. So, what't the point of your stupid anti-Audi bias post other than to knock Audi so you can make BMW look good.


I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 2/5/2010 4:44:32 PM
0 Boost
1995e34

WTF has FWD got to do with anything ?

Is a FWD 2.0 TDI A6 with 170bhp Somehow slower than the Many 520d that is sold in the UK and Europe ?




freeagentfreeagent - 2/4/2010 10:08:46 PM
+2 Boost
the new A6 needs to finally address it's front/rear weight imbalance to be competitive dynamically with the rear-drive based competition.


AmericaAmerica - 2/5/2010 1:09:38 PM
0 Boost
But then they lose the cost savings of sharing components and platforms with their bargain brand just like toylex et al. Thus, the weight balance issue is never likely to be full addressed. BMW is not shackled to a low brand that it is born out of like Audi/VW, toylex, and all the rest so they can build each car from the ground up to meet very high engineering goals and not surprisingly, BMWs end up being best in class and rarely the cheapest in class. It comes down to scales of economy and commitment to goals.








I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 2/5/2010 4:47:49 PM
-1 Boost
Utter Nonsense

The RS2/RS4/RS6 has always been better than its competition from BMW.

POWER / GRIP / Top Speed / EveryDay Driveability.

Keep up the BS.




GermanNutGermanNut - 2/4/2010 10:16:49 PM
0 Boost
Sorry, but the Audi A6 already outsells the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-class worldwide.

Based on this fact Audi doesn't have to do anything - the A6 ALREADY WINS the executive-sedan battle.

The real question is: Did BMW do enough with its new 5er and Mercedes-Benz with its E-class to outsell Audi's A6 worldwide??

We will have to wait and see.


delandelan - 2/4/2010 10:49:18 PM
+2 Boost
I heart the A6. It is #1 in the running for my next car.


RNeekChicRNeekChic - 2/4/2010 11:18:15 PM
-2 Boost
What I've noticed is that the TL is now compared to the midsize group. Interesting maybe if things go "RIGHT" the next RL will compete with the big bros.


AudiNewEnglandAudiNewEngland - 2/4/2010 11:20:51 PM
+1 Boost
I don't even care, that red RS6 pictured is pure sex.


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 2/4/2010 11:29:37 PM
+1 Boost
Nobody pays attention to the a6, and not just because it's the next most boring car in its class. If it werent for that exaggerate bubble of a roofline, no one would be able to tell it from the 4 or 8. Aside from that, it has zero personality or soul. I remember very little about the a6 rental I had for a week, other than I couldnt WAIT to turn it back in.

It's long overdue for an overhaul, but nothing they do to it will put it on par with the big boys in the class; it'll always play back-up.



AutopinionAutopinion - 2/4/2010 11:49:56 PM
+4 Boost
I can't wait to see what audi does, especially with the a7 taking the proressive design route. Wasn't the a6 very progressive when it was intro'd in Germany in 98 (doesn't the current a6 - C6 - use the same greenhouse as the original c5?). I'm on my 3rd a6 and obviously love the car. Audi has been relatively conservative lately (a4, a8) and as the global leader in the segment my guess is that it will be another conservative balancing act for a product important in China, Germany and major upside opportunity in the US.


t_bonet_bone - 2/5/2010 1:07:32 AM
+6 Boost
I'd like it to lose about 600 lbs...


JUGNUJUGNU - 2/5/2010 8:57:28 AM
+2 Boost
I like what Audi have done with facelifted A6. I like the revised styling especially rear end and 3.0 Supercharged engine. Also RS6 looks very aggressive and is the best in it's class right now. I hope Audi offer the RS kit(S-line kit is not aggressive and different enough) for normal A6 just like AMG. You can have kit of S65 AMG on S350.

JUGNU


I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 2/5/2010 4:51:57 PM
-2 Boost
Piss Off

If you want RS Bodywork, Buy an RS Vehicle

If you cannot afford it, Buy an S-Line

I cannot stand people who want AMG / M / RS Bodykit and badging without the Powerplant to back it up.


I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 2/5/2010 4:56:41 PM
0 Boost
Because you American Clowns would strip the transmission and then Sue Audi for something or the Other.

Automatics are more IDIOT PROOF hence why they are offered as standard in the USA.

Ask yourself why in the rest of the world. Manual Transmissions are standard and Automatics are a Cost Option, but the USA the Reverse is the case ?

And we have more traffic, more reasons to need automatic transmissions cause of the constant start & stop.


I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 2/5/2010 9:56:28 PM
0 Boost
You are correct about the location of the I-95

I have clocked up quite a few thousand Miles and a couple Speeding Tickets on USA Interstates with a healthy % of those being on the I-95

Sad thing is, you guys have such Beautiful & Open Highways with many lanes going in each direction, yet are cursed with the worst Drivers on the Planet and the most Stupid Speed Limits ever seen in a Developed Country.

I have had the Luck of driving in Many Countries and i have never come across any that exhibit the paradox that is the USA Highway Network.

But i Guess Nobody's Perfect.

BTW I am British. {Just happen to travel a lot}


klipprandklipprand - 2/5/2010 10:33:40 AM
+6 Boost
lose weight ...


MeanVulcanMeanVulcan - 2/5/2010 11:30:24 AM
0 Boost
I agree (with some) that in order for Audi to STAY at the top (as it does around the world) it should loose some weight.

The good news is the they are already focused on this task and are taking the technological leadership in the field of light materials - as they did when they developed their ASF.


fatandsassyfatandsassy - 2/5/2010 11:31:24 AM
+1 Boost
I would love to see a sharper front with the new headlight design and an interior update, and add the A5 rear end styling.


OccarnutOccarnut - 2/5/2010 2:34:02 PM
-1 Boost
The new A6 will be a game changer. You heard it here.


I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 2/5/2010 5:01:38 PM
+2 Boost
Its a matter of taste.
I never liked the Previous E-Class, I don't like the Current One.
I love the Current 5-Series, I also like the New One.

I like everything about the A6, the Way it is understated and Solid. the lastest Facelift also sorted out the Rear which i think is better now.

I also understand some people would not care for it and i respect their choice.

They can go buy their Escalades, Navigators and other Bling Mobiles and leave us to our Understated Vehicles
Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC