Audi A6 S line
"All things considered, the Audi A6 S line is the best trim to go for in the range. Its diesel engines are all economical and it costs less than similarly equipped rivals."
The Audi A6 S line is the mid-range point in the model's line-up, adding an element of sportiness to the executive saloon's range. The A6 competes against the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class in this hotly contested class and it certainly has a few tricks up its sleeve.
The S line trim is Audi's way of demonstrating it can trickle down the sporting credentials of its S models across the range. The A6 S line features similar exterior styling to the S6, including a discreet bodykit and larger alloy wheels. Also present is a sports suspension set-up, which we think is overly stiff. If you can afford it, choose the adaptive air suspension when speccing your model.
Standard equipment includes electric heated sports seats and rain-sensing wipers. Items like DAB radio and sat nav also come as standard, so the S line certainly doesn't skimp on kit. That's the reason why the this is probably the best A6 to go for, unless you can't help but get distracted by the Black Edition's racier alloy wheel designs or unique colour finishes.
Only diesel engines are available to A6 buyers, but the range includes the hyper-efficient 2.0-litre TDI ultra (which emits around 110g/km of CO2 and manages 65mpg depending on your gearbox choice) and the powerful 315bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged BiTDI version with Audi's famous quattro four-wheel-drive. That model still returns a decent 46.3mpg.
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Good points
Generous standard kit means you get pretty much all you need in the S line, making higher trim levels unnecessary. And as the S line is in the middle of the range, it's comparatively cheaper than similar trim levels of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class.All engine options are efficient given their respective sizes: even the full-fat twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel returns a decent 46mpg.The fit and finish inside is excellent and all materials used feel both durable and great to touch.
Bad points
Almost all current Audis suffer from a very stiff ride due to their sporty suspension set-ups. The Audi A6 is no different and although that makes it handle well, it results in longer drives becoming a bit tiresome.Be careful when choosing which optional extras to include - additional equipment doesn't come cheap and can ruin the balance between luxury and affordability.
What you get
- Alloy wheels
- Folding rear seats
- Electric folding wing mirrors
- Alarm
- Rear parking sensors
- Tyre pressure sensors
- Passenger & Driver airbag
- Front side airbags
- Curtain airbags
- Front fog lights
- Auto climate control
- Full leather seats
- Leather steering wheel
- Height adjustable driver's seat
- Electric driver's seat
- Heated front seats
- Front electric windows
- Single CD player
- AUX stereo input
- DAB Radio
- Cruise control
- Sat nav
- Stop/Start
- Automatic wipers
- Sports suspension
- Sports seats
- Rear electric windows
- Bluetooth
Recommended optional extras
- Adaptive Air Suspension
Our choice
It would be difficult to suggest anything other than the 2.0-litre TDI Ultra diesel. That engine still ensures the A6 has enough poke, but is also capable of 65mpg. CO2 emissions are a paltry 114g/km, too, so road tax only costs £30 a year.
