Audi A6 2.0 TDI SE

What is it?

THE Audi A6 has always stood in the executive car shadow of the BMW 5 Series – beaten on desirability and driving dynamics, the A6 has always been a fine car but never class-leading. The new Audi A6 2.0 TDI changes that: with elegant A8 styling, stop-start fuel-saving technology and lightweight aluminium and steel construction providing a kerb weight unequalled in the sector – a 140kg saving (or two average adults) over its nearest rival – the new A6 has class-leading CO2 emissions of 129g/km, the same as the BMW 520d SE. The new Audi A6 2.0 TDI is tested here in SE trim, priced from £30,145 on the road.

What’s hot?

• Elegant A8 style gives new A6 restrained and understated appearance
• Beautifully crafted interior matches serene driving experience
• Ride and handling is a revelation for Audi business car users…
• …used to a firm and unforgiving ride: new A6 absorbs bumps fuss-free
• Fuel-saving stop-start system similarly unobtrusive in action
• Providing economy of 57.6mpg (our mixed driving average was 45mpg)
• And 129g/km CO2 for a company car tax rating of 18% for 2011/12
• Business car users also benefit from a vast array of standard equipment
• With SE there’s 17 inch alloys, Milano leather, Bluetooth, anti-skid ESP…
• …sat-nav with 6.5-inch colour display, parking sensors, light sensors
• Spirited mid-range surge from turbo 2.0-litre thanks to 380Nm torque
• Expansive rear seating, even for six footers
• Plus large boot space with standard split-fold to expand load area

What’s not?

• Underlying diesel gruffness still audible
• Direct steering remains lifeless
• Conservative styling may count against it
• Budget for desirable options such as £1500 technology package

What you need to Know?

P11D Value:	30,090
Monthly Rental*:	400 (CH)/£480 (PCH)
Tax Band when posted:	18%, 19%, 20%
Monthly BiK:	Click link for BIK
Engine:	2.0-litre turbo 4cyl diesel
CO2 Emissions:	129g/km
Power/torque:	177PS/380Nm
Economy:	57.6mpg

Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

This is the Audi A6 to step out of the BMW 520d’s shadow and take its own share of glory at the top step of the executive car rostrum. This is the first Audi A6 to really stand toe-to-toe with its BMW rival: there’s the same low 18% company car tax band as the BMW and the same ability to stretch fuel economy to astonishing lengths for executive class cars. Where they differ is the driving experience: the BMW is the more engaging to drive in a spirited manner, whereas the A6 is the quieter, more serene executive experience but now enhanced by a ride quality to match the classy interior ambience.

If you still can’t decide which you would prefer, then consider this tie-decider: according to our lease car quotation experts, Concept Vehicle Leasing, the Audi A6 2.0 TDI SE with a £399.99 a month monthly contract hire rate beats the BMW 520d SE (£405.99 a month) over a three year/30,000 mile lease giving the A6 the business car manager nod over the BMW 520d.

What was optional on our test car?

Phantom Black pearl effect paint – £750; Front sports seats – £665; Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function for driver’s side – £1310; Heated front seats – £390; Audi Music Interface – £260; Driver’s Information System (DIS) with 7-inch colour display – £410; CD changer in glove compartment – £440; Deluxe 4-zone automatic air conditioning – £680; Lighting package – £295; Cloth headlining in black – £270; Storage package – £105; Chrome tailpipes – £105; Through-load facility with removable ski/snowboard bag – £210; Exterior mirrors: heated, electrically adjustable, electrically folding with memory function – £235; Bi-Xenon headlights – £1240; Pre-sense basic – £260; 3-spoke leather trimmed multi-function Sports steering wheel – £115. On the road price including optional extras: £37,885.