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Audi A6: the tax-efficient executive business car

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25 February 2011

Audi A6 3.0TDI S line

Audi A6 3.0TDI S line

Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro S line 245PS S tronic

What is it?

AUDI’S answer to the all-conquering BMW 5-Series. The new Audi A6 is made of more lightweight aluminium than ever before, so it’s faster yet cheaper to run and better on company car tax. It gets a smart new A8-style body and a classy cabin with all models getting satnav as standard. Engines range from a front-wheel drive £30,145 2.0-litre diesel SE through the 3.0-litre turbo petrol right up to the 3.0-litre diesel quattro S line tested here, priced at £41,450.

What’s hot?

  • Looks better than its predecessor with a sleek but sharp shape…
  • …complete with LED running lights
  • Cabin is first class. All materials are superb and as well as satnav…
  • …there’s standard Bluetooth, climate control and 17-inch alloys
  • Options include night vision and lane keep assist
  • S line models get a bodykit, 18-inch alloys and lowered suspension
  • More room than before with space for two six-footers in the back
  • Drive Select allows you to tweak the steering, throttle and gearbox
  • Range-topping 242bhp diesel does 0-60mph in seven seconds…
  • …yet returns almost 50mpg with emissions 158g/km of CO2…
  • That means it’s under key 160g/km leasing and writing down tax break
  • Four-wheel drive gives real security, handling is safe
  • Amazingly quiet and comfortable on the motorway

What’s not?

  • The steering is lifeless, no matter the Drive Select mode you choose…
  • …and a 5-Series just manages to be so much more fun, as does a Jag XF
  • S line models have a very stiff ride too
  • Lacks the individuality you’d want from a £40,000 car

What you need to Know?

P11D Value: 41,240
Monthly Rental*: 580 (CH)/£696 (PCH)
Tax Band when posted: 23%, 24%, 25%
Monthly BiK: Click link for BIK
Engine: 3.0 V6 turbo diesel
CO2 Emissions: 158g/km
Power/torque: 245PS/500Nm
Economy: 47.1mpg

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

The new Audi A6 may not have the edge on the BMW 5-Series when it comes to the driving experience, but it manages to distil all the luxury and quality of the A8 flagship model into a smaller package. Other big pluses are the standard satnav, low running costs and excellent residuals. If it was more fun to drive and had more personality, it’d be the class leader – but it’s still a very desirable executive business car.

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Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

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