Audi A6 C7 Sedan 2.8 FSI mu Review: Smooth operator

With a retractable screen for the MMI operating system and controls for the infotainment system all placed around the gear selector, the A6 features a cleaner, less fussy look for its cabin when compared to the 5 Series or the E-Class. The wraparound dashboard is shared with the A7 Sportback, which means a nice, driver oriented cockpit feel to the pleasant driving environment. Like in the A7, dashboard and door card inlay options include brilliant looking textured wood that Audi says, is only possible to make thanks to modern technologies. The standard gloss wood inlays on the 2.8 FSI though, look a tad conventional and possibly boring when compared to optional inserts available.

No other mass manufacturer does cabins better than Audi and the A6’s classy and luxurious interior ambience is another testament to that. It feels expensive, exquisite and special in here thanks to choice materials and surfaces that not only look good but also are tactile and soft to the touch. At the rear, occupants will have hardly any complaints about any lack of head and legroom – there’s more room in here when compared to the previous model. The boot area is also very long – you won’t need split/folding rear seat backs for the boot to gobble up the obligatory full golf set.

True to its entry-level status, the 2.8 FSI not only makes do without the 3.0 TFSI’s MMI Touch navigation system but also offers simpler controls for the dual zone climate control system (four zone in the 3.0 TFSI) as well as a smaller LCD screen for the retractable MMI display.

Despite featuring a smooth and refined V6 motor, the entry-level A6 is a significant $70k more affordable than the fully loaded 3.0 TFSI quattro. For those who want that extra dose of V6 refinement and smoothness in their entry-level A6, the 2.8 FSI should make for an even better proposition than the impending four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI model.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai