Audi’s midsize A6 Sedan may be the most underrated of Germany’s executive saloon Big Three. But that is rather the point — understated luxury.

Singapore — I think it was around three years ago, at the Audi House of Progress exhibition (yes, this was an actual event before Audi decided to port the name over to its showrooms), that I was told about Audi’s planned nomenclature change. Cars with combustion engines would take on odd numbers, while its electric vehicles would use even numbers.

So the car I’m reviewing here would technically have been an Audi A7 — except that it isn’t. Before Audi rolled back on the decision to keep things the way we have always known them, the Audi A5 did slip through.

So, what about the A6?

It is a handsome saloon, sporting a massive honeycomb grille that somehow feels cohesive with the rest of the executive sedan’s styling. Like the A5 and Q5 SUV, the A6 has adopted more organic edges as Audi cycles through its new ‘Radical Next’ design philosophy.

From the side, the A6 retains the traditional window layout, complete with rear quarter glass. The quattro blisters have been toned down considerably, lending the saloon a more fluid profile.

At the rear, the bootlid gets a raised lip that doubles as a subtle spoiler, while a light bar stretches across the width of the boot to tie the tail lights together.

It is not a design that screams for attention, but it is sophisticated and it has presence.

Less shiny metal bits where it matters

The first thing that grabs your attention inside is the massive display panel, which houses the 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit and 14.5-inch Audi Multi Media Interface touchscreen. The system now runs on Android Automotive OS, bringing a wider range of connected features to the cabin.

Both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported, alongside voice controls. The latter is reasonably accurate, although it still has a little way to go before matching what BMW’s system can do.

Audi’s build quality continues to impress. This time around, however, there are more piano-black surfaces and less brushed aluminium. The shift-by-wire gear selector, first seen in the e-tron GT, has also become a familiar sight across Audi’s range.

If I have one complaint about the user interface, it is the air-conditioning controls. These are now a cluster of virtual buttons at the base of the touchscreen. They look neat enough, but physical controls are still easier to use without having to take your eyes off the road. Some things do not need fixing simply because a touchscreen can accommodate them.

At the rear, passengers get heaps of room to stretch their legs, despite the A6 having the shortest wheelbase among its peers — including the Lexus ES.

Comfortable, yet engaging

Power comes from the familiar EA888-family 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, producing 201hp and 340Nm. Unlike its German rivals who utilise torque converter transmissions, Audi pairs this engine with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

The gearbox shifts quickly, yet manages to do so with a creamy smoothness that suits the car rather well. Even under hard acceleration, its changes remain impressively seamless.

Interestingly, while the previous A6 offered mild-hybrid technology, this time around the fuel-saving electrical assistance is reserved for the 3.0-litre V6 variant.

The A6 sits on Audi’s PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) architecture, which means its engine is mounted longitudinally. In keeping with Audi tradition, however, this two-litre version sends its power to the front wheels rather than the rear.

Naturally, the executive saloon’s suspension is tuned for comfort. There is a certain satisfaction in the way the cabin remains calm, even when the road surface is less than ideal. It is the sort of car that lets you arrive at your destination feeling relaxed.

But if you need to be in a hurry, the A6 obliges. It feels responsive and, rather surprisingly, the suspension does not come across as wallowy. Turn-in is accurate, with minimal understeer despite the front-wheel-drive layout.

It is not pretending to be a sports saloon, but neither does it feel entirely detached from the person behind the wheel. For a car of this class, that balance is worth appreciating.

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Arguably the most refined

Beyond the quiet cabin and comfortable ride, much of the A6’s refinement comes down to the seamless gear changes of its dual-clutch transmission, rather than the torque-converter automatics used by its German counterparts.

The Lexus ES, meanwhile, has the benefit of stepless ratios from its planetary-gear CVT. Unfortunately, put your foot down and its engine can become rather vocal — a less-than-ideal soundtrack when the rest of the car is trying so hard to keep things serene.

The Audi’s drivetrain feels more composed in this respect. Its engine and gearbox work together without drawing unnecessary attention to themselves, which is precisely what you want from an executive saloon.

The A6 is understated, but that is its magic. It does not need to shout about its luxury. It simply gets on with the business of being comfortable, composed and quietly capable.

And sometimes, that is more than enough.

Text and Photos: Clifford Chow

ProsCons
Refined driveNo fuel-sipping MHEV tech
Spacious cabin and decent techInterior can be a fingerprint magnet
Understated eleganceSome bits of trim could be better executed

Audi A6 Sedan 2.0 Advanced TFSI S T tronic

DrivetrainPetrol
Layout1,984cc, in-line 4
Motor power / torque201hp / 340Nm
Transmission7-Speed S tronic
Efficiency13km/l
Fuel Capacity56 Litres
0-100km/h8.2 Seconds
Top Speed244km/h
VES BandC1
DealerAudi Singapore
PriceS$418,999 without COE, with VES
VerdictUnderstated refinement and charm