Discussion over Audi A8 as a service vehicle: envisioning a more satisfactory situation if Schellhorn opted for an A6 instead
Hit the Road in Style: Audi A6 vs Audi A8 - Your Ultimate Guide
It's a fresh start, and we're jumping straight into the deep end. Audi unveiled the new A6, a heavy-hitting contender in the C-segment and the preferred choice for many company cars, this week. But our state secretary, Sepp Schellhorn, isn't impressed, opting instead for the Audi A8. So, we're not driving the test drive - we're getting driven.
We take our seat in the back, the domain of the pampered passenger. This is where federal presidents, top honchos, chancellors, and ministers reside, often ensconced in German-made cars that rule the roost in the German-speaking region. Even the German chancellor, while treated equally, commands a fleet that includes an Audi A8, a Mercedes S-Class, and a BMW 7 Series. But these rides come equipped with top-notch armor and safety equipment, a luxury unavailable in Austria.
Audi A8 - Can It Make the Cut for Neos State Secretary Schellhorn?
To understand the comfort and space offered by the new A6, we hopped into the backseat. At 1.66m tall, there's ample room for comfortable seating. The rear backrest to the adjusted front seat is approximately 95 centimeters, and the deep bench leaves enough room for the thighs. There's also decent legroom, about 20 centimeters in front of the knees, and enough headroom, around 25 centimeters above the head. Unfortunately, our feet don't fit under the front seat, as it's a tad too low.
The backseat offers a separate control panel for climate control, powerful LED lights in the roof for nighttime use, a foldable center console with integrated cup holders, and a comfortable atmosphere thanks to high-quality materials. However, the super-luxury experiences found in the A8 are noticeably absent. Everything in the A6 is tasteful, Audi-quality, and well-equipped, but it lacks the luxury class feel of the A8. In an airplane, the A6 would be business class, the A8 - first class.
The new A6 is surprisingly quiet on the road, a testament to its excellent soundproofing. A relaxed conversation with the driver is possible, and the navigation and assistance systems lend a helping hand without being intrusive. The control panels and screen extend in front of the driver, and the vehicle handles the road with stability and finesse.
The A6: A Revamped and Improved Sedan
The A6 has long held the title of market leader in the C-segment. For Brand Leader Thomas Beran, the goal is to reclaim this position, with sales to corporate customers playing a crucial role. With its impressive 4,999 cm length and 2,917 cm long wheelbase, the A6 offers extremely high ride comfort, says developer Andreas Sticht at the presentation. In addition, the Audi A6 Avant boasts almost perfect aerodynamics, with a 0.23 cW value (for the sedan) and 0.25 (for the Avant), making it a top performer in its class.
We switch gears and step into the driver's seat to test the new A6's driving behavior. The vehicle proves to be exceptionally stable, direct, and comfortable to drive. The steering is swift, and the feedback from the road is immediate. There's no nervousness whatsoever in normal driving. It's particularly enjoyable due to the firm suspension, which ensures a direct connection between the steering wheel and the tires.
Audi A6 Avant: 150 kW (204 PS), 1,984 cm³ displacement, consumption 8.5-7.2 l/100 km, starting at €66,199
Audi A6 Avant TDI: 150 kW (204 PS), 1,968 cm³ displacement, consumption 6.1-5.1 l/100 km, starting at €66,151
Audi A6 Avant quattro: TDI 150 kW (204 PS), 1,968 cm³ displacement, consumption 6.2-5.3 l/100 km, starting at €71,176
Audi A6 Avant quattro: TFSI 270 kW (367 PS), 2,995 cm³ displacement, consumption 8.4-7.0 l/100 km, starting at €91,701
Audi and the A6 in the Austrian Market
The first three months of 2025 were a win for Audi. With 4,779 new registrations and a market share of 7.3 percent, the four rings solidified their position, securing fourth place in the overall market and second place among premium brands. The A6 model range contributed to this success, having been at the forefront of the upper midsize class since its debut 57 years ago with the Audi 100. In the Austrian market, the A6 has recorded over 140,000 new registrations since 1969. The Audi A6 has been on the market since 2018, and in 2024, it topped the segment with 1,511 new registrations. The A6 Avant accounted for over 10 percent of the segment's total volume, with almost 85 percent of these being the Avant.
The Audi A8 starts at €121,365 in Austria, placing it in a different league from the A6.
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Insights
- Audi A6 Sedan and Audi A6 Avant (wagon) are available options within Audi's lineup.
- The Audi A6 offers a balance of comfort, performance, and technology, making it a suitable choice for business trips.
- The Audi A8 is a luxury flagship, providing a focus on high-end amenities, advanced safety features, and powerful performance.
- The Audi A8 L is larger and features a spacious cabin with premium materials and advanced technology.
- The Audi A6's Aerodynamics and agile handling make it suitable for city traffic, while the Audi A8 is more stable at high speeds.
References:[1] https://www.audi.com/us/models/a6.html[2] https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2022-audi-a6-all-road-review[3] https://www.autobild.de/test-fahrten/audi-a6-avant-impressiv-modellkreiser-der-oberen-mittelklasse-10640287.html[4] https://www.autobild.de/preise/preisliste-neuwagen/audi-preise-6360594.html[5] https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2021-audi-a8-long-test-drive-review
- In the realm of luxury: If one is looking for the traditional Audi luxury experience, the Audi A8 might be a more fitting choice, offering top-notch amenities and first-class features that are absent in the A6.
- For the home and garden enthusiast: While Audi is renowned for its automobiles, some might find joy in exploring the A6's practical counterparts. The Audi A6 Avant boasts almost perfect aerodynamics, making it a top performer in its class and a potential candidate for transporting home-and-garden goods with ease.
- Electric Future: As we move towards a more sustainable lifestyle, both Audi A6 and Audi A8 offer electric vehicle options. The Audi A6 Avant quattro, for instance, comes with a TFSI 270 kW (367 PS) engine, delivering impressive performance while keeping carbon emissions in check, catering to the preferences of those striving for a greener Other lifestyle.
