snagitseven

Stopped back today to pu my wife's allroad from service and lo and behold, they just prepped their first 3.2,

Since my only prev test "drive" w/the 3.2 was on the track, I had to jump in for a drive on the lovely roads of Massachusetts. This time it was just me and my wife, no salesman to scare.

I confirmed the things I stated in my orig post - the 3.2 was smoother and quieter altho it had a nice rumble as it climbed out. One thing that surprised me is the take off from stop was faster than I remembered from the track 2 weeks ago. I could be dead wrong, but it felt about as fast off the line as my 2.7t (not the allroad...) and more importantly, it was very close to the 2.0 (flame retardant suit engaged). I was very pleasantly surprised. I had recently drove a 2008 A6 3.2 that felt anemic by comparison. They have definitely tweaked this engine compared to LY's 255 hp version (as you A5 guys already know).

This time, w/o the saleman, I was able to find some twisty, narrow back roads. The good news is this car is planted. I'm very impressed. While no sport pkg or ADS and only 17" wheels, the A4 felt like it was on rails. My 2.7t is no handling slouch but the A4 was significantly better balanced and stuck to the road. And this with a heavier V6 under the hood. 18" wheels should make it that much better. I can't imagine what a sport package can add unless you are at the track or aiming for trees until the last second.

You manual folks could do much worse than the tip with either engine. (I know, I know....)

Bottom line is anyone who loves to drive, whether 2.0, 3.2, ADS, sport or whatever, is going to really enjoy driving this car. All the other stuff like B&O, MMI, ADS, Nav, AMI, and other alphabet soup, etc is gravy. The main freature is PDQ with great aplomb. Despite their other issues, Audi has pulled one off here.

BTW, they were lined up 3 deep at my dealership today to test drive 'em. When I pulled up from my drive, I felt like I was into the pits for a 24 hour of Le Mans driver swap.

Stretch 98

... is the sport seats.

justhacking

I traded in a 05 A6 3.2q Avant for the the A4 3.2q and initially I thought the new V6 is not as responsive as the old one. However, I think what happen is that Audi has taken people's criticism of the sharp throttle and brake action and make it much more progressive now.