Steve'sA6

I test drove both the 3.2 and the 4.2 extensively before ultimately going with the 3.2.
If you drive the cars hard back to back, there is no question how much stonger the V8 is than the 6 - you feel it at the low end (torque) and it keeps on pulling all the way (horsepower).

Having said that, the 3.2 is a great engine, and has a nice linear pull to it (unlike the all or nothing feel of the turbos). I had an '99 A6 Q -that car was clearly underpowered. The 3.2 is not underpowered, the car moves, especially if you use the sport setting or the tip. For day to day driving, I decided the 3.2 would be more than adequate.

Other factors to consider -

1. If you are leasing your car, the lease rate on the 3.2 is much better (.0014) than the 4.2 (.0022), and the residuals are the same. Given the price differential on a comparably equipped 4.2 ($6,000) and the leasing difference, it made a huge difference in the monthly nut.

2. Forget the EPA gas mileage, if you drive the car hard, the 4.2 will probably get in the low teens.

3. The dealer had the car I wanted - Black with Amaretto (very hard to find). If I ordered the car with the 4.2, I would have had to wait until the late spring.

If the monthly lease price had been closer, and if a 4.2 with the color and features I wanted had been on the dealer's lot, would I have gone for the 4.2? Maybe, but I don't regret my decision.

I have the 18" wheels - they look great. But, I'm still not sure about the ride quality. A little too much road feel and noise on conceret pavement. But, the handling is fantastic for such a large vehicle, a vast improvement over the last generation A6.

The MMI is great, very intuitive for anyone who is use to menu driven devices. The car is so much more solid feeling than my '99. XM Radio is worth every penny of the monthly fee. I like the Advanced Key, but not sure it's worth the extra money. Brakes are stronger with better pedal feel (they even apply themselves lightly in rainy conditions to keep the rotors dry).

I've had the car for 4 days, so if anyone has any other questions, feel free to ask.

Good luck.

nirad

then it won't open up and develop maximum power until it has a couple of thousand miles on it.

Sarge

I really love the A8, but the driving experience in the A6 sounds superior. I have to wonder how the A6 4.2 would compare with the A8 4.2 SWB (short wheel base, v. the 'A8L').

To hear comparisons to BMW 330 steering feel is sure a high compliment. My wife's 330Ci is the most perfect driving 'daily' car I've ever driven, the rection and sinuous dynamics are that of a lean, toned, muscular athlete. Excellent tactile sensations and sense of connectedness to the activity at hand.

And this is from a long time Audi fan, and first time BMW owner. That car is wonderful (cheapish interior bits notwithstanding).

JerryS4

To fully get the fun out of the 3.2L, drive it in sport mode setting on the shifter. This is the only way I drive mine and makes the car respond faster. I only use the "D" setting on the highway to maximise the mileage.

JerryS4

and automatically gives you a better response, try it, it is fun, fun, fun! Just make sure the engine is warmed us since it likes to rev on this setting.

Ming 2.7T

To be competitive with others out there in performance.
Just the straight line stuff I am talking about. And I know that straight line is not everything. But if they want to attract buyers HP does sell.

JerryS4

If you like a larger car and can aford it, the A8 is like butter. Voted car of the year by Motor Trend, it beats the BMW 745. The car is perfect in driving feel, acceleration and handling - due to the electronic suspension. I agree with you that BMW is the BEST in this department but the A8 is close.

The A6 is less refined but more to my liking, size and price wise. It is the best looking in this class. The perfect car, IMHO, will be the upcomming A6 4.2L with the electronic suspension.