Mad AR

I actually liked the look of a new A-6 when I first saw it this summer in Monaco. Finally got a chance to test drive new A-6 4.2L last week.
Up-front it looks much better than on the pictures. The grill is actually sitting very low, so it does not have that M300 bulldoser look. Under no circumstances I would put a US front license plate on this car. It is going to destroy the look.
The gaps between body parts are vurtually non-existent which contributes to a very sleek look.
Wheel arches are also pretty tight. Front overhang is much shorter. Inside the design is very hip. Lots of fine aluminum inserts. Very modern, fresh, and upscale at the same time. Driver oriented cockpit (vs. stupid BMW new design) with simple legible elegant instuments. Very legible contrasty nav display. Everything looks very much like A-8 but sportier inside. Seats are OK with the same controls as in AR.
I have never driven an Audi V-8 before. I kind of expected a little more oompff off the line comparing to 2.7 allroad. Part of it is probably the fact that allroad is very short-geared + turbo accelered acceleration that we all love so much. The tranny is a real treat though. No tip lag, no annoying delayed neck-snapping double downshifts. Silky smooth 6-speed automatic like it is supposed to be. Acceleration is satisfying provided that it is a 335hp engine. Suspension is very tight, cornering is flat, rubber is 245/45/18 which felt adequate on dry pavement. No pneumatic suspension available yet :-)
Bring on an allroad based on this platform, I am ready for it! Or I should say I will be ready for it in november 05 when my lease expires.

ar2002

Did they fix the poor ly-designed HVAC & stereo controls of current models?

Mean Green Machine

Yes they did. Most conrols are in the MMI system.
My impressions are the same as ar2002. Very nice car. This car should but MB and BMW on their heels. I am about to order a 2005 A6 next week to coinside with the end of my lease- I will miss my allgreen allroad.