I am looking at replacing my current vehicle and was prepared to order a MY13 S4. However the styling of the new A6 really caught my attention. Yesterday I had the opportunity to test-drive one with the 3.0T engine non-sport version. For my area, unless the customer custom orders a sport (18-20" rims) dealers go for the standard configuration of Premium Plus, Nav and cold weather with either powertrain. I have a few observations and questions for the forum members.

At low speeds the steering, to me, was over-boosted. I played with the settings between auto and dynamic but didn't notice much of a change. If it the design of the car, is there a change by opting for the sport pkg?

The automatic transmission, while smooth, was very eager to shift rather than holding gears. There was a sport mode but this seemed to allow for "manual" shifting vs. a more aggressive automatic shifting profile. I have experiences with BMW's and like their sport mode. That is to be able to hold a gear in corners and/or allow for higher rev's before shifting.

Sport differential, is it standard on a sport model. I've read conflicting information on this. Perhaps it is by location (states vs. Europe).

Sport seats, I was spoiled as a former BMW owner but I love their seats. Can this be ordered as a standalone option?

I suspect the answer to most (if not all) of my questions is wait for the S6. However the engine in the 3.0T would be powerful enough. It just seems a bit restricted to the design goal of improved fuel economy.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

The sport mode in the a6 hold gears much longer and will select lower gears than regular drive, everything else held constant.

I happen to find sport mode extremely sporty and does exactly as you had wished in your post... Holding gears, etc.

The transmission takes some time to adapt to your driving style so it may just not be set up quite right. I don't suspect you would be disappointed on this front. The sport pack also comes with paddle shifters and i use them all of the time. 8 gears is a lot to row your way through though.

As for the overboosted steering, its electric and does tighten itself up at speed. That will not change with the sport pack, although sitting an inch lower on toghter springs might make the car feel different.

The seats are what they are. The two options are with an without ventilation, which you get in the prestige.

Hope this helps.

The sport differential is a Europe only option, which is a shame.

 

Are you sure you were in sport mode? It sounds like you were in "D" and then only tried the manual shift mode.

The true "Sport" mode in this car is accessed by putting it in drive and then pulling the shifter towards the back of the car (or "down"). The dash display will change from "D" to "D" with an "S" above it...then the revs will hang for a bit longer.

 

Based on this information, I was not in sport mode. I moved the lever to the right putting it in manual mode. During the test drive I asked the salesperson and he stated "it was sport mode".

I plan on giving the A6 another road test. This time with better information.

Those that have come from an B8 S4, what do you miss?

 

I don't have an A6 yet, but have a B8 S4 and did a long test drive of the A6. The 8sp automatic is not nearly as good as the DSG, and cornering is slightly worse due to lack of a sport diff. It seemed like the sport suspension was tuned softer, but not much more so. I had assumed the A6 would feel slower off the line but strong at highway speeds, but actually noticed the opposite. From a start it felt very quick, but 70-90mph started to drag. Overall, it just drives like a bigger car (but not a heavier one). That said, I think the A6 is a much better complete package than the S4. I'm just jealous of the Euro buyers who can get a sport diff and DSG.

 

^ good to know... I was originally going to get a B8 S4... but opted for the A6 instead...

I personally love a "sporty" sedan, but wanted something bigger... and the technology and interior on the C7 are worlds better than the S4. Plus the LED headlights are so cool