First Drive: 2019 Audi A6 and Audi A7


It’s a twofer today. We trekked to Napa to sample the all-new 2019 Audi A6 and the 2019 Audi A7.
The luxury C-segment is an interesting space. Shoppers below it are pumped to enter the luxury car market, and those buying above are rewarding themselves for doing well financially. In the C-segment, you find people …sort of in the middle. This is where the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, and the all-new Audi A6 live.
To stand out, Audi needs to update the subtle styling of the A6. The tech inside has come a long way. The engine is more powerful yet delivers slightly better fuel economy. All around, the car is improved. But if it’s a bit plain Jane for you, Audi has another midsize trick up its sleeve with the Audi A7.
Both are basically the same car. Each one has a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Each backs up that engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. And each one packs Audi’s latest generation MMI interior tech spread across two (three if you count the gauge cluster) screens.
One stands out and the other blends in… any buyers can choose which one best suits their personality. Either way, Audi has created a strong entry focused on a type of luxury that’s not about showing off, but rather it’s about making your own life better on a daily basis.
[Disclaimer: Audi flew me up to the Bay Area to sample the new A6. This included lodging and food. The lodging and food got even better when we shuttled over to Napa to check out the A7.]

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4 responses to “First Drive: 2019 Audi A6 and Audi A7”

  1. Zentropy Avatar
    Zentropy

    Handsome, competent, pleasing cars. But those lights? They totally contradict your statement that “Audi has … focused on a type of luxury that’s not about showing off”. The lights are expressly about showing off. You don’t see that circus display if you’re the driver or a passenger. It’s bling, meant only to impress.

    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      Actually, the Matrix LED elements that are installed but not US legal are amazing. Audi is bending the light around cars and bikes. The road remains highly illuminated while you’re not blinding other drivers. It’s pretty nifty tech.
      Yes, the home and away functions are a bit on the show-off side. That point’s totally fair.

      1. Zentropy Avatar
        Zentropy

        If they make for good illumination and the home/away stuff is just superfluous, then I guess it’s worth it, and Audi engineers can be allowed their fun.