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Audi A6 (C5 A6)

C5 A6

Make: Audi

Model: A6

Released: Jan 1970

Discontinued: Jan 2002

Audi logo1 Nov 1997

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

Exquisite detail to all facets of design was an absolute priority at Audi during this period, and the C5 A6 proved this with its TT Coupe Concept-inspired silhouette, beautiful proportion and excellent quality control.

Along with the A4 and TT, this generation A6 helped cement Audi as a luxury car player locally, but some critics were less impressed with some (front-wheel drive) models’ ride and handling traits against the class-leading BMW 5 Series.

Quattro models eschewed the simple torsion beam rear suspension for a sophisticated multi-link set-up.

Once again an Avant wagon (from October 1998) was also offered, as well as a new 121kW/230Nm 2.4 30V V6 (replacing the previous 2.6 V6 motor), complementing the existing 142kW/280Nm 2.8 30V V6 engine.

Both were mated to a five-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox.

Other high-tech features included Electronic Brake Force Distribution aligned to the anti-lock brakes, and electronic diff lock, traction control and an electronic stability control on the top-line 2.8 quattro.

A small specification upgrade that included side airbags kicked in during late 1999, while in April 2000 the 4.2 V8 quattro sedan variant was introduced, powered by a 220kW/400Nm 4172cc unit mated to a five-speed Tiptronic transmission.

For high-performance fans, a flagship S6 4.2 V8 quattro sedan arrived in early 2001, belting out 250kW and 420Nm.

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