A6 Avant Black Edition - Spec questions.
Discussion
Morning All.
I'm just about to place an order for the above as my new company car. It's at the top end of the new companies car policy and I can't add any options within the budget so just wanted to confirm a few things.
1) Is the standard fit MMI/DIS any good? I'm coming from an F10 5 Series with standard media.
2) I've currently specified the sports suspension option rather then the S-Line with additional 10 mm drop. Anyone got experience of the difference between the 2?
3) I'm thinking of going for Brilliant black with Lunar Silver leather as sick of all black interiors. How easy/hard is it to keep the silver leather looking good in day to day use? (2 teenage kids, 1 small dog)
Many thanks in advance for any replies.
I'm just about to place an order for the above as my new company car. It's at the top end of the new companies car policy and I can't add any options within the budget so just wanted to confirm a few things.
1) Is the standard fit MMI/DIS any good? I'm coming from an F10 5 Series with standard media.
2) I've currently specified the sports suspension option rather then the S-Line with additional 10 mm drop. Anyone got experience of the difference between the 2?
3) I'm thinking of going for Brilliant black with Lunar Silver leather as sick of all black interiors. How easy/hard is it to keep the silver leather looking good in day to day use? (2 teenage kids, 1 small dog)
Many thanks in advance for any replies.
Cant answer exactly but I did go from a 2011 318 M Sport to an A5 S line company car last time.
1) I find the media system much better in the Audi, if you had "business" media before you will enjoy this much more
2) I had the S Line suspension, coming from the M Sport suspension which I did like, I find the Audi makes passengers more uncomfortable (its not my driving!! lol) and is a bit more crashy, I would spec sport next time round.
3) Both mine were white (not paying BIK for paint!!) but I did spec the alcantara over the leather in the Audi as i'm not a leather fan
Another thing, sound system in the Audi makes the BMW sound pathetic, you will enjoy!
1) I find the media system much better in the Audi, if you had "business" media before you will enjoy this much more
2) I had the S Line suspension, coming from the M Sport suspension which I did like, I find the Audi makes passengers more uncomfortable (its not my driving!! lol) and is a bit more crashy, I would spec sport next time round.
3) Both mine were white (not paying BIK for paint!!) but I did spec the alcantara over the leather in the Audi as i'm not a leather fan
Another thing, sound system in the Audi makes the BMW sound pathetic, you will enjoy!
Thanks Jon.
My assumption was that the sport suspension would be a decent middle ground with the car coming on 20" wheels. Hopefully there will be at least some compliance there.
Not heard the Bose audio upgrade yet but looking forward to it. I'm sure it's not a patch on the B&O system, but then it's not a £6k option either..
Couldn't spec the Alcantara option, as was tempted, because it then wouldn't let me choose the wheels I wanted, which I found very odd?
This is what I've gone for
My assumption was that the sport suspension would be a decent middle ground with the car coming on 20" wheels. Hopefully there will be at least some compliance there.
Not heard the Bose audio upgrade yet but looking forward to it. I'm sure it's not a patch on the B&O system, but then it's not a £6k option either..
Couldn't spec the Alcantara option, as was tempted, because it then wouldn't let me choose the wheels I wanted, which I found very odd?
This is what I've gone for
Hi there
3 Car's ago I spec'ed an A3 2.0TDI Black Edition with the 2mm lower sports suspension and although the car went round corners like it was on rails, the bumps and lumps of the british roads were very very obvious. Its a hard ride, so dependant on how you drive and the roads your going to spend the most time on.
I drove a matching car at the time that didnt have the sports suspension and it was like getting out of a go kart into a roller - not exactly but you get my drift. The non sports suspension option was a little softer but still hard.
The next car I spec'ed and owned was an A4 Avant Black Edition and didnt tick the box - it still handed well for such a lump (not in the same league as the A3 though) and was a little more comfy on the long blasts on the UK M/ways.
3 Car's ago I spec'ed an A3 2.0TDI Black Edition with the 2mm lower sports suspension and although the car went round corners like it was on rails, the bumps and lumps of the british roads were very very obvious. Its a hard ride, so dependant on how you drive and the roads your going to spend the most time on.
I drove a matching car at the time that didnt have the sports suspension and it was like getting out of a go kart into a roller - not exactly but you get my drift. The non sports suspension option was a little softer but still hard.
The next car I spec'ed and owned was an A4 Avant Black Edition and didnt tick the box - it still handed well for such a lump (not in the same league as the A3 though) and was a little more comfy on the long blasts on the UK M/ways.
The sports suspension (20 mm drop) appears to be standard, it's the additional 10mm drop of the S-Line suspension I'm planning to avoid. Most of my driving is on A-Roads/Motorways so hoping it won't be too much. I've come from BMW M-Sport suspension + RFT's, so used too a less compliant setup.
I had a 14 plate Black Edition ultra Avant from new for 18months. The basic MMI is fine - the tech pack was just too pricey for me to bother with. I now have an 65 plate S4 with the Tech pack and it doesn't seem much different to me! The Bose system was pretty impressive but a bit bass heavy. The B&O in the S4 is much sweeter in the mid range, but you can tell it's way down on power compared to the Bose.
Mine had the sports suspension and it was absolutely fine on the 20" wheels. Far better than I'd been led to believe and didn't handle too badly for a big old barge.
Mine had the black on black interior and it was pretty dark! The leather is fairly decent quality though so with the odd valet and bit of TLC I doubt you'd have any issues with the siver.
Mine had the sports suspension and it was absolutely fine on the 20" wheels. Far better than I'd been led to believe and didn't handle too badly for a big old barge.
Mine had the black on black interior and it was pretty dark! The leather is fairly decent quality though so with the odd valet and bit of TLC I doubt you'd have any issues with the siver.
I've got a 2013 BE A6 on 20's and Sline sports with the extra drop and its fine, 2 young kids and wife haven't complained yet.
I have the upgraded Nav with is a peach, I did borrow an A6 with a standard one and felt it was a bit small and Commodore 64ish by comparison, works fine but didn't like it
I have the upgraded Nav with is a peach, I did borrow an A6 with a standard one and felt it was a bit small and Commodore 64ish by comparison, works fine but didn't like it
I picked up my new A6 in July, having previously had a 2012 5-series. The 5-series had the professional media but I've had a good play with a friend's business media in the facelift F10.
Frankly, I now wouldn't have another A6 unless it had the upgraded media. I thought the bigger screen was probably the main difference but no, it's just really archaic, slow and clunky. The screen is low-res. It takes a minute or two to load properly (it shows you stuff quicker than that from start-up but doesn't respond properly to button presses for a while).
Definitely try to have a play in an A6 with the standard nav/media system before committing.
Frankly, I now wouldn't have another A6 unless it had the upgraded media. I thought the bigger screen was probably the main difference but no, it's just really archaic, slow and clunky. The screen is low-res. It takes a minute or two to load properly (it shows you stuff quicker than that from start-up but doesn't respond properly to button presses for a while).
Definitely try to have a play in an A6 with the standard nav/media system before committing.
Issue i have is that the car scheme is an odd one. My shortlist of cars is as folows and I have very little choice options wise.
F10 M-Sport Touring - Replaced next January with new model, just had one so would like a change, average standard spec.
XF R-Sport Saloon - No estate option yet, interior quality questionable, poor standard spec.
A6 Avant Black Edition - Not replaced for another 2 years, strong standard spec.
I've actually worked it out and to spec the 5 and XF to the same level as the A6 (20" wheels, black styling, memory seats + folding mirrors, upgraded hifi, privacy glass, full LED headlights, 4 zone climate etc.) would cost from 5 to £7.5K even if it was an option to do so.
F10 M-Sport Touring - Replaced next January with new model, just had one so would like a change, average standard spec.
XF R-Sport Saloon - No estate option yet, interior quality questionable, poor standard spec.
A6 Avant Black Edition - Not replaced for another 2 years, strong standard spec.
I've actually worked it out and to spec the 5 and XF to the same level as the A6 (20" wheels, black styling, memory seats + folding mirrors, upgraded hifi, privacy glass, full LED headlights, 4 zone climate etc.) would cost from 5 to £7.5K even if it was an option to do so.
The C6 sports suspension was harsh, the C7 is much, much better. Firm but not crashy.
I have a Black edition BiTDi with the S line spec on 20s and have never wished it was more compliant. Handling is way better than any 2t car should handle!!
Bose is excellent and I really can't see anyone pay £6k for B&O.
I have a Black edition BiTDi with the S line spec on 20s and have never wished it was more compliant. Handling is way better than any 2t car should handle!!
Bose is excellent and I really can't see anyone pay £6k for B&O.
So she finally turned up after a 5 month wait.
Good
Wheels - So glad I chose the different style as they look stunning in the flesh.
Interior - Lunar Silver is lovely and the quality of the interior as a whole is superior to both the E-Class and 5 Series that came before it.
Bose Audio - Best sounding car stereo I've ever heard and agree with the above poster that I can't see how the B&O system can possibly justify the huge additional outlay.
Ride - 20" wheels and sport suspension and still rides really well, even on broken B Roads. The new GRP/Composite springs are obviously a stroke of genius from Audi.
Matrix headlights - Have to be seen to be believed. Do a brilliant job, look great and are also a very cool toy.
S-Tronic - No more difficult to use than the ZF8 in my previous car and very responsive (especially when using the paddles)
Bad
Steering - Accurate enough but still far too light even in Dynamic mode and utterly lacking in any feel.
Standard MMI - As above, slow and clunky but does the job. Would have loved to spec the technology pack but just didn't have the budget.
Paint - Covered in light scratches and swirls thanks to whatever monkey threw a rag at it before it was delivered. Plan on breaking out the DAP at some point and sorting it out.
FWD - I just don't like it. Torque steer and general wooliness is disappointing.
Stop-Start - Far too keen to cut the engine, often whilst the car is still moving? Have taken to disabling it or leaving the transmission in sport around town.
All in all a fantastic car for my needs that looks great and is beautifully built, but not one you'd drive just for the fun of it.
Good
Wheels - So glad I chose the different style as they look stunning in the flesh.
Interior - Lunar Silver is lovely and the quality of the interior as a whole is superior to both the E-Class and 5 Series that came before it.
Bose Audio - Best sounding car stereo I've ever heard and agree with the above poster that I can't see how the B&O system can possibly justify the huge additional outlay.
Ride - 20" wheels and sport suspension and still rides really well, even on broken B Roads. The new GRP/Composite springs are obviously a stroke of genius from Audi.
Matrix headlights - Have to be seen to be believed. Do a brilliant job, look great and are also a very cool toy.
S-Tronic - No more difficult to use than the ZF8 in my previous car and very responsive (especially when using the paddles)
Bad
Steering - Accurate enough but still far too light even in Dynamic mode and utterly lacking in any feel.
Standard MMI - As above, slow and clunky but does the job. Would have loved to spec the technology pack but just didn't have the budget.
Paint - Covered in light scratches and swirls thanks to whatever monkey threw a rag at it before it was delivered. Plan on breaking out the DAP at some point and sorting it out.
FWD - I just don't like it. Torque steer and general wooliness is disappointing.
Stop-Start - Far too keen to cut the engine, often whilst the car is still moving? Have taken to disabling it or leaving the transmission in sport around town.
All in all a fantastic car for my needs that looks great and is beautifully built, but not one you'd drive just for the fun of it.
Love the interior in yours. I like my alcantara seats but the bolsters are cheap leather and I think Valcona would be my choice next time; you still get the door cards in alcantara to fondle in traffic jams.
Mine might be an Allroad on 18"s with 55 profile tyre, but stick it in Dynamic and it is actually rather fun to chuck around. Took me about 7 months to discover this, but a day trip to the Elan Valley last month wasn't just a relaxing cruise; it was genuinely enjoyable.
Mine might be an Allroad on 18"s with 55 profile tyre, but stick it in Dynamic and it is actually rather fun to chuck around. Took me about 7 months to discover this, but a day trip to the Elan Valley last month wasn't just a relaxing cruise; it was genuinely enjoyable.
SWOLL - be really interested in how you get on with the gearbox - we got same model just before Xmas and like you, the cut out of engine is really annoying but the biggest bug bear is that there is a serious lag at low speeds on the auto - we had a 14 plate A6 before and it was fab but the newer box seems very laggy - its in with Audi at the moment but we have had 'they all do that sir' pep talk today
HH
HH
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