[Roberto71]

As many of us do, I'm already plotting on what car to get next. I was a long time BMW driver from 2000 to 2019 having had various 3 Series, M3, 4 Series GC and E60 5 Series.

I decided on a change and went for a Merc E Class which I got new last year. Great car and not a single issue.

I was looking at what to get next and I have always liked Audis and have planned to get one at some stage. The S4 could be a candidate, though it's diesel in Europe but has 700nm of torque. Or, the A6 which is a great looking car with fantastic interior. The 50TDI which is the 3-litre diesel seems a great car.

But....as has happened over the years, looking at the Audi forums, the issues that owners have would really put you off. There is a catalogue of issues A6 owners are having, from rattly dashboards that have to be fixed with clips, to seals on the windows failing and stopping them folding, to drivers literally having to shoulder barge their way out of the car when stopped and parked and then, of course, you have the old VAG issue of poor gearbox setups with delayed acceleration etc which is terrifying some owners at junctions/roundabouts. Audi seem to have poor customer service as well.

I contrast that to the Beemers I've owned and not a single issue ever bar a failed headlamp that needed replacing. Same with the Merc so far and looking at the Merc forums, very few issues there as well.

I'm suspicious of the VAG group as a whole. There are rumours everywhere about serious cost-cutting going on. I was watching a YouTube video on the new Golf where a driver had the new Golf and the previous model and he compared both and showed where blatant cost-cutting had taken place with poor materials in the new car. And contrary to what people believe, Porsche are not the flawless cars many think, they are ranking very low in JD Power surveys.

Has anyone here owned the current A6 or even test drove one?

[Bob in IL]

I don't have the current A6, but did own the previous gen (Florette Silver/Black). My first Audi was a Q5 (Cuvee Silver/Black) and after a very positive ownership experience I traded it in on the A6. Reliability-wise, both cars were rock solid with no issues other than a service bulletin now and then when they were in for service. I would have purchased another (new gen) but wanted to try the G30 5 Series which we have now.

[stein_325i]

I have driven the new A6, albeit I'm from the US so we don't get any of Audi/VW's great diesel engines, but overall I found it to be quite the downgrade from the previous generation, mainly the engine (but this will be US specific) as they went from a Supercharged V6 with character and response to a more mundane and cheaper to produce Turbocharged V6, luckily the dual clutch is paired with the engine instead of the S4/5's ZF which Audi poorly tuned. The interior is the biggest offender to me, gone is every single physical control in place of a touchscreen, which for someone with OCD like myself is already a pain, but then Audi pairs it with a large slab of piano black plastic which looks disgusting after just one day of mini scratches and fingerprints everywhere. As for the driving experience, its pretty average, comfortable and easy, light steering, nothing too special, seats are excellent thought and the exterior is very attractive with a conservative business look. As for customer service I could only speak for the US, but Audi of America doesn't have a good reputation for customer service.

I would just stick with your E-Class especially if you're having no issues, bought it only a year ago and like it a lot. Is there any reason you are looking for a new car so soon?

[Roberto71]

Originally Posted by jstein55

I have driven the new A6, albeit I'm from the US so we don't get any of Audi/VW's great diesel engines, but overall I found it to be quite the downgrade from the previous generation, mainly the engine (but this will be US specific) as they went from a Supercharged V6 with character and response to a more mundane and cheaper to produce Turbocharged V6, luckily the dual clutch is paired with the engine instead of the S4/5's ZF which Audi poorly tuned. The interior is the biggest offender to me, gone is every single physical control in place of a touchscreen, which for someone with OCD like myself is already a pain, but then Audi pairs it with a large slab of piano black plastic which looks disgusting after just one day of mini scratches and fingerprints everywhere. As for the driving experience, its pretty average, comfortable and easy, light steering, nothing too special, seats are excellent thought and the exterior is very attractive with a conservative business look. As for customer service I could only speak for the US, but Audi of America doesn't have a good reputation for customer service.

I would just stick with your E-Class especially if you're having no issues, bought it only a year ago and like it a lot. Is there any reason you are looking for a new car so soon?

Thanks for the reply. I’m on a lease contract so will change next year at some stage. I just have that disease where I’m always looking to see what my next car will be!

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Roberto71

Thanks for the reply. I’m on a lease contract so will change next year at some stage. I just have that disease where I’m always looking to see what my next car will be!

I can definitely relate to that, as much as I love my CLS I have a whole list of cars I want to try next. Good luck!

[Roberto71]

Originally Posted by jstein55

I can definitely relate to that, as much as I love my CLS I have a whole list of cars I want to try next. Good luck!

There's too much choice! M340i, Z M40i, 530d X Drive, Audi A6, Audi S6, Merc E Class Coupe etc etc

[niju321]

I have a 2019 540--I compared the BMW to the six-cylinder offerings from MB, Audi (including the current generation A6), and Jaguar (not really competitive). The Audi interior was very nice to look at but I didn't think I would like it as much on a daily basis compared to the admittedly more conservative but IMO more functional BMW interior. Haven't tried the "new" MB inline-six but neither MB/Audi's V6 options provided the responsiveness I get from the I6 in my car. As far as reliability goes, I only have ~19k miles on my car but it has been perfect thus far, and no rattles/squeaks anywhere.

[jjscsix]

I had a 2015 then a 2016 A7. Both were very reliable, but I obviously didn't keep the first one long. The 2016 I put 27,000 miles on. I liked them a lot. But like the OP, I'm always looking for something new.

[crmgr]

Just went with an new 2020 Audi A7 after having leased four 5 Series BMW's. Just needed to drive something different this time around.

I like the Audi. It's fast, handles well and is a nice drive. Interior is exceptional, especially with the all leather including the dash. Electronics are mostly touch screen. A lot of user options available, so there was a bit of a learning curve. One thing I love is when you turn off the car everything turns off. You can open the doors and the car doesn't light up like a Christmas tree, unlike my previous G30.

One thing though. Had to take it in for service after 1,000 miles. Check engine light came on due to a faulty emissions gas pump. Part ordered and was replaced in a few days. Made me feel at home. Just like BMW.

[kczach]

I have a 2017 S6 after trading up from a 11 S4. I haven’t had any issues with my current ride and had no issues with my S4. Plenty of power in the S6 and its great on road trips. My wife had a couple of A8’s but didn’t care for the size of the L version when that was the only thing available in the states. She traded it in for the M550 and just loves it other than the ride quality is a little stiffer than the Audi.