Audi A6

Those hoping for the new Audi A6 to usher in a design revolution for the brand – a role the model

 has been tasked with since the badge on its trunklid read '100' – will be disappointed. However, those who are beguiled by exquisite design resolution will find solace in this E-segment sedan.

Its DRG takes on a similar machine aesthetic to the A1, with the corners of its grille squared-off and angular lamp graphics, which wrap around the corners of the car, rather than defining its edge, as on the A7 and A8. Optimized visual width was a priority for Achim Badstübner, Audi's Head of Exterior Design, and his team, something achieved by placing the hood shutlines as far apart as possible – a departure from the previous car, whose fenders rolled up over the lamps. Likewise, the full-width cutaway surface below the tail lamps casts a strong horizontal shadow across the tail, while its exceptionally narrow cant rails enable the front and rear screens to be as wide as possible.The same feature endows the A6 with wonderfully slender pillars, giving the whole upper body a delicacy that finally reverses the curse of ever-thicker posts. Visibility is noticeably improved from behind the wheel, for which Audi should be applauded.Its stance is nigh-on perfect, thanks to its much more balanced overhangs; its front wheel pulled forward, reducing its front overhang and placing it in the center of the fender, while its rear overhang has been increased. While the previous car was resolutely front-wheel drive, Badstübner describes this new model as displaying 'quattro proportions'; neither axle dominating, as underlined by the equal flaring of front and rear fenders.The A6's flanks also reveal themselves as beautifully resolved upon closer inspection, its blown surface, perfectly judged against the undercut waistline and subtle lower light catcher. Predictable? Yes. Hard to fault? Unquestionably.Inside, the slender IP (largely shared with the A7) follows a gentle 'S' shape in plan and gives a much airier, lighter feeling. Wrap-around door cards, strongly reminiscent of the Jaguar XJ's, and a broad center tunnel balance this with a sense of protection.