Test drive Audi A6 3.0 TDI, BMW 530d and Mercedes E 350 CDI: three kings
Test Drive

Test drive Audi A6 3.0 TDI, BMW 530d and Mercedes E 350 CDI: three kings

Test drive Audi A6 3.0 TDI, BMW 530d and Mercedes E 350 CDI: three kings

Although it looks rather restrained in style, the new Audi A6 aims to defeat its perennial rivals BMW Series 5 and Mercedes E-Class. First comparison of three models in versions with six-cylinder diesel engines and dual transmission.

In fact, it could hardly have been better for BMW and Mercedes this year: the E-Class has become the world's best-selling executive sedan, and the 5 Series is so successful that it is currently the only successful premium product. is one of the five best-selling models in Germany. The factories producing the two models are operating in extra shifts to meet the huge demand and thus reduce the waiting time for end customers. Obviously, Audi's task will not be easy ...

Now it is time for the new A6 in the 3.0 TDI Quattro to start its first competition with the all-wheel drive 530d and E 350 CDI. After the previous A6 failed to defeat its main rivals, the Ingolstadt engineers obviously had ambitions to change the picture.

Job well done

The exterior dimensions of the car remain the same, but the front row seats are now set seven centimeters forward – this not only reduces overhangs, but also improves weight distribution. Thanks to the extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel, the weight of the A6 has been reduced by up to 80 kilograms - depending on the engine and equipment. Interior noise is also significantly reduced through the use of innovative soundproofing materials, special door seals and sound-absorbing glass. The extended wheelbase, in turn, provides significantly more room in the cabin, and the drained roof line leaves enough headroom for passengers in the second row of seats. A compact instrument panel with a movable center screen gives a feeling of airiness and spaciousness, while narrow body columns improve visibility from the driver's seat.

The interior of the A6 is definitely one of the strong points of the model: the light wood trims and the cool elegance of the aluminum parts create a sense of lightness and style. The choice of additional equipment in the field of safety and high technology is also huge. While the competition definitely has a lot to offer in this area as well, the A6 manages to shine with details such as touchpad navigation with Google Earth, automatic parking assist and LED headlights. Regarding the latter, however, it is worth mentioning that with their 40W power, they consume the same amount of energy as conventional lamps. The huge variety of functions also requires proper operation, which in the case of the A6 is quite intuitive, apart from perhaps the excessive number of buttons in the MMI system. However, the on-board computer screen behind the wheel is clearly overwhelmed with information, and its colorful graphics are confusing.

By logic

The BMW i-Drive control system is characterized by logical control and speed of response. On the whole, the interior of the "five" looks nobler than its competitors, the quality of the materials used is also one idea higher than that of the other two models in the test. The comfort seats, offered at an additional cost of BGN 4457, with separate adjustment of the upper and lower backrest, in turn, create amazing comfort.

In terms of passenger space and luggage, the three contenders for the top spot are about the same level - whether you're driving in front or behind, you'll always feel first-class in these cars. The impressive dashboard with a fixed BMW main screen somewhat limits the subjective sense of space. In the E-class, everything is almost identical, but the landing of the second row of seats is more convenient.

Clean and simple

Mercedes has once again relied on the angular style typical of recent years. The engine starts with a key instead of a button, and the shift lever, like on the company's older models, is located behind a rather large steering wheel, which in turn makes room for additional storage space - given the calm nature of the car, these decisions seem completely in place. If you are looking for buttons for different vehicle modes, you will be disappointed. On the other hand, you can't help but rejoice at the perfectly thought out seat adjustment, which raises the only question: why doesn't it happen the same way with all other cars? The information and navigation system lacks some modern and useful features, such as a projection display and Internet access, and the control principle is also not entirely relevant.

Despite the lack of an adaptive suspension, the E-Class does an excellent job of absorbing any impact. Additional lightness is added by a slightly indirect but extremely quiet steering system and a smoothly shifting automatic transmission, which is not always in a hurry to return to a lower gear with every minimal change in throttle position.

Time to dance

Although the Mercedes' 265-horsepower diesel engine boasts almost a shunting locomotive's thrust (620 Nm maximum torque), with its dual-thrust geared towards optimum traction rather than driving pleasure, the E-Class leaves breathtaking dynamics to its opponents.

It is here that the BMW 530d works, which in the all-wheel drive version has 13 hp. more than the rear wheel drive model. With a near-perfect weight distribution between the two axles (roughly 50:50 percent ratio) and super-direct steering, BMW makes you forget your 1,8 tonne weight in just a few turns. In Sport + mode on the Adaptive Drive chassis (option for BGN 5917) Allows you to even navigate obstacles with ease before ESP puts it first again.

To challenge BMW's dynamic flair, Audi has equipped the new A6 with a new electromechanical steering system and a ring gear center differential similar to the RS5. The end result is noteworthy - the 530d and A6 are almost as close in terms of road dynamics as the distance from Munich to Ingolstadt on the map. However, the Audi is easier to drive and gives the impression of a stronger contact with the road. In addition, the A6 is easier to get to grips with at the limit and performs fantastically in the braking test. A direct comparison of the two models shows that BMW's undeniably superior handling is somewhat sharper and requires more effort from the driver. In both models, it's worth noting that active driving behavior doesn't compromise comfort in the slightest - both the A6 and Series 5 ride extremely harmoniously despite their large 19-inch and 18-inch wheels, respectively. However, for Audi, this achievement is largely due to the air suspension (option for 4426 lev.), which was equipped with a test car.

Final result

The lightweight design of the A6 demonstrates its advantages in terms of dynamic performance: despite the fact that, with its 245 horsepower, the three-liter TDI A6 is slightly weaker than its opponents, the car achieves better acceleration figures, supported by an extremely fast dual-clutch transmission. At the same time, the A6 has the lowest fuel consumption in the test - 1,5 liters less than the Mercedes. If it is easier for a person to hold the right foot, all three models can achieve a flow rate of six to seven liters per hundred kilometers without much difficulty. It is no coincidence that large turbodiesels have long been considered the ideal tool for long and smooth transitions.

The fact that the A6 wins the comparison with surprising credibility is partly due to the "Cost" column, but the truth is that the model methodically scores points with its light weight, excellent handling, good ride and impressive brakes. One thing is for sure - no matter which of the three models a person chooses, he will definitely not be mistaken.

text: Dirk Gulde

a photo: Hans-Dieter Zeufert

Evaluation

1. Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro - 541 points

The new generation A6 wins in comparison with an unexpected advantage: its low weight is beneficial for driving behavior, driving dynamics and fuel consumption. The A6 also has a slight cost advantage.

2. Mercedes E 350 CDI 4MATIC – 521 points

The E-Class is well equipped with excellent comfort, generous interior space and a number of practical details. However, the car is inferior to BMW and Audi in terms of handling and quality of information and navigation technologies.

3. BMW 530d xDrive - 518 points

The fifth series impresses with its superb interior, meticulous workmanship and super comfortable seating. The model still impresses with its precise driving behavior, but falls short of the ease of handling of the new A6.

technical details

1. Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro - 541 points2. Mercedes E 350 CDI 4MATIC – 521 points3. BMW 530d xDrive - 518 points
Working volume---
Power245 k.s. at 4000 rpm265 k.s. at 3800 rpm258 k.s. at 4000 rpm
Maximum

torque

---
Acceleration

0-100 km / h

6,1 with7,1 with6,6 with
Braking distances

at a speed of 100 km / h

35 m38 m37 m
full speed250 km / h250 km / h250 km / h
Average consumption

fuel in the test

8,7 l10,2 l9,5 l
Base Price105 491 levov107 822 levov106 640 levov

Home »Articles» Billets »Audi A6 3.0 TDI, BMW 530d and Mercedes E 350 CDI: Three Kings

Add a comment