Mercedes-Benz has implemented some bold, fresh styling changes to its new E-Class, especially with the rear pouncing wheel-arches and head and tail-light treatments. BMW's latest F10 5 Series couldn't be further from Chris Bangle's E60, looking modest, for sure, but infinitely more elegant in its profile and aggressive when viewed head on or from the rear. Both cars aren't out to please everyone, but at least they're distinctive.
Audi's new A6… Well, it looks pretty much exactly the same as the old A6, spliced with some A8. Not that there's anything wrong with that, as it's quite attractive in a sort of Bauhaus style: we imagine lots of polo-neck and black-rimmed spectacle-wearing chaps in this car. It's just a bit bland, that's all.
However, Ingolstadt has saved its creativity for what you can't see. The new A6 has a light, mostly aluminium body, sportier chassis, latest generation entertainment systems, and just as wide a range of powertrains as you'd expect from a VW group brand.
Light is right
Even though it sounds quite perplexing, Audi's heavy use of aluminium has resulted in a light A6. See, if it was entirely made of steel, it would be 15 per cent heavier. For example, a base model weighs 1,575kg, whereas an equivalent 5er or E-Class hits over 1.7 tonnes.
The new A6's chassis has also received an outright change, featuring yet more aluminium in the front wheels' control arms. A decent steering ratio of 16.1:1 means a good degree of feedback, while the brakes now feature adaptive lights — they pulsate rapidly under heavy braking to further warn the cars behind.
If you go for a front-drive model, meaning four cylinders, you'll get an electronic limited-slip differential that had us most impressed in the Golf GTI (like torque-vectoring, it brakes the inside front wheel to turn you into the bend — bye-bye understeer), so expect some good dynamic capabilities from even lowly A6s next year. However, the quattro models will obviously garner most attention in our region, featuring either sporty S line suspension or optional air ride with four electronically controlled shocks.
At launch, the A6 will be available with three TDI units and just two petrol engines, including the current supercharged 3.0-litre V6 anda solitary four-pot petrol guzzler which employs turbocharging.
Our initial range leader will only be able to compete in the mid-level V6-engined stage, but with 300bhp and 440Nm available from 2,900 to 4,500rpm, the Audi is dead game for its other German rivals. Ingolstadt claims 0-100kph in 5.5 seconds, which is four-tenths quicker than the previous generation 4.2-litre V8-engined A6, and substantially faster than both the 535i and E350 too.
Driving the four wheels is a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission — DSG to you and me — with wider gear ratios to aid economy.
This permanent all-wheel drive system splits power between the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio, as usual, but it features torque-vectoring and, with the optional sport diff, active power distribution between the rear wheels.
Finally, the biggest highlight of the new A6 range is the addition of a hybrid model, employing the 211bhp 2.0 TFSI engine with a 45bhp electric motor to help deliver 211Nm of torque. With an eight-speed transmission, the hybrid A6 will power to 100kph from zero in 7.3 seconds reaching a 238kph top speed. What's more, you'll be able to drive it in electric mode at speeds up to 100kph, and if you keep it to 60kph you'll manage a whole 3km without wasting any fuel (give them a break, it's only their second hybrid).
Rivals
Cadillac CTS
First introduced eight years ago, the CTS is now in its second generation. We'd like to be sensible and tell you to go for the cheap V6 model (Dh160K), but we won't. It's simply not as good as its newer rivals. However, we have only praise for the 556bhp CTS-V. No, wait, listen up... At Dh295K, you just might be able to afford it! Seriously, it's worth a second mortgage.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
A perfect balance for people who like balance in their lives: not too sporty, not too boring, not too flashy, just right. Even the price is right: you can have an E500 for Dh275,500, or a nice 272bhp 3.5-litre V6 model which starts at Dh216K. Don't expect to blow anybody away from the lights, but in the right trim, this is a true baby S-Class.
BMW 5 Series
The latest addition to this segment is also the best-handling, employing the kind of sure-footedness previously reserved only for models wearing the coveted M badge. Its award-winning turbocharged 3.0-litre engine makes 306bhp and provides 400Nm of torque pretty much anywhere, but we'd give up a limb for the hideously expensive Dh340K 400bhp 550i.
Infiniti M
Although Infiniti has, ahem, infinitely improved its large M saloon with the latest generation M56 V8 and M37 V6 models, the car isn't quite as sporty as promised. It's a great match for a Lexus but all the Germans beat it, dynamically. It's blinding value though, as even the 402bhp M56 is priced at Dh239K, which is what we expect a V6 A6 to cost.
Jaguar XF
Jaguar has raised its game with the brilliant and stylish XF saloon, and even its reliability records stand proudly rock solid. What's more, the resale value has stayed loyal to the brand. It is slightly costly, but one look at those swivelling air vents will have you whipping out the chequebook. Ditch the 3.0-litre V6 though and save for the Dh280K V8.
The inaugural issue of wheels hits the stands on March 18, 2005. Then editor Mark Appleton heads to the UK to drive the McLaren SLR hypercar.
