Audi's 2.8-liter dohc V6 engine-with five valves per cylinder-is hitched to a smooth-as-silk five-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission, which allows you to slide the shift lever sideways into a gate that provides quick manual upshift and downshift capability. The Tiptronic shifter provides improved shifting response. It's useful for holding the transmission in third on winding, mountainous roads. It also provides some entertainment value when commuting.

The A6 packs more than enough power for everyday city driving with plenty of reserve for passing on the highway. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in about 9.3 seconds and covering the standing quarter-mile in about 17.2 seconds, the A6 is not the quickest luxury sedan in the pack, nor is it the slowest. Like many German sedans, the gearing is oriented more toward high-speed cruising than acceleration performance.

A6 comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes and ABS, and the brakes were excellent. The brake pedal feels firm and braking power is precise.

Torsional rigidity is 50 percent stiffer than in the pre-1998 version. That means a less rocky ride on bumpy roads. It also allows for a more finely tuned suspension, which translates into a quieter ride and more assured handling.

Audi makes one of the best all-wheel-drive systems in the world. Its Quattro system will transfer as much as two-thirds of the power to the wheel that is providing the best traction. That comes in handy on snow and ice, but it also enhances handling on dry pavement. Handling on wet or icy roads is stable and predictable. This system counters driving errors, making the A6 a great car in emergency maneuvers.

During nicer weather, the A6 offers excellent traction in corners and coming out of them. The tires make themselves heard when pushed to the limit. The steering provides excellent on-center feel, meaning there's little play. The suspension is extremely responsive and well-controlled. This car is a joy on back roads.

Ride is smooth and refined in city traffic and silky smooth and stable on the highway. High speeds seem to bring out the best in this car. It drives like it's on rails. With a low drag coefficient of 0.28, wind noise is low, a small amount of it coming from the windshield wipers. There's quite a bit of power assist in the steering, which makes maneuvering through crowded parking lots easy.

To get this level of comfort and quietude, the A6 had to give up a little something in the road-dancing department. But the tuned suspension and deftly responsive steering make the A6 lot of fun to drive, whether you're city-bound or out in the sticks.