A6 3.0 comes standard with the multitronic transmission, traction control (called ASR for anti-slip regulation), antilock braking (ABS), electronic rear brake pressure regulation, an electronic differential lock (EDL), and automatic climate control with filter. It comes standard with front-wheel drive.

Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system can be added; instead of the multitronic, quattro comes with a conventional five-speed automatic transmission equipped with Tiptronic, which allows the driver to shift manually when desired. A6 3.0 quattro retails for $37,150.

A6 3.0 Avant, is the station wagon version. (Avant means station wagon at your local Audi dealer). It also comes powered by the 220-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. Equipment level is similar, but for now it's only available with the five-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.

A6 2.7T is the rowdy member of the A6 family, equipped with a 250-horsepower turbocharged V6. It's the only model offered with a manual transmission, a six-speed gearbox. It's also available with a five-speed automatic for the same price. Sport seats are available as an option.

A6 4.2 borrows the V8 engine from the mighty Audi S8. Stuffing this big 300-horsepower V8 into the A6 required Audi to stretch the nose slightly. While they were at it, they expanded the fender flares to cover wider tires.

S6 Avant, a unique luxury sport wagon, is powered by a V8 that produces a rousing 340 horsepower. With that much power, the Avant's rear will be familiar to other drivers who try to keep up. The S6 Avant has, of course, the highest level of equipment standard, including heated front sport seats with 12-way power lumbar supports, gray birch wood trim, an in-dash six-CD changer and a 200-watt Bose audio system, and much more.