Engine: 3.2-liter dohc 24v V6

Engine Options: 3.2-liter V6; 4.2-liter V8; 5.2-liter V10

Transmission: 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic

Transmission Options: 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic; 7-speed multitronic CVT

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS, ESP, EBD, Brake Assist; two-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, head airbags, active front head airbags; tire-pressure monitoring system

Optional Safety Equipment: dual rear seat-mounted side airbags

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Germany

Model Tested: Audi A6 Avant 3.2 quattro ($47,280)

Standard Equipment: leather seating surfaces, wood interior trim, automatic dual-zone climate control with filter, Multi Media Interface (MMI) with 7-inch color screen, power windows with one-touch up and down, electromechanical parking brake, cruise control, rear window and side mirror defogger, power remote door locks, remote trunk unlock, illuminated vanity mirrors, 12-way power and heated front seats, folding rear seat, floor mats, tool kit, trip computer, anti-theft system, variable intermittent wipers with heatable washers, rain sensor, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD 6-disc changer, Servotronic power rack-and-pinion steering, leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob, tilt and telescope steering wheel, tire-pressure monitor

Options as Tested: Convenience Package ($2,750) includes bi-xenon adaptive headlamps, adaptive headlamps, programmable daytime running lights, Bose premium sound system, auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, auto-dimming and electrically folding exterior mirrors, memory for driver's seat and mirror adjustments, Homelink, storage package; Sunroof package ($1,450) includes power glass sunroof and heated front seats; S line Package ($2,750) includes sport suspension, 18-inch alloys, aluminum door sills with S line logo, gray birch wood trim, S line front and rear bumpers, steering wheel paddle shifters, headlight washers; Technology Package ($4,000) includes voice recognition, Advanced Key, advanced parking system with rearview camera, navigation system, Sirius satellite radio; power tailgate ($450); rear side airbags ($350)

Destination Charge: 720

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: four-wheel drive

Horsepower: 255 @ 6500

Torque: 243 @ 3250

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 19/27

Wheelbase: 111.9 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 194.2/79.2/58.2 inches

Track Front/Rear: 62.7/62.9 inches

Turning Cycle: 39 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 37.6/57.1/41.3 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 38/55.9/36.9 inches

Trunk Volume: 33.9 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent four-link

Ground Clearance: 4.6 inches

Curb Weight: 4211 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 245/45R17

Brakes: disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist

Fuel Capacity: 21.1 Gallons