2006 Audi A6 Avant 3.2 quattro

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The dashboard features a pair of ovoid instruments that provide an imaginative break from the usual circular gauges rimmed with classic car chrome. The result is however, evocative of a droopy-eyed face looking back at you every morning. So, higher marks for concept than for execution.

Aping iDrive

Speaking of aping BMW, the dash is dominated by the seven-inch LCD display for Audi's Multi-Media Interface, the company's incrementally less infuriating (than BMW's iDrive) gadget for managing the car's various affairs. But it is not only still unnecessarily difficult to do anything (and only after acknowledging the irritating legal disclaimer) with the MMI, but in an effort to give drivers the option of direct control of some functions, buttons are also provided on the console.

How moving buttons from the dashboard to the console is considered an improvement is a question whose answer probably cannot be faithfully translated from its native German, but perhaps they can explain why, after doing so, the volume knob for the stereo ended up on the passenger's side of the console.

The only upside here is that Audi offers one of the better steering wheel-mounted volume controls in the business, a device reminiscent of a mouse's scroll wheel that lets the driver roll intuitively up or down in volume without the usual GameBoy rapid-fire button-pressing required by most cars.

Despite all the techno-gimmickry, the A6 is saddled with an old-style remote CD changer mounted in the glovebox. There is a release button for the glove compartment door mounted within reach of the driver to ease stop light CD changes, but the car should have a dash-mounted CD changer and forgo the clutter of an auxiliary release button for the glove compartment.

Continuing on the theme of techno-gimmicks, while Mercedes' overreach with the current E-Class was exceeded only by Hitler's push to take Moscow , Audi is nevertheless following Mercedes' doomed technical offensive. The A6 boasted a $3800 Technology Package that included the company's Advanced Key keyless entry and start system.

These systems are darned convenient when your hands are full - if they work. The Audi's worked exactly once during its visit. The company's response to this situation? Basically, "Yeah, sometimes those things don't work." Audi's reliability ratings will follow Mercedes' to the ocean floor, where they can both look up at Kia's score, if they ship cars to customers with technology that doesn't work every time.

One technology that does work is the A6's bi-xenon lighting, which is worth its weight in tungsten. The beautifully bright, crisp xenon lights scrub the road ahead clean of shadow and uncertainty, and spotlight the shoulders to give the earliest possible warning of pedestrians, or deer lurking in the trees.

Another good technology is Audi's direct fuel injection system, which helps give the smallish 3.2-liter V-6 an impressive 255 horsepower. The EPA says this engine will deliver 17 mpg city and 26 highway, and after a week in the car, I saw 18.5 mpg in mostly suburban driving. The engine's silky power delivery and staccato note under acceleration give the A6 true premium-class power and character.

Of course, with an as-tested sticker of $58,740, the A6 Avant 3.2 quattro ought to have premium-class character. And while choosing Audi's "alternate route" lets drivers fly under the radar that identifies Mercedes drivers as rich snobs and BMW drivers as selfish jerks, the fact is that those stereotypes are developed by both brand's powerful images as luxury icons.

What does driving an Audi mean? That you've upgraded from your Volvo? Sixty thousand dollars is too much to spend for safe, dependable, even stylish, transportation. Shoppers in this category are paying for prestige, and Audi has a lot of work to do if it wants to deliver the kind of commanding impression conveyed by other $60,000 cars. Cars like the new A6 Avant should help cultivate such a reputation.

2006 Audi A6 Avant 3.2 quattro

Price: $46,870 base; $58,740 as tested

Engine: 3.2-liter V-6, 255 hp/243 lb-ft

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, full-time all-wheel drive

Length x width x height: 194.2 x 79.2 x 58.2 in

Wheelbase: 111.9 in

Curb weight: 4167 lb

Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 17/26 mpg

Safety equipment: Anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist; dual front, side, and curtain airbags; traction and stability control, quattro all-wheel drive

Major standard equipment: Power windows/locks/mirrors; AM/FM/six-disc CD stereo; automatic dual-zone climate control; 12-way power adjustable seats; power glass sunroof; leather seating surfaces; heated front seats

Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles

Provided by TheCarConnection.com—The Web's Automotive Authority