Driving: Audi has done a good job with the A6's handling. Body control is excellent and, in quattro four-wheel drive guise, levels of grip and traction are impressive. The damping is also superb, with the car remaining composed over crests. The fly in this ointment is a ride that fidgets over bumpy surfaces and is crashy in town. While it's fine on the motorway, the A6 simply can't cope with rough roads. Moreover, the steering has disappointingly little feel around the straight ahead and has a real vagueness in corners. However, it's worth pointing out that models equipped with the optional air suspension are considerably better in this respect, while also maintaining an even keel through corners, whatever the load. Brake fade, however, is an issue under hard use.

Marketplace: Longer and lower than any rival, the A6 is undoubtedly one of the most stylish cars in its class. Its fresh design, slender panel gaps and curvaceous bodywork are pretty much unmatched. Even the controversial front grille is growing on us! Offered in saloon and Avant estate bodystyles (with a separate sub-range, the Allroad), the A6 line-up covers all bases, from entry-level 2.0-litre turbo petrol and diesels, to range-topping V8 models. There's even a V10 variant using an engine derived from Lamborghini's Gallardo. It competes against the usual suspects: BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class, Volvo S80 and Saab 9-5.

Owning: Those attractive looks haven't come at the expense of packaging. At 546 litres, the boot is bigger than the mighty Mercedes E-Class, while rear seat space is plentiful - although the raised centre perch and big transmission tunnel means it's limited to carrying four, rather than five, in comfort. But the A6 does have what's probably the best cockpit in the executive car sector. While the switchgear layout is a little illogical in places, the adventurous design creates an unrivalled sense of occasion. And as you would expect from Audi, the build quality is faultless. You do sit a little high though - sticking with manual seats, rather than our test car's electric items, might help matters. Variable servicing intervals and good fuel economy from most models should trim running costs, aided by very strong retained values. It holds onto more of its list price after three years than both the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class!