New Car Awards 2014: best executive car

The Audi A6 is the 2014 Auto Express City Car of the Year, with the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes CLS commended

Audi A6 - best executive car

After two years away, the Audi A6 has regained its place at the top of the exec tree. So what’s enabled the handsome four-door to topple BMW’s mighty 5 Series?

There have been some small updates and trim revisions, but it’s the arrival of the incredibly efficient Ultra models that’s underpinned the A6’s return to form. Inspired by the brand’s multiple Le Mans-winning racers, they manage to be both more powerful and frugal than the standard 2.0 TDI on which they’re based.

Best used executive cars

That means a gutsy 188bhp turbodiesel which hits 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds, yet emits as little as 114g/km and can do more than 60mpg. It doesn’t get much better than that for discerning business users with one eye on the bottom line.

But the really good news is that, unlike some eco-friendly machines, there are no driving compromises. The engine pulls smoothly and strongly throughout the rev range, the standard six-speed gearbox isn’t hobbled by tall ratios and the ride hasn’t been uncomfortably lowered and stiffened to aid aerodynamics.

The car looks and feels like a normal A6, too, which means the same sleek and neatly detailed exterior, and a classy, top-drawer cabin. You can also benefit from the Ultra upgrades right across the A6 range, from the sensible SE through to the sporty S line.

Of course, there’s more to the A6 success story than the Ultra. In fact, the range is packed with talented models, from the hi-tech Hybrid to the blisteringly quick S6 super-saloon. It’s this strength in depth that has helped the Audi fight its way back to the top.

Our choice:

Audi A6 2.0 TDI SE Ultra (£30,985)

The fast and frugal Ultra model appeals to the heart and the head, while SE specification comes loaded with executive toys. Slick eight-speed automatic box is £1,530 and is well worth considering.

Commended executive cars

BMW 5 Series

It was only by the narrowest of margins that the facelifted 5 Series missed out on the top prize. The rear-wheel-drive saloon still sets the standard for driving thrills, while its upmarket interior looks and feels pretty special. As before, it’s the efficient and entertaining 520d that’s the pick of the bunch.

Mercedes CLS

It's getting on a bit now, but age has not withered the CLS’s sleek looks. Its mix of coupe style and four-door practicality is extremely compelling, while the cosseting interior provides a welcome slice of first-class luxury. It’s good to drive, too, and the V6 diesel-engined CLS 350 CDI is very fast and surprisingly efficient.

Continue Reading

Recommended

Best car leasing deals 2023
Best car leasing deals - header
Best cars & vans

Best car leasing deals 2023

If you’re looking for a cheaper way to get behind the wheel of a new car, then leasing could be for you – here are some great leasing deals available …
5 Oct 2023
Top 10 best executive cars 2023
Best executive cars - header image
Best cars & vans

Top 10 best executive cars 2023

Executive cars might cost a little more, but the best ones add a real touch of class to your motoring experience…
24 Aug 2023
Audi A6 range refreshed for 2024 alongside S6 TDI
Audi A6 - front
News

Audi A6 range refreshed for 2024 alongside S6 TDI

The simplified Audi A6 saloon and Avant ranges will start from £43,965
31 May 2023
New 2024 Audi A6 e-tron to rival the BMW i5
Audi A6 e-tron
News

New 2024 Audi A6 e-tron to rival the BMW i5

Audi is developing an all-electric A6 to add to its growing e-tron range
20 Dec 2022

Most Popular

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’
Opinion - Fiat Scudo
Opinion

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’

With some huge savings to be had, Mike Rutherford thinks a van could be the perfect vehicle
3 Dec 2023
New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates
Renault 5 EV concept at 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates

Renault’s reborn Renault 5 will start from €25,000 in Europe, suggesting a circa-£30k price in the UK. It's due on sale in the summer of 2024. Here's …
1 Dec 2023
Deal of the Day: Spacious Skoda Superb is a peerless estate for £223 a month
Skoda Superb Estate - front tracking
News

Deal of the Day: Spacious Skoda Superb is a peerless estate for £223 a month

The Superb is one of our favourite estates and our Deal of the Day for Monday 4 December
4 Dec 2023