Comparing the new A6 with its predecessor shows it has grown into a larger, more accommodating automobile. It is longer and wider, offering more interior space for passenger comfort. On top of that, this Audi is a strong performer with more power and superior handling.

The exterior styling takes a giant step in the long line of Audi design concepts. From its full-size front grille, to the numerous highlight lines that lead your eye to the rear taillights, this Audi is a pleasure to the sight. The large wheels and tires fill the wheel arches, giving it an attractive appearance.

For a larger vehicle, I was astonished how capable the car was, fitted with the base V-6 engine. I was sure it would disappoint me, particularly after I drove the V-8 equipped model. But the 3.2-liter V-6 surprised me and a good many other journalists on the introduction drive. With 255 horsepower and 243 pounds-feet of torque, this A6 packs a good wallop of performance. At the end of the day, many of us decided we would be extremely happy to park a V-6 powered A6 Audi in our garage.

That’s not to say the V-8 isn’t impressive in its own right, for it is. After all, stuffing a 335 hp V-8 with 310 pounds-feet of torque under the hood is sure to add excitement. This V-8 engine certainly ups the ante of any drive. Both engines are extremely smooth and achieve excellent response and acceleration. It’s just that maybe the V-6 can satisfy your needs quite well.

Any time you speak of Audi vehicles, the subject of their revered quattro system comes to mind. This all-wheel-drive system is available with all power sources. Audi quattro revolutionized the all-wheel-drive system, not only on the road, but also on the racetrack. With Audi’s dominance on the racetrack and their quattro-equipped racecars, it proved to the world that its all-wheel-drive system could conquer more than the Sunday drive in the mountains.

Through the years, Audi engineers have tweaked and refined the quattro system into one that is even more compact and seamless in its application. Today, in the new A6, the quattro system gives power to all four wheels in a much more decisive manner that offers greater safety and performance.

Lest we think Audi would forget about the interior, sliding behind the steering wheel proves they give just as much attention here as they do in the body and drivetrain design. The interior is the epitome of German design, particularly in the area of fit and finish. Every seam, joint and trim piece is well assembled. You might think that the entire vehicle is hand-built.

I became suspect when Audi representatives started to embellish their high-tech control module that is meant to offer a gateway to all the vehicle’s functions through one small computer panel, complete with a joystick-like knob. Visions of BMW’s i-drive jumped immediately to mind, complete with its overcomplicated operation.

My concern was quickly dashed as I started to experiment with the controls. Audi MMI controls are easy to learn and allow for easier manipulation of the sound system, heating and air conditioning and the navigation unit. And of course, the system is Bluetooth capable so all those new gadgets will work with MMI. In fact, Palm has developed its Treio PDAs to be compatible with Audi’s MMI.

Of course, let’s not forget the entire passenger compartment is an area of comfort, not only for the driver and front passenger but for the rear passengers as well. I was equally at ease in the rear seat as I was in the front. There is plenty of room to stretch out and relax in the rear area.

Whether the A6 makes a major dent in the sales of its bigger brother, A8, doesn’t seem to matter much, because here is an automobile that will make its owner happy 365 days a year. I doubt it will see much rest since it is just as happy cruising down the interstate as it is heading for the twisty roads or the opera. Let’s see, if I sell that old bike and move all these yard tools out into the storage shed, can I get the A6 in there?

Ron Moorhead, a nationally syndicated automotive columnist, can be reached at ronmoorhead@hotmail.com