We all need our space, but is it worth driving a supersized SUV to achieve it? As two Bavarian automakers see it, you could buy one of the sport-utes they build, or you could opt for one of their station wagons instead. There’s easily more “sport” and arguably a similar level of utility in the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 535xi Sports Wagon, anyway.
Even while the pendulum of coolness swung far from anything resembling a station wagon, Audi smoothed the perception by resolutely building models you’d actually enjoy driving and tagged them as Avant models. Our 2008 A6 Avant features no major changes from the introductory wagon release in 2006.
BMW’s wagons seem to enjoy greater acceptance in Europe, where SUV ownership has never been cool beyond expats and a few oddballs. Far from a sales leader in the States, the 535xi Sports Wagon represents a logical compromise between the all-wheel drive of an X5 and the performance of a 5-Series sedan.
Let’s look closely at each car and evaluate them based on several fixed and weighted criteria. The perfect German wagon would drive away with 100 points; read on to learn how they fared…
Audi A6 Avant
MSRP (base): $49,000Engine: 3.2-liter V6
Horsepower: 255 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 243 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm
MPG: City: 19; Highway; 27
Performance - 12/20
Sadly, there’s no such animal as an S6 Avant (an S-line interior package is as close as you’ll come). Too bad. In its sole configuration with Quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed Tiptronic automatic, the A6 Avant launches with little fanfare or drama to deliver 7.3-second 0 to 60 mph times. Leaving it floored will find you at 130 mph, the electronically limited top speed. During all-out acceleration or when pushed hard through corners, the A6 begins to strain earlier than we’d like in a car of this caliber. In all fairness, that reflects a car without the optional sport suspension or 19” wheels. To its credit, said straining comes later than most traffic situations ever demand and the Avant does communicate a nice level of steering and braking feedback to the driver.
Exterior design - 16/20
It’s no exotic sports car, but the A6 Avant looks purposeful and sophisticated. Although it debuted in 2006, it’s still sharper than the fresh designs of other manufacturers. In short, if wagons had always looked this good, they may never have fallen from grace in the U.S.
Interior design - 9/10
The exterior’s sophistication continues inside the warm, inviting cabin, accented with just the right doses of wood and aluminum. You’ll find great ergonomics in the front and second rows, plus a useful 63.8 cubic feet of total cargo room, with the second row folded. We were also pleased to discover the built-in cargo retention aids to keep items secure, whether in the worst-case scenario of a collision or just spirited driving on the way home from the supermarket.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
If you have kids and they insist on hearing their favorite music in the car, pray they don’t learn about the optional Bose surround sound system. Included in the Premium package, it could come back to haunt you in the form of The Wiggles at 100 decibels, or about half as loud as the kids themselves. Beyond that, Advanced MMI (multi-media interface) functions similar to BMW’s iDrive and is easily operated with a little patience in learning its navigation.
Bang for your buck - 15/20 Tarted-up trucks that pass for premium SUVs easily cost as much as the A6 Avant and fall short of the wagon in many ways. Even if you decline every available option, you’ll still get a well-equipped, competent and enjoyable car for under $50,000.
Driving experience - 14/20 The European feel is unmistakable and the car is a great drive under most conditions. Only when you begin to really push it will you feel it lose composure. The majority of drivers will probably be content to operate at a less frenzied pace and revel in the Audi-ness of the A6 Avant.
Overall score - 73/100
When you want to stand apart from the crowd in a refined way and don’t intend to drive with too much gusto, the A6 Avant is worth a look.
BMW 535xi Sports Wagon
MSRP (base): $54,000Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo I6
Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 1,400 rpm
MPG: City: 16; Highway; 24
Performance - 16/20
You may have doubts about a 3.0-liter V6 having enough gusto for a car like the all-wheel drive 535xi Sports Wagon. You may question whether twin turbos on this engine will turn it into a bipolar nightmare. And, if you questioned such things, then you may also be very, very wrong. Even with the six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (a no-cost option that replaces the six-speed manual), the 535 covers 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds, with its top speed electronically capped at 150 mph. The lack of lag and noise will make you forget the turbos are even present. Whether wearing the standard 17” wheels or optional 18s, the brake and steering feel is just what you’d expect of a 5-Series BMW -- brilliant.
Exterior design - 16/20
To us, BMW SUVs have never looked quite right, as if they’d comically hiked up their rocker panel skirts to avoid getting dirty. The wagons are another story. They may not be as coveted as, say, an M5 sedan; but they do have a nice understated manner that no SUV can achieve.
Interior design - 8/10
Though a bit behind the Audi in cargo space (58.3 cubic feet versus the Audi’s 63.8), the 535 is still roomy for first and second row occupants without feeling gluttonous. Ergonomics have been designed for comfort and usefulness for greater speeds and distances than most Americans travel, so you won’t be disappointed. We did, however, miss seeing the same attention to cargo retention featured in the Audi.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
By now, bitching about iDrive has all the relativity of a Monica Lewinsky joke. For those who still haven’t used it, consider this: If you can figure out an iPhone, iDrive will pose no greater challenge. And once you have that licked, you’ll be in total control of, among other features, the optional Logic7 surround sound system, with 13 speakers (two of which are subwoofers).
Bang for your buck - 15/20
Though priced north of the Audi by several thousand, you also get a lot more overall in the Bimmer. If you’re willing to concede a few feet of cargo space for 45 more horsepower, 57 more lb-fts of torque and sharper road manners, the extra five grand won’t bother you.
Driving experience - 16/20
The only regret you’ll have driving the 535xi Sports Wagon is that you didn’t give up your luxury SUV sooner. You’ll still have more than enough room for the majority of your needs and you'll be driving a vehicle with near-sports car prowess.
Overall score - 78/100
The BMW 535xi Sports Wagon may be the ideal vehicle for those who are willing to grow up, but refuse to grow old.
and the winner is…
The Audi A6 Avant and BMW 535xi Sports Wagon remind us of how our needs for space (whether real or imagined) don’t have to coincide with taking the slow lane in an ungraceful SUV. Either Bavarian all-wheel drive wagon makes a great companion in the city and on the open road. But, for the enthusiast driver willing to open his wallet a little wider, the BMW gets the nod.78/100
Resources:http://autos.aol.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/
http://www.audiusa.com/
http://www.bmwusa.com/
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