mikem33

Hi,

I'm in the process of ordering a 2013 A6 and am torn between the 18" or the 19" sport package. The 18" sport package is not an option for 2013, so I have to choose non-sport 18 or sport 19.
Unfortunately, none of the local dealers have a non-sport 18 that I could test drive. I drove the 17" base model and that seemed too soft and understeer was a concern; the 19 felt a bit stiff, but handles a lot better. The 17 in. tires were 225/55, however, so I'm not sure if the softness was sidewall related more than suspension related. The regular 18 runs on 245/45 if I remember correctly.

I'm hoping somebody has driven both and can share their insight? How different was the ride?
For those of you with 18 non-sport package A6s: How do you like the ride? How is the handling?

Thanks.

Mike

A6pdx

I drove all 3 Sports and a 18" non-sport - all of the sports felt about the same, with the 20" "feeling" the most aggressive in the turns probably due to tires.

For me i have never owned a non-sport Audi (A4's or A6's) and in driving the current 18" non-sport (while it is greatly improved with Drive Select) I still prefer the more aggressive ride. When you take a corner or are enjoying a drive, it is worth the harsher speed bumps...IMO

ThomasH

I have a longer commute (50 miles) in the Boston area on a mix of road types and specifically ordered my car without the sport package. The ride is stable, controlled, tight but without the harshness and transmission of every road surface into the cabin. I came off an '09 A4 that had a tough time on rougher roads and was determined not to repeat the experience. I am very satisfied with the ride on the A6 and don't feel that I've compromised fundamental handling characteristics of the car.

Part of your answer might depend on what your daily driving experience is like in terms of duration, what quality of roads you'll most often be on, and how much traffic freedom you'll have to splurge on twists and turns along the way.

at1183

I live in NY metro area, commute anywhere between 10 and 300 miles a day... 18" sport, perfect balance.


I know its not an option for you, but the sport suspension and paddle shifters are worth it. I am not very fond of the 19" sport package... If i didnt get 18, I would have gone with the 20"

BugeyeRX

After having 20's sports on my previous car I opted for the 18's non-sports since I was not happy with the stiff ride, the replacement costs or the fast wear of the 20's.

Minoclan@verizon.net

Agree. I love my 18" sports package. The stance alone is worth it. The 19 and 20 package are wheel killers in the Metro NY area. The ride is very nice.

snagitseven

As the OP wrote, the 18" Sports pkg will not be available in the 2013 model. Only 18" non-sport or 19"/20" sport will be offered.

snagitseven

Did your 2009 A4 have the sport pkg or ADS? Has anyone come from a 2009+ A4 without sport to an A6 with 19" sport pkg?

The G Man

mikem33, if you think the 17" is too soft, go for the 20" SP, skip the 19".

Rizwan

go for 20s or u will regret it