It seems like it is designed more for a 55 year old banker than a 47 year old architect (me). The front end just seemed so heavy looking. The interior seemed a bit glitzy. Seems to me BMW and Audi designers have lost there touch. Maybe it will grow on me. I was counting on this being my next car. M business partner has a 6 month old E 320 and I was shocked at how well it drives.

no comparison - the new A6 beats both BMW & Mercedes hands down! As for the demographics to which these cars might appeal, Audi's has got to be younger than Mercedes!

IMHO!!

LIY

1. Definitely looks better in person that in the initial photos.
2. Being objective, I think from the outside, the Mercedes definitely looks like it has more club than the Audi.
3. Interior is a toss up. There are things I like about the A6 better than the Benz and vice versa.
4. I think I would be bored with the A6 well before the E500.

This was only after a quick showroom visit while my wife's allroad was in for service this week.

BTW, I'm a 36 year old commercial real estate broker who was initially concerned going MB but now have no regrets and haven't looked back.

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...I like it alot. I currently drive an '02 A4 Avant.

I don't think the new A6 is an architect's car. I (42 yo architect) am waiting for the Q7.

As a new A6 3.2 owner (and former 540), I want to quote three seperate reviewer's lines on A6's looks I read in Car and Driver's December issue that I have to agree with:
..... "A6 that looks more substantial and athletic, presenting the visage of a freight-train fullback in a three-point stance."
"Audi's mid-size car exudes design confidence. And not just on the outside; the interior gets a complete visual makeover that, thankfully, retains the fabulous quality of old. Nobody does cabins better"
"I liked the A6 4.2 better than the 545i, which is precisely what Audi intended."
And finally, from Automobile Mag's issue this summer comparing the E class, A6 and 530:
"If the 530i is the best-handling car, then the Audi must be the most compelling all-arounder." (Sorry MB)
Let's be honest, all three cars are among the best in the sports sedan category and it comes down to what you want&amp; like and what you dislike. I like MB's looks but it is pricey and most conservative. BMW is now ugly (inside and out) while the A6, IMHO, is great all around. The AWD and the body stifness are just a joy in the sun and bad weather we expect this NE winter.<ul><li><a href="http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/0409_insiders/index1.html">http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/0409_insiders/index1.html</a</li></ul>

...test drive the A6? If you're surprised at how well your partner's MB drove, then wouldn't you want to compare to the A6?

Hmm...to each his own, I guess. I have an E320 4matic and am dumping it in favor of an A6 4.2. IMO, it is better in every way--such a treat to drive. I could see how some people don't like the interior or exterior treatments, since these are pretty subjective issues.

The E class seem less "over designed". Maybe I will never go up in size and will stay with the smaller car. Ultimately it is about the feel of driving the car. In fact that is why I went to a Saab 93 convertible than an A4 Cabriolet. With a modified ECU my 93 is at 250 HP and it has a manual tranny. The A4 is only available as an auto with 220 hp and is much heavier, thus not neqarly as fun to drive.