The Audi A6 C5 (Type 4B) is a mid-size executive car produced by German automaker Audi from 1997 to 2004. It was part of the Volkswagen Group's B-platform family and marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the A6 (C4), in terms of design, technology, and features.
Design and Features
The C5 A6 had a more angular and aggressive exterior design compared to the C4, with a larger grille, new headlights, and a distinctive "ice-cube" shape for the front bumper. The rear lights were also revised, featuring LED indicators and reflectors. The interior was redesigned, offering improved ergonomics and more premium materials.
Engine Options
The A6 C5 was available with a range of engines, including:
- Petrol: 1.8L inline-4 (110 HP), 2.4L V6 (150 HP), 3.0L V6 (250 HP) with quattro AWD
- Diesel: 2.5L inline-5 (150 HP), 2.7L V6 (180 HP)
Transmission and Drivetrain
Audi offered a range of transmissions, including:
- 5-speed manual
- 4-speed automatic
- Tiptronic (a semi-automatic transmission) in certain trim levels
The quattro AWD system was available with most engine options, providing improved traction and stability.
Safety Features
Some notable safety features included:
- Dual airbags as standard
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Performance
The C5 A6 was praised for its responsive handling, comfortable ride, and refined power delivery. The 3.0L V6 engine with quattro AWD was particularly notable for its performance capabilities.
Trim Levels and Variants
Audi offered several trim levels and variants of the A6 C5, including:
- Base model (4B)
- Quattro S
- Avant wagon body style
Production and Discontinuation
The Audi A6 C5 was produced from 1997 to 2002 at the Ingolstadt plant in Germany. It was replaced by the A6 C6 (Type 4F) in 2004.
Specifications
Key specifications for the Audi A6 C5 include:
- Length: 4,796 mm
- Width: 1,802 mm
- Height: 1,437 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,683 mm
- Kerb weight: approximately 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs)
