Audi A6 vs Lexus IS

The 2008 Audi A6 maintained the smooth, rounded lines characteristic of early 2000s Audi models, while adopting a sharper, more aggressive appearance. Its front end was dominated by a large grille extending from the lower bumper to the hood, creating a somewhat awkward focal point in an otherwise clean design. The A6's exterior was sleek and upscale, with minimal logos and badges. Inside, the A6's interior mirrored its exterior's tidiness, featuring wood and metal trim that broke up the otherwise dark colour scheme. The centre stack was button-heavy but intuitively arranged, with a navigation screen positioned for easy driver visibility. Leather seats and thick carpeting added to the luxurious cabin feel.

In contrast, the 2008 Lexus IS distinguished itself with small design details, such as the rear door cutline that wrapped around the rear window. Its nose tapered with an aggressively sloped hood, while the rear was short and square. Despite its RWD chassis, the IS wasn't as low or sleek as expected, sometimes resembling a pricier Toyota Corolla. Inside, the IS impressed with attractive colours and a high-end look, featuring sculpted rear seatbacks and rich leather and wood trim. The interior was meticulously crafted, with details like instrument panel gauges resembling an expensive wristwatch. The IS F variant offered subtle upgrades, with larger wheels and air intakes, hinting at its underlying power.

The 2008 Audi A6 offered two engine options: a 3.2-litre V6 producing 255 horsepower and a 4.2-litre V8 with 350 hp, the latter exclusive to the sedan. The Quattro AWD system was standard in Canada, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A FWD version with a CVT, known as "Multitronic," was available in other markets but not in Canada. The A6's engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering a sporty feel and 325 lb-ft of torque for authoritative acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission ensured responsive and agile cruising, maintaining quiet operation at highway speeds. Fuel economy for Quattro sedan models was rated at 12.1 L/100 km city and 8.0 highway with the V6, and 13.1 city/8.8 highway with the V8.

The 2008 Lexus IS offered two V6 engines with RWD or AWD drivetrains. The base IS 250 featured a 2.5-litre V6 with 204 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The IS 250's performance was subdued, with high revs resulting in noise rather than thrust. The IS 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 producing 306 hp and 277 lb-ft, offered a more engaging experience, especially with paddle shifters. Despite lively steering and a balanced chassis, the IS prioritized ride comfort over sportiness. The IS F variant boasted a 5.0-litre V8 with 416 hp and 371 lb-ft, paired with an eight-speed automatic, delivering race car-like performance.

The 2008 Audi A6 excelled in space and comfort, typical of German luxury sedans. While its seats leaned towards sportiness, the A6 remained a cushy and upscale vehicle. The sloping roof slightly impeded rear seat space, but generous headroom and a lengthy wheelbase provided ample legroom. Compared to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Jaguar XF, the A6 felt more personal and warm. Its sound insulation and comfortable suspension made it a pleasant place to spend time. The trunk featured special hinges for easy access and grocery hooks for convenience. Standard features included heated front seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and a power sunroof.

The 2008 Lexus IS featured a user-friendly infotainment system with hard shortcut buttons surrounding a large colour screen when equipped with navigation. Climate and stereo controls were easily accessible. While rear legroom was tight, knee cutouts in the front seatbacks offered some accommodation. The trunk provided 377 litres of space. The front seats were comfortable and supportive for long drives.

The 2008 Audi A6 was a showcase of advanced automotive technologies. Its MMI vehicle management system, though requiring some learning, functioned smoothly. The A6 included a six-CD changer and a navigation system displayed on a 7-inch screen. The available Bose premium sound system delivered excellent audio quality within the well-insulated cabin. Satellite radio was optional on the V8 sedan.

The 2008 Lexus IS came standard with push-button start, keyless entry, a six-disc CD changer, cruise control, power steering, and heated exterior mirrors. Optional features included leather seats with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The sport package on IS 350 models added a stiffened suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, and aluminum interior trim. Optional Bluetooth, a backup camera, and a DVD navigation system with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson 7.1 surround sound system were highly regarded.

The 2008 Audi A6 received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with "Good" ratings for moderate overlap front, side, and head-restraint crash tests. Roof strength was rated "Acceptable." Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes, side airbags, side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Optional features included a lane-departure system and adaptive cruise control, though a rearview camera was not offered.

The 2008 Lexus IS came equipped with dual front airbags, dual front knee airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear seat side curtain airbags as standard. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control were also standard. An optional Pre-Collision Assist system used radar to detect impending crashes, activating seatbelt pre-tensioners and priming the brakes. A reversing camera was available. The IS received "Good" ratings from the IIHS for front moderate overlap and side tests. The NHTSA rated it four out of five stars for frontal crashes and five stars for side crashes, with a note on defective Takata airbags requiring recall repairs.