Audi A6 vs Volkswagen Passat

The 2019 Audi A6 presented a modern yet familiar design, drawing inspiration from the automaker's Prologue Concept. It featured a wider single-frame grille, subtle fender swells reminiscent of the original Audi Quattro, and innovative LED lighting with animated sequences, giving it a distinctive appearance, especially at night. The car's design was further enhanced by a short front overhang, a rakish roofline, and horizontal themes for the taillights and exhaust outlets, maintaining the bloodlines of past A6 models. At launch, all A6 versions included S-line styling details, adding a sportier look. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and sophisticated patterns, though it had some minor drawbacks like cabin creaks and plastic pieces on the seat backs.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat retained a familiar look, resembling the previous Passat models and the redesigned VW Jetta. While the exterior design was not groundbreaking, the interior maintained a traditional layout with a small 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Passat's interior was characterized by cheap, glossy plastic, but it was easy to clean and user-friendly. The car was designed for simplicity, offering a straightforward driving experience without the complexity of multiple driving modes. The Passat was available in four trims, with the SE trim offering a good balance of value and equipment. The R-Line trim added a sporty appearance, and the overall design was practical and easy to live with.

The 2019 Audi A6 delivered an exhilarating driving experience, powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 7-speed S tronic automated manual transmission and Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive system, allowed the A6 to accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. The A6 was also a mild hybrid, featuring a 48-volt electrical system that improved fuel efficiency by capturing energy during coasting and braking. Despite the EPA's 25 mpg rating, the A6 achieved 22.9 mpg during testing. The car's steering, brakes, and adaptive damping suspension contributed to its dynamic performance, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While not as powerful as the A6, the Passat's engine was efficient, achieving 26 mpg during testing, close to the EPA's 27-mpg rating. The Passat's 6-speed automatic transmission provided a smooth driving experience, and the car's steering was light and precise. However, the suspension tuning was less refined, resulting in a busy ride over sharp bumps and a floaty feel over undulations. Despite these drawbacks, the Passat offered predictable handling and commendable grip with its 19-inch wheels and tires.

The 2019 Audi A6 offered a comfortable interior with 18-way multi-contour front seats and several massage programs. However, the cabin felt snug, with limited room for spreading out. The rear seats were comfortable but similarly confined, and the trunk space was limited to 13.7 cubic feet due to the 48-volt electrical system's battery. Interior storage was minimal, making it challenging to store personal items.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide seats and ample room for five passengers. The Passat's trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of space, accommodating full-size suitcases and compact strollers with ease. The car's interior featured cloth upholstery in the base trim, with leatherette and genuine leather options available in higher trims. The Passat's design prioritized practicality and utility, making it a suitable choice for families.

The 2019 Audi A6 excelled in technology, featuring Audi's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with dual touchscreen displays, haptic feedback, and lush graphics. The navigation system used Google Earth imagery, and the handwriting recognition system was outstanding. The Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation was a highlight, offering superior design and integration. The Bang & Olufsen sound system provided excellent audio quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat, however, lacked the latest infotainment and digital cockpit technologies. It featured a basic 6.3-inch touchscreen display with App Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a standard 6-speaker sound system. The SEL trim offered navigation and a Fender premium sound system. While the Passat's infotainment system was simple, it covered the essentials and was easy to use, reminiscent of older systems with physical buttons and knobs.

The 2019 Audi A6 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems, with advanced features available in Premium Plus and Prestige trims. The Pre Sense systems, adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, and intersection assistant were among the highlights. The Prestige trim added HD Matrix LED headlights, enhancing visibility. The safety systems were designed to work subtly, integrating seamlessly into the driving experience.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat also prioritized safety, with standard features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim included parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat received a top safety rating from the IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.