Best large car over $60,000

The new seventh-generation A6 showcases plenty of Audi’s technological innovation and engineering skills.

As befits luxury models, standard features and safety scores are equal best-in-class. For those looking for additional creature comforts and more advanced safety and driver assistance features, options are plentiful but, as is typical of the class, venturing there isn’t for the faint-hearted with some wallet-wilting prices.

The V6 turbo-diesel is now lighter and punches out an extra 4 kW. Claimed torque is a muscular 500 Nm. A smooth, slick-shifting seven-speed dual clutch transmission is standard, instead of the previous six-speed auto.

Buyers are becoming increasingly attracted to modern generation diesels with their refined and fuel miserly ways and Audi’s 3.0-litre TDI doesn’t disappoint on either count, making it an ideal fit for this executive express.

Ride quality is important in this class and the A6 proves composed and comfortable, albeit not quite a match for the supple cosseting ways of the class-leading XF Jaguar. Handling-wise though, it’s the A6 with its nose in front.

The German sedan delivers sure-footed all-wheel drive grip matched to accurate and consistent, if slightly dull, steering for a top-of-the-class handling score.

Audi’s fit and finish is something of a benchmark, even in the luxury car class.