Audi's all-new A6 is quicker, more agile and better quality than ever before, but is that enough for it to topple the 5-Series?

Everyone has an arch rival – and for the Audi A6, there’s no greater nemesis than the BMW 5-Series. In the UK, it’s never got the better of its opponent, though. It’s never looked as good, never driven as well, never had the same want-it factor.

Its aerodynamic shape boasts some sharp surfacing and a lovely curved roofline, while the neat taillights and that bold grille with its smart LED daytime running lights really finish things off.

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The 242bhp 3.0-litre TDI V6 provides sports car performance with zero to 62mph in seven seconds and thanks to 500Nm of torque and a slick-shifting seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox, overtaking is ridiculously easy. It’s extremely efficient too – returning almost 50mpg and emitting just 158g/km of CO2 – and remarkably quiet.

It doesn’t feel quite as good an all-rounder as the 5-Series though. No matter which Drive Select mode you choose, the steering feels completely removed from the action. Our S line model had 20m lower sports suspension and together with larger wheels, that makes the ride very firm indeed.