2019 Audi A6 vs 2020 Lexus ES

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. These elements, combined with a short front overhang and rakish roofline, maintained the A6's lineage while offering a contemporary aesthetic. The S-line styling details added a sporty touch across all versions, with prices ranging from $58,900 to $85,245, excluding destination charges. The interior, crafted with high-quality materials, exuded luxury, though it had minor drawbacks like cabin creaks and plastic pieces on the seat backs.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus ES evolved from its earlier "boring" label to a more aggressive design, highlighted by a large spindle grille that integrated well with the car's larger proportions. The rear featured thin taillamps and a pronounced kink in the side windows, adding to its sleek appearance. Inside, the ES combined modern technology with an organic aesthetic, featuring soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen. The trims ranged from the base 350 FWD to the sporty 350 F Sport, each offering a variety of features and options. The F Sport, in particular, stood out with its unique design elements and performance-oriented features.

The 2019 Audi A6 was praised for its dynamic performance, powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the A6 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. The engine was paired with a 7-speed S tronic automated manual transmission and a Quattro Ultra AWD system, which operated as FWD until AWD was needed. The A6 also featured a mild hybrid system with a 48-volt electrical system, enhancing fuel efficiency. Despite the EPA's 25 mpg estimate, real-world testing yielded 22.9 mpg. The A6's steering, brakes, and adaptive damping suspension contributed to its engaging driving experience, though the brake pedal felt numb in urban settings.

The 2020 Lexus ES, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. While not a performance machine, the ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its Dynamic Control Shocks. The F Sport trim offered an Adaptive Variable Suspension with adjustable dampers, enhancing the driving experience with additional drive modes. Although based on the Toyota Camry and Avalon, the ES's upgraded suspension and paddle shifters added a touch of sportiness.

The 2019 Audi A6 offered a comfortable interior, especially with the optional 18-way multi-contour front seats featuring massage programs. However, the cabin felt snug, with limited room for spreading out. The rear seats provided comfort but were similarly confined. Interior storage was minimal, and the trunk, housing the 48-volt battery, offered just 13.7 cubic feet of space, requiring creative packing for road trips.

The 2020 Lexus ES boasted a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front doors featured deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple storage options. The trunk provided 16.7 cubic feet of space, though the rear seats did not fold down, limiting cargo flexibility. Despite this, the ES's interior was well-designed for passenger comfort and convenience.

The 2019 Audi A6 excelled in technology, featuring the latest Multi-Media Interface with dual touchscreen displays. The system offered quick response times, haptic feedback, and lush graphics. Highlights included a navigation system with Google Earth imagery, handwriting recognition, and a surround-view camera. The Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation and Bang & Olufsen sound systems further enhanced the tech experience.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlled by a touch-sensitive pad. While not a touchscreen, the system was intuitive once presets were set. The infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12.3-inch display. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a head-up display.

The 2019 Audi A6 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems, with advanced features available on higher 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, though the optional night-vision assistant was not included in the test car.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. Additional safety features included pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist. The ES also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.