Nail the gas and the A6 4.2 flings itself forward on an acceleration curve that seems more ferocious the faster the car goes. Most vehicles peter out sooner. Further, front and rear differentials electronically lock in demanding situations to enhance traction by keeping power flowing. The V-8's torque is distributed among the four tires and applied to rapid forward motion instead of dissipated in smoke and burned rubber. The Tiptronic in automatic mode does a commendable job of slicing through its ratios crisply, keeping the engine in full-throated cry.
Downshifts likewise are smart, precise, agreeable.
But that transmission also is among gripes that undermine an otherwise delightful car. Even with first gear selected manually, the transmission upshifted into second after modest acceleration, before the engine was close to its danger zone. I'll take it from here. But German machines never have lacked hubris. From that grumpy point, we begin to notice other things that annoy, aggravate, provoke and otherwise don't sit well.