The Audi A4 Cabriolet (B6 8H) 3.0 V6 30V quattro, produced between 2003 and 2005, represented a compelling blend of open-air motoring and Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel-drive system. This variant occupied the premium position within the B6 Cabriolet range, offering significantly more performance than the entry-level 1.8T models and a more refined experience than the diesel options available in Europe. It was positioned as a luxury performance convertible, appealing to buyers seeking a sophisticated and capable vehicle. The B6 generation A4 Cabriolet, built on the Volkswagen Group’s PL45 (1HX0/A3) platform, aimed to modernize the convertible experience with improved rigidity and a more upscale interior.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | A4 |
| Generation | A4 Cabriolet (B6 8H) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 30V (220 Hp) quattro |
| Start of production | 2003 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15.8 l/100 km (14.9 US mpg, 17.9 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg, 33.6 UK mpg, 11.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.1 l/100 km (21.2 US mpg, 25.4 UK mpg, 9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 266 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 241 km/h (149.75 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.6 kg/Hp, 131.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 kg/Nm, 179.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 220 Hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 3200 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | ASN, AVK |
| Engine displacement | 2976 cm3 (181.61 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.5 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 5 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.3 l (6.66 US qt | 5.54 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1675 kg (3692.74 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2155 kg (4750.96 lbs.) |
| Max load | 480 kg (1058.22 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 246 l (8.69 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 315 l (11.12 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 66 l (17.44 US gal | 14.52 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Length | 4573 mm (180.04 in.) |
| Width | 1778 mm (70 in.) |
| Height | 1391 mm (54.76 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2654 mm (104.49 in.) |
| Front track | 1523 mm (59.96 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1523 mm (59.96 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.1 m (36.42 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the A4 Cabriolet 3.0 quattro was the ASN or AVK engine code, a 2.976-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. This engine featured a 60-degree V-angle, contributing to its smooth operation. It employed multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with five valves per cylinder (three intake, two exhaust). This configuration allowed for excellent breathing and a broad powerband. The engine produced 220 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and the quattro all-wheel-drive system necessitated a robust drivetrain. The standard transmission was a 6-speed manual, although a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission was also available, though less common. The automatic transmission offered a degree of driver control with manual shift capabilities.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.0 V6 quattro Cabriolet delivered a noticeably more engaging driving experience than the 1.8T models. The increased power and torque provided brisk acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.5 seconds – and effortless cruising. The quattro all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction in all weather conditions, enhancing stability and confidence. The manual transmission offered precise shifts and a direct connection to the engine, while the automatic, while less sporty, provided convenience. The suspension, tuned for a balance between comfort and handling, provided a relatively compliant ride without sacrificing cornering ability. Compared to the 1.8T, the V6 felt more substantial and refined, offering a more premium driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.0 V6 quattro typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position as the range-topping Cabriolet. Standard features included leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a premium audio system, and power-adjustable front seats. Optional extras included heated seats, a sunroof, and upgraded alloy wheels. The interior design was typical of Audi at the time, characterized by a clean, functional layout and high-quality materials. The dashboard featured a symmetrical design with intuitive controls. Trim levels varied slightly depending on the market, but generally, the 3.0 V6 offered a higher level of standard equipment than the lower-spec models.
Chassis & Braking
The B6 A4 Cabriolet featured an independent multi-link suspension at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The front suspension utilized coil springs and shock absorbers, while the rear suspension incorporated a separate spring and damper arrangement. The braking system consisted of ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard. The chassis was reinforced compared to the A4 sedan to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof, enhancing structural rigidity and improving handling. Stabilizer bars were fitted front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Audi A4 Cabriolet 3.0 V6 quattro was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its powerful engine, all-wheel-drive system, and refined interior. However, some critics noted that the fuel economy was relatively poor, and the price was higher than some of its competitors. Compared to the 1.8T models, the 3.0 V6 offered a significant performance upgrade but came at a higher cost. The diesel variants, popular in Europe, offered better fuel economy but lacked the V6’s refinement and power. The BMW 3 Series Convertible and Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet were its main rivals, offering similar levels of performance and luxury.
Legacy
The ASN and AVK V6 engines, while generally reliable, are known to require regular maintenance, particularly regarding timing belt replacement. The 3.0 V6 quattro Cabriolet has maintained a reasonable level of desirability in the used car market, appealing to buyers seeking a stylish and capable convertible. While not as common as the 1.8T models, the V6 variants command a premium due to their performance and exclusivity. Properly maintained examples continue to provide a rewarding driving experience, representing a well-engineered and attractive open-top car from the early 2000s. Finding parts can be easier than some more obscure European models, but specialized Audi parts suppliers are often required for certain components.
