Audi A6 C7 Interior Customization Review: Cost & Results

Revitalizing the Audi A6 C7 Interior

The Audi A6 C7, even a decade after its debut, retains a sophisticated design that many owners cherish. However, as time passes, the interior can start to feel dated or show signs of wear. This review details an interior customization project on an Audi A6 C7 3.0T, focusing on enhancing both aesthetics and driving experience. The owner, having purchased the car used, felt the original interior was a bit too plain and decided to invest in an interior and exterior refresh. This type of upgrade can significantly boost a car's appeal, especially for models with enduring designs like the A6 C7. The work was performed by 'Odeul-ui-Car' (Today's Car), a service that curates automotive customization across numerous locations.

Custom Interior Upgrades: Gear Selector and Airbag Cover

The interior transformation began with the gear selector and airbag cover. The original gear selector, while functional, had a somewhat dated appearance compared to modern vehicles. It was replaced with an 'RS Perforated Gear Selector,' featuring red stitching to add a sporty and luxurious touch, perfectly complementing the existing interior scheme. The installation required a minor adjustment, rotating the lever housing about 45 degrees to align the push-button correctly with the new gear selector. Attention to such details is crucial for a flawless finish. Next, the airbag cover on the 3-spoke steering wheel was addressed. The owner had already had the leather on the steering wheel itself professionally redone with semi-perforated material and red stitching. A new leather airbag cover, sourced internationally, was installed to perfectly match the gear knob's stitching, creating a cohesive look. It's important to note that airbag covers can vary even between the same steering wheel size, so precise identification of the vehicle's specific airbag shape is essential before ordering.

Exterior Enhancement: Updated Tail Lights

For the exterior, the focus was on updating the tail lights to a later model style. While the front of this particular A6 C7 had already been converted to a later S6 style, a full rear conversion would have been considerably more expensive. Instead, the owner opted for tail lights designed in the later style but fitted to the original electric-phase bumper dimensions. This approach offers a significant visual upgrade without the high cost of a full bumper replacement. These modern tail lights are designed for straightforward installation, often with simpler wiring than older units, ensuring durability and a flush fit. The signature Audi dynamic turn signal function is retained, adding a modern, dynamic flair. This tail light swap alone dramatically modernized the A6 C7's rear end, giving it a more contemporary appearance.

Installation Process:

1. Removal of the original gear selector and airbag cover.
2. Modification of the gear lever housing to accommodate the new RS perforated selector.
3. Installation of the new RS perforated gear selector with red stitching.
4. Replacement of the original airbag cover with the new leather-wrapped version.
5. Removal of the old tail lights and installation of the new late-model style tail lights, ensuring proper wiring and dynamic turn signal function.

The entire interior and exterior customization process for this Audi A6 C7 took approximately 3 to 5 hours. The interior components, like the gear selector and airbag cover, are expected to maintain their appearance for over 5 years with regular use, while the tail lights are designed for long-term durability, often with manufacturer warranties of 3-5 years. This type of customization offers a substantial visual improvement, making a 10-year-old car feel significantly more modern and personalized.