IRVINE, CA - Though the new face of Audi debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show fronting the A8 L 6.0 ultra-luxury sedan, it is the new 2005 Audi A6 that will bring the German automaker's updated visage to the masses when it debuts in Geneva the first week of March.

Love it or hate it, it will be hard not to notice the Audi A6's new horse-collar nose. The rest of the sheetmetal is harder to identify as redesigned; it employs Audi's traditionally swept roofline, triangular rear quarter glass, and clean flanks. At the rear, the taillights are lower than before to give an impression of width, connected along the top by a bright strip of trim that smells faintly of Saturn L300. The result is an attractive but austere sedan that imparts a business-like no-nonsense character, which could be confused with dull and bland. At least it's more readily appealing to the eye than the BMW 5-Series, if not as interesting.

Inside, the shape and detailing of the 2005 Audi A6's trapezoidal grillework repeats on the driver's airbag cover. Traditionally sumptuous leather, wood, and metal detailing ensures Audi's status as creator of some of the industry's most luxurious and tasteful cabins. The dash design is more driver-centric than before, and includes Audi's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system to control various entertainment, navigation and climate functions. Leg and shoulder space is increased front and rear for greater comfort and a variety of upholstery, wood and aluminum trims are available to tailor the 2005 Audi A6 to personal tastes.