3 Spoke Steering Wheel Vs 4 Spoke

[RV81]

I've noticed the S-line trim has 3 Spoke steering wheels instead of the 4 spoke ones on my 2010 A6 3T.

Here is my question - is the three spoke steering wheel is different just by the looks or are they more 'sports tuned' steering?

Steering is the one thing I do not like in my current car, it is toooooo soft and at times it kills the fun of cornering. My previous cars (A3 and GLI) had a much better steering IMHO, and I really miss that in my A6. I was wondering if the S-line trim could satisfy my 'steering' needs :-). I will be upgrading my A6 to the newer gen (2012+) in the near future, should I look for the S-line trim?

Thanks
RV

[SinCityA6]

The steering wheels are visually different only and do not effect the steering feel of the car. The 3 spoke wheel may add the "paddle" shifters that may be absent of the 4 spoke. This would give you the ability to change gears manually from the wheel instead of using the console shifter.

The steering on our A6s is "adaptive" and will soften up at low speeds and get firmer based on the driving style/conditions. If this is not happening, then it may be something that needs to be checked. Keep in mind that the A6 is a 4500lb car and the A3 and GTI are much smaller and lighter so comparing steering feel and response is an apple to oranges comparison.

The C7s started using the all electronic steering mechanism instead hydraulic. I have read some reviews that this setup actually makes the steering feel even less connected.

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[hilmar2k]

I actually find the steering to be quite good. For a car of its size and weight, I think Audi did a great job balancing effort and feel. Compared to other similar sized cars I've had in the past, including a Mercedes E500, the steering is sportier.

[mrismail]

I've recently converted my 4 spoke steering wheel to a thick SLine 3 spoke. Turning the car has become more exciting to me cause the 3 spoke fills up my hands a lot more than the 4 spoke did. I think it's rather mental, though. The diameter is still the same.
Here's a picture of the 3 spoke I have:

[kocyk123]

3 spoke does not warm up.... :(

[b6onboost]

There is still a physical connection between the wheel and rack.

Audi's electric steering simply uses an electric motor for power assist rather than a hydraulic steering pump. It was mainly done for fuel economy, one less belt-driven accessory for the motor.

Here's a good article on it: http://www.caranddriver.com/features...n-test-feature

The C7s started using the all electronic steering mechanism instead of having an actual hard connection between the steering wheel and rack. This was done mainly in order to implement the lane assist feature where the car will automatically make minor steering adjustments to stay within a travel lane. I have read some reviews that this setup actually makes the steering feel even less connected.

[cal3thousand]

I got a 3 spoke just like mrismail, but haven't installed it yet. It seems a bit thicker in the 10 and 2 positions as well as some extra meat around 8 and 4. Best part of the 3 spoke, to me, is being able to get my whole hand on the inner steering portion when just cruising on the freeway. The 4 spoke's openings are poorly -placed and -sized for a dude's hands, IMO. And I don't have big hands. I'm sure it's gotta be more annoying for bigger people.

[RV81]

Okey, that helps. Good know am not the only one with some issues with the 4 Spoke steering wheel. Thanks for your insights.

RV.

[SinCityA6]

There is still a physical connection between the wheel and rack.

Audi's electric steering simply uses an electric motor for power assist rather than a hydraulic steering pump. It was mainly done for fuel economy, one less belt-driven accessory for the motor.

Here's a good article on it: http://www.caranddriver.com/features...n-test-feature

Thank you for the correction.