The 2012 Audi A6 is probably one of the best large luxury cars in the market. It boasts high quality interiors and competitive engines such as the supercharged V6. In this respect, the 4-cylinder A6 provides better fuel economy that is above average in its class.
From outside, the new Audi A6 does not seem to have many changes. But wait until you are behind the wheels.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $41,700.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.8 gallons (75L) | MPG: 25 city / 33 hwy |
| Length: 193.5 in. (492.5 cm) | Wheel Base: 114.6 in. (291.2 cm) |
| Height: 57.2 in. (146.8 cm) | Width: 82.1 in. (208.6 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3682 lbs (1670 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 14.1 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 2.0L Turbo DOHC Inline 4 | Compression Ratio: 9.6: 1 |
| Horsepower: 211 HP | Max RPM: 6500 RPM |
| Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm | Transmission: CVT |
| 0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds | Maximum Speed: 130 mph (209 km/h) |
| Option:Premium Quattro 3.0T V6 | MSRP: $49,900; MPG: 19 city / 28 hwy |
Engine
There are two engines available for the 2012 Audi A6. First is the turbocharged 2.4 liter engine that delivers 211 horsepower and 258 lbs/ft of torque. Next is the supercharged 3.0 liter V6 engine that brings 310 horsepower and 325 lbs/ft of torque. By the numbers alone, car shoppers will clearly see that the new A6 is quick and capable. The automatic 8-speed transmission is also praised for its finesse and precision.
Performance
The A6 model that receives most praises is the all-wheel drive model primarily because it efficiently transfers power to the road. With excellent traction, you can utilize all the muscle that the A6 provides. It drives well in the city, on the highway and up the hills.
The new A6 steers lighter than expected but nevertheless handles better than its counterparts on twisty roads. The 3.0 A6 has a fuel economy rating of 29 mpg for highway and 19 mpg for city driving.
Exterior
There were no major changes in the exterior of the 2012 A6. It has the traditional front grille and headlights that are narrower. It hardly has lines and profound curves, making it look extra smooth. If we can describe the new A6 in one word, it would be polished. It does not look sporty because it is designed to look seriously luxurious.
Interior
Audi is known for creating top-of-the-class interiors and they definitely live up to that reputation with the new A6. The seats are made of leather and premium soft touch materials. The styling is beautifully done, too. The cabin is spacious and the seats are comfortable. Audi shoppers can customize the interior by opting for aluminum or wood trim. They can also go for Audi’s MMI, a user interface that can transform the car into a wireless hotspot.
Safety
The Insurance Institute on Highway Safety gave the new A6 a “good” score in all of the tests that it performed on the car. On this note, the A6 becomes a top safety pick for the IIHS. The federal government, however, is yet to subject the A6 to its own crash tests. The A6 also has standard safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, Audi Pre Sense and blind spot monitors.
Reliability
The new Audi A6 comes with the standard 4-year warranty and 24 hour road assistance that will last as the basic warranty. After one year or 5,000 miles, the first scheduled maintenance is free. The warranty that Audi provides is average in its class and is acceptable.
Pros
In its class, the Audi A6 provides the best cabin and interior features. The seats are crafted excellently using high quality materials. The cabin is spacious and does not compromise driver and passenger comfort in any way. The A6 also has excellent handling which makes it perfect to various driving conditions without sacrificing the comfort of the passengers.
Cons
The only possible complaint that you can have with the A6 is the extra-light steering wheel that does not feel natural.
Competition
The A6 has been compared many times over with the BMW 5 Series sedan (MSRP $54,550; 23 city / 34 hwy) and the Mercedes Benz E Class (MSRP $52,990; 20 city / 30 hwy).
In all ways, the 2012 Audi A6 is a capable and a classy car making it a perfect choice for luxury car shoppers.
Overall Rating
82 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2012 Audi A6 is billed as a five-seat sedan, but its relatively skimpy trunk space and fifth-passenger space has us thinking most buyers will be better off with the four-seat hatchback version of the same running gear–the Audi A7.”Car Connection
“The A6 feels sportiest in Dynamic mode, but lacks the agile, “tossable” feel of a comparable BMW 5-Series. Still, it corners with little body lean and reassuring stability, abetted in the 3.0T by standard all-wheel drive. Steering is accurate and quick, but the turning circle is fairly wide in all models. Braking is smooth and swift from any speed, and with little unwanted nosedive.”Consumer Guide
“The A6 sedan ranks among our top-scoring midsized luxury cars. The smooth and refined 310-hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V6 makes the car quick, yet it returned a respectable 22 mpg overall in our tests.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2012 Audi A6 requires a lighter touch around town than a BMW 5 Series sedan. At the same time, it feels more athletic than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.”KBB
“Finely finished interior; plenty of technology features; strong supercharged V6; fuel-efficient base four-cylinder engine.”Edmunds
