When a person asks friends what their choice for the best large luxury car, then it would not be surprising to hear if they all answer Audi in a chorus. For many years, this German company has been famous for its fine production of cars that have emphasis on a gorgeous interior and exterior designs, safety assurance, and fuel efficiency. There have been many popular choices under this company, but as far as luxury cars are concerned then no choice would be more popular than the Audi A6.
Performance
The 2011 Audi A6 is available in several trims. You have the option to choose between a 3.2, 3.0T and the 4.2 engine. The 3.2 engine is the most basic trim. It is available in Premium trim, which has 17-inch wheels fitted with tires for all seasons, an S Line interior, 12-way power seats covered with leather, the MMI Navigation Plus system, Bluetooth connectivity for cellular phones, and a Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Next is the Premium Plus, which has all the features mentioned earlier plus the 18-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, xenon plus headlights and LED running lights for daytime.
The 3.0T engine also has its own set of trims, which include Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. The Premium trim offers the same features, except for the heated front seats. The Premium Plus trim of this engine has the same features with the 3.2 one. The Prestige trim has all the features of the Premium Plus with the addition of an advanced key, a parking system with a rearview camera, a BOSE 5.1 Surround System, and a shift paddle-mounted steering wheel. The last trim is the 4.2 FSI Prestige, which has all the features of the 3.0T Prestige.
The A6 is a luxury car that boasts exceptional performance. The best feature that this car has is its Quattro all-wheel drive system, a stability system that makes other cars from leading brands look like bicycles that need training wheels. All in all, the car feels secure on the road even at high speeds. With regard to the exterior design of the car, the company did a good job to make it a sleek-looking vehicle.
Interior
The A6 may have a complex Multi-Media Interface or an engine that requires premium fuel, but its elegant cabin, exceptional Quattro all-wheel drive feature, impressive safety measures, and powerful and fuel-efficient V6 engine makes it a worthwhile purchase.
Exterior & Safety
The careful details like the placement of the LED lights, the grilles, and other lines and curves make it look neat and classy. The interior also looks brilliantly arranged and constructed, but the addition of the Multi-Media Interface System seems to make the controls a lot confusing. However, what mostly makes this car a shining jewel of Audi is its safety assurance. It has all the necessary features that performed well in the official crash and hazard tests of the government, which include the company’s new Electronic Stabilization Program that monitors the wheels for slips and prevents skids with the use of brakes just in case, a set of front-side, front and side head curtain airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and head restraints. The reliability though is somewhat mediocre with its four-year or 50000-mile warranty and four-year or 50000-mile powertrain warranty only.
Competition
Some people might consider searching for other alternatives. If that is the case, then the most likely choices are the BMW 528i-series (MSRP $45,050; 22 city/32 hwy) or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans (MSRP $ 49,400; 17 city/ 24 hwy), which look also classy like the A6, and they have all-wheel drive functions as well. The Audi A4 may also be a good option since it is smaller and most importantly because it has a lot of features at a more affordable cost.
Overall Rating
77 out of 100
What others say:
“All A6 models have Audi’s MMI control that uses a console knob and switches, and a dashboard screen to adjust audio, climate, and other functions.”Consumer Guide
“The A6 is beginning to show its age. Handling is responsive and secure, but the low-speed ride is quite firm. AWD is available. The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 delivers effortless power and good fuel economy. The seats are excellent, and the interior is well finished and filled with nice details. IIHS crash-test results are impressive.”Consumer Report
“The understated yet luxurious 2011 Audi A6 is a solid all-around effort, particularly in 3.0T configuration with its supercharged V6. It deserves consideration alongside its capable European and Japanese rivals.”Edmunds
“As before, Audi’s midsize model comes as a sedan and a wagon, called the Avant. It competes with the BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M sedan, Lexus GS sedan and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.”Cars.com
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $45,200.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gallons | Miles Per Gallon: 21 city / 30 hwy |
| Length: 194 in. (493 cm) | Width: 79.9 in. (201 cm) |
| Height: 57.4 in. (146 cm) | Weight: 3858 lbs (1750 kg) |
| Wheel Base: 111.9 in. (284 cm) | Ground Clearance: 4.6 in. (11.8 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 15.9 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 |
| Engine: Audi 3.2L 24-valve DOHC V6 | Compession Ratio: 12.5:1 |
| Horsepower: 265 hp | Max RPM: 6500 rpm |
| Torque: 243 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm | Transmission: Audi Multitronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT) |
| 0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds | 1/4 Mile: NA |
| Option:3.2 Premium Plus | MSRP: $46,900; MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy |
| Option:3.0T Premium | MSRP: $50,200; MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy |
| Option:3.0T Premium Plus | MSRP: $51,600; MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy |
| Option:3.0T Prestige | MSRP: $53,400; MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy |
| Option:4.2Prestige | MSRP: $59,150; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy |
