For 2012, the Audi A6 delivers impressive performance in a luxury package. Five trim levels are offered, with power coming from one of two engines.
In 2.0T models, a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder produces 210 hp, and is mated to an Audi Multitronic continuously variable transmission and powering the front wheels. 3.0T models derive their power from a 3.0L supercharged V6, which puts out 310 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The unit is mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi's proven quattro all-wheel drive is standard.
No A6 is ill equipped, and all are available in either Premium or Premium Plus trims, while 3.0T models also add a top-tier Prestige trim level. Premium provides such niceties as 17-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, tilt/telescopic multifunction steering wheel, leather seating, 8-way power front seats with driver side memory, 3-zone climate control, power sunroof, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and a sound system with multimedia interface and Sirius XM satellite radio.
Premium Plus trim adds a parking system with front and rear sensors, Xenon headlights with LED running lights, heated side mirrors, a 7-inch color driver information display, Audi MMI Navigation with voice control, a 6-disc CD changer and Audi connect, which turns the A6 into a wireless hotspot. In 3.0T models, a parking system with front and rear sensors and Xenon headlights are also included.
Step up to the 3.0T-only Prestige trim and you'll find adaptive Xenon headlights that change direction with the car's front wheels, special exterior "S line" appointments, 4-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, special ambient lighting and a Bose sound system.
Options allow you to turn your A6 into technological marvel on wheels. Among them, the Innovation Package is available on 3.0T Prestige models and it offers adaptive cruise control, side assist blind-spot monitor and Audi pre sense plus, which monitors traffic and alerts the driver to potential collisions through a heads-up display. A Bang & Olufsen sound system is also available on the Prestige, which offers 1,300 watts through 15 speakers turning the A6 into "a virtual concert hall on wheels," according to Audi.
Standard safety features on all A6 models include driver and front passenger airbags, knee airbags, and thorax side airbags, side head curtain airbags front and rear, anti-lock brakes, traction control and electronic stability control. Rear-passenger thorax side airbags are optional.
Sophisticated Styling
Available Quattro All-wheel Drive
Great Power From Supercharged 3.0L V6 Engine
Luxury Interior Appointments
Available Technology Packages
The Audi A6 sedan has been redesigned for 2012. The revised car is slightly wider and rides on a wheelbase three inches longer than its predecessor. The result is increased interior space. The model also makes more use of aluminum in the unibody.
A 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder replaces the previous 3.2L V6 in entry-level cars, where it delivers 210 hp. The supercharged 3.0L V6 returns and now produces 310 hp and 325 ft-lb of torque. The 4.2L V8 has been dropped from the lineup, as has the A6 Avant wagon. The 2.0L engine is rated at 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the 3.0L returns 19 mpg and 28 mpg, respectively.
Audi has upped its game in recent years to match forces with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and the 2012 A6 puts the carmaker one step closer. The 2.0L turbocharged models are competitively priced, while the 3.0 supercharged cars give buyers a hefty dose of performance. Add in technology goodies like Google Earth navigation and wireless hotspot, and the A6 proves to be a formidable entry in the luxury sport sedan segment.