Audi's 2012 A6 has been redesigned with updated styling, more interior room, lighter curb weight and some impressive high-tech electronic options. Historically, the A6 has placed behind BMW's 5-series and Mercedes' E-class sedans, but the new car is every bit the equal of its competitors. Some of the new car's changes are subtle, while others are much more recognizable. Some of the more obvious tweaks are the large grille and headlights shared with the A7/A8 sedans. Less obvious is the lengthened wheelbase and increased interior room, and lighter curb weight (up to 165lb based on model) achieved through greater use of aluminum in the car's structure.
The A6 engine choices are between a 211hp 2 liter turbocharged four cylinder, and the 3 liter 310hp supercharged V6. Two-liter A6s are front wheel drive only, while the V6 cars have Audi's excellent quattro system. The new A6 will disappoint nobody with its list of available high-tech electronics. Available options include: head-up display, night vision with pedestrian detection, mobile Internet and full LED headlights.
The test vehicle was the 3.0T with Prestige Package, which included 18-inch wheels, Audi Drive Select (adjustable modes for steering, throttle and transmission), automatic headlights, heated mirrors, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, triple-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and an iPod interface. Some option highlights (based on trim) include the Innovation package (adaptive cruise control, head-up display, LED headlights, night vision assist, a blind-spot warning system, Audi Pre-Sense Plus and power-folding sideview mirrors), and a 15-speaker Bang and Olufsen surround-sound audio system. A Sport package adds a sport-tuned suspension, a sport steering wheel, shift paddles and either 18-inch wheels with all-season tires or 19- or 20-inch wheels with summer tires. (the 19" wheels on the test car were replaced with 18" wheels shod with Dunlop Winterforce snow tires)
The supercharged 3-liter V6 produces 310 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, and is backed up by an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The car's acceleration was impressive, with the thrust pushing you back in the seat. There's no lag in power unlike turbocharged engines, just a (seemingly) never ending push from its wide torque band. 0-60 times are in the low 5-second range, which is quite good for a 3,800+ pound car. Just as impressive is the EPA rating of 19 city and 28 highway (22 combined), which is also quite good for cars in this midsize segment.
The car is stable through high-speed sweeping turns and is not upset by irregularities in the pavement, thanks to its new electromechanical power steering. Audi's quattro system sends 60% of the engine's torque to the rear axle under normal driving conditions, making the car respond like a RWD sedan. When the system senses rear-wheel slip it sends additional power to the front wheels. Ride quality is smooth (even with snow tires) and the chassis rigidity can be felt when going over bumps.
Interior space is defined by sumptuous leather seating and more space for rear seat passengers. (thanks mainly to the stretched wheelbase) The cabin is quiet at highway speeds, filtering out road and tire noise effectively. One of the nicer features was the GPS' Google Earth map in place of the normal map display. Audi's MMI (multi media interface) was fairly intuitive, if just a little distracting, and provided simple control over HVAC, radio/CD/mp3, and navigation functions.
The A6 3.0T has a base price of $49,900 - adding in the Prestige ($6,880) and Sport ($1,500) packages along with Aviator Blue metallic paint and Audi side assist (blind spot monitor) brings the total test vehicle MSRP, including destination charge to $60,130. The lesser Premium and Premius Plus trim levels offer a little less equipment but no less driving enjoyment. For drivers who don't need the extra power of the supercharged V6 and the grip of Audi's quattro AWD system, the base A6 comes as a 2 liter front wheel drive model with a 25 city/ 33 highway EPA estimate.
For more detailed model information, visit http://progress.audiusa.com
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