Test vehicle’s MSRP: $61,530 (Base Model starts at $43,095)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features: airbags (front, side and curtain); heated outside rear view mirrors; a tire pressure monitoring system; energy-absorbing structural cross members in case of an accident; ABS; traction control; and electronic stability control
Standard Equipment: 17-inch alloy wheels; power heated (front) seats; leather seats; a central locking system; automatic dimming mirrors; power sunroof; keyless starter system; three-zone automatic climate control system; and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
Standard Audio: 14-speaker, 630-watt Bose surround sound speaker with a CD player and 3-month subscription to satellite radio
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Bluetooth Compatibility: Yes
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder/310-hp
Recommended Fuel: Premium
Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/28-hwy
Trim Levels:
2.0 Turbo
3.0 Turbo
What’s New: The A6 has been redesigned for the 2012 model year.
Seat Comfort/Support: Very
Good
Pros: The A6 now wears the same striking, bold face as the A7 with its LED lights. The A6 is available in a
front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive turbo configuration, depending on the
engine selected. The A6 we reviewed with its precise-steering and smooth-shifting
3.0-liter was outfitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission with the brand’s
optional Prestige Package, which included front and rear parking sensors, a
4-zone automatic climate system, a High Definition Bose radio system, adaptable
headlights, a power steering column, a 7-inch screen and a Multi Media
Interface (MMI) touch system.
And unlike a number of high tech
gadgets, the A6 MMI system easily controls the vehicle’s navigation, audio and communication
system via a pop-up in-dash system and via a knob on the center console. Even
those who are somewhat technically-challenge will find the MMI system is relatively
easy-to-use.
Moreover, the A6 allows the
driver to adjust the steering, throttle and transmission setting by simply
selecting the appropriate setting on the center console.
Added to that, the A6 we reviewed
was outfitted with an optional rolling WiFi system known as Audi Connect, which
is capable of handling up to 8 users at a time. Outside of the laptops, Google
Earth and Google Local can be utilized via Audi’s MMI system to locate
directions and phone numbers. Real-time traffic and real-time weather updates
are available through the MMI system too.
Furthermore, our athletically
designed A6 was outfitted with a Sport Package, which included 19-inch wheels,
a sport suspension system, a 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a shift
paddle which serves as a substitute for a manual transmission that’s not an
available feature with this model. These features meant this vehicle was now
equipped to take on America’s roads, whether it winding a bend or cruising the
back streets.
Also, while our A6 was
well-equipped with a number of amenities, it excluded such available options
as rear heated seats, a radar-activated cruise control system, a night vision
system to identify objects when dark, a head-up display system and
lane-changing technology.
Cons: There isn’t really much not to like about
the A6. For instance, some critics wish that that the smaller 2.0-liter turbo
engine was available in an all-wheel drive configuration. And why isn’t this performance-oriented,
luxury vehicle not available with a manual transmission like its BMW
competitor?Added to that, why isn't the A6 available with a blind-spot lane changing alert system? A number of midsize non luxury vehicles like the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Altima offer this safety alert system.
The Verdict: Audi designs spirited vehicles with the upwardly mobile professional in mind. While Audi’s A6 is considered to be a full size luxury vehicle, the automaker has been able to provide the perfect balance between providing a spirited, no non sense driving experience. The vehicle just performs as expected, especially since it’s an Audi.
Audi unlike many of its luxury competitors in this segment, the A6 has been able to find the right mix between providing word-class luxury, with a compliable ride complimented by easy-to-use tech features, controlling the audio, the navigation and the climate control system.
So with that said, for those looking for an upscale, driver-oriented, German-made vehicle, the A6 should shoot to the top of one’s shopping list.
And for those willing to inch out more fuel economy, while sacrificing power in this big body sedan, a 4-cylinder turbo is available too, which makes the A6 one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in this midsize luxury car segment.
Competition: BMW 5-Series, Infiniti M-Series and Mercedes E-Class
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