2012 Audi A6: ‘Truth in Engineering’

The Audi division (Audi is part of the Volkswagen Group) has been doing well with its exterior styling, impeccable interiors and performance. After all, the automakers’ theme is – ‘Truth in Engineering!’

So, what does the 2012 Audi A6 mid-size sedan have to offer?

The A6 is the second bestselling car in Audi’s lineup behind the A4. To make the 2012 A6 even more appealing. The car is 2.9 inches wider, the price has been reduced, and the fuel economy has been increased. The car’s wheelbase is now 114.7 inches and the trunk volume is 14.1 cubic feet.

The A6 is available as a front-wheel or all-wheel four-door sedan. The front-wheel drive models are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine providing 211 hp and 258 ft. lb. of torque. The Quattro all-wheel drive A6 has a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 making 310 hp and 325 ft. lb. of torque. The front-wheel drive A6 four-cylinder is equipped with a continuously variable (CVT) automatic transmission and the all-wheel drive V6 is equipped with an eight-speed automatic. Depending on the engine, the car’s 0-60 mph time is in 6.9 to 5.3 seconds.

The stopping power is provided by discs at all four corners that measure 12.6 inches at the front and 11.8 inches at the rear. The car’s 60-0 mph stopping distance is in an impressive 111 feet. The base tire size is 255 55 17 inch. Additionally, 245 45 18, 255 40 19 and 255 35 20 inch tires are available.

The exterior of this A6 is smooth and highly refined. At the front the large center grille begins at the edge of the hood and extends down to the lower edge of the air dam. Thus, the bumper is eliminated from the opening. The LED headlights are narrow and aggressive looking. At the rear the car is crisp with defined lines but provides much glass area. Overall, the A6 looks fit and ready to run.

The interior of the A6 is luxurious and consists of high grade materials including leather, wood veneer and brushed metal. The front seats are supportive and very comfortable (some of the best in the business). The dash provides clear easy to read gauges that are three dimensional and sit in a curved backdrop. The rear 60/40 rear seat folds down to increase the cargo space. Overall, the interior is luxurious and the attention to detail is excellent.

Regarding technology, the A6 supports up to eight web surfing devices (a data plan with a selected wireless provider is required). With such a service, the A6 can do Google searches through the standard MMI and the results are sent to the car’s navigation system. Additionally, the wireless system allows the A6’s navigation to use Google Earth images in conjunction with road maps. The car’s navigation system features a touchpad as in the Audi A7 and A8. This allows the driver to make entries using letters or numbers on the pad with their finger.

Standard features on the A6 include triple-zone automatic climate control with rear HVAC controls, power seats, door locks and windows, cruise control, power sunroof, 8-way power driver seat with auto memory, leather wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, two 12 volt power outlets, HomeLink garage door opener, front and rear reading lights, heated washer nozzles, auto headlights, keyless start, Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity, iPod/iPhone integration, and more.

Safety features on the A6 include ABS brakes, stability and traction control, electronic brake force distribution, front seat side air bags, full-length side curtain air bags and front knee air bags. Rear side air bags, front/rear parking sensors, and a blind spot warning system are optional or available as standard equipment on the upper trim models.

The suspension at the front and rear are multilink with gas shock absorbers, coil springs and anti-roll bar.

On the road this A6 provides a smooth but somewhat stiff ride. The car welcomes aggressive driving on twisty back roads. Additionally, the A6 is a comfortable long distance cruiser.

The fuel rating of the A6 is 25 city and 33 mpg highway for the 2.0-liter turbo and 19 city and 26 mph highway for the 3.0-liter supercharged all-wheel drive.

The price of the 2012 Audi A6 starts at $41,700. Expensive yes, but it is a well built German sedan that is strong all around (exterior, interior, performance).

If you have the means, be sure to give the Audi A6 a run and it might well earn your money.

View the slideshow to see the 2012 Audi A6 inside and out!

Kyle Busch is the author of ” Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save money .” He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com . Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter .


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