Power up the 2012 Audi A6 and the Bang & Olufsen stereo tweeters rise majestically from the dashboard. At the same time, the navigation display unfolds itself from the dashboard, another hint that the new Audi A6 is an advanced technology titan.
There's more to it than just fancy gadgets, though. While several other cars in the midsize import luxury segment have gone soft with their recent model changes, Audi has gone even sportier with the 2012 A6. It has a powerful supercharged engine, aggressive chassis tuning and, at least on the 3.0T, standard Quattro all-wheel drive.
So you'd be mistaken if you thought of the A6 just as a rolling high-tech computer workstation. Quite the contrary: The 2012 Audi A6 also has high limits of driving performance available, just in case you need to take a break from your in-car Twitter updates.
All the Power It Needs
The name may suggest otherwise, but the A6 3.0T is equipped with a 3.0-liter supercharged V6. It uses direct injection, twin intercoolers and variable valve timing to help develop 310 horsepower from 5,500-6,500 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque from 2,900-4,500 rpm. The supercharged engine is coupled to an eight-speed ZF transmission with well-spaced ratios and excellent drivability.
This engine feels powerful throughout the rev band and backed it up with solid numbers at the test track. We clocked it from zero to 60 mph at 5.2 seconds (4.9 seconds with 1 foot of rollout as on a drag strip) and it covered the quarter-mile in 13.6 seconds at 102.0 mph.
There's none of the low-speed hesitation followed by surge phenomenon that's common in many of today's automatic transmissions. When left in Dynamic mode, the transmission shifts quickly with little shift shock, and will hold the proper gear without unnecessary upshifts. Paddle shifters, although they're plastic, add to the sporty environment.
Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive provides all the grip the chassis can handle and it translates into a solid 0.90g skid pad performance. While you might expect Quattro to impart a heavy-handling feeling to the A6, it doesn't. The car feels quick and tossable during hard driving, and proved it with a 67.2-mph slalom speed.
Although Audi stretched the wheelbase of this A6 by 2.7 inches, the interior isn't noticeably more spacious.
Sportier Than Before
On the street, the 2012 Audi A6's improved performance capabilities make it a far more engaging sedan. Between the V6's flat torque curve and all those gears, the A6 is rarely caught flat-footed. It feels fully capable of competing with any of its V8-powered competitors.
The flip side of its supercharged power curve is that it takes the edge off the visceral experience. You don't get a rush as the engine races to redline and there's no mechanical frenzy as the revs increase. The lack of drama is partly due to the engine's unremarkable sound. There's no personality to it no matter how hard it's working. It just drones along with soulless efficiency.
The speed-sensitive electrically assisted power steering also contributes to the A6's occasional visceral letdown. Although it is quick, accurate and the best Audi steering we've experienced lately, it still feels a tad light in everyday driving. It can be adjusted through the Audi Drive Select system, but even then it never really firmed up exactly to our liking.
Class-Leading Tech
In addition to its strong road performance, the 2012 Audi A6 also has more advanced technology than any car in its segment. Many of the features are the type normally reserved for the flagship sedan of a carmaker's model line, so clearly Audi sees this A6 as a breakthrough model. Adaptive cruise control with Stop/Go capability, night vision with pedestrian detection, and full LED headlights are just some of the trick features available on the A6.
One of the more interesting new features is an onboard Wi-Fi router that comes packaged with the optional Audi Connect system. The router can create a Wi-Fi hotspot to wirelessly connect up to eight devices such as passengers' phones or tablet computers. There are obvious implications for distracted driving, but it seems like an inevitable development.
Thankfully, Audi didn't forget about the more traditional aspects of a comfortable cabin. There's plenty of high-quality wood trim, nicely finished metallic accents and soft leather everywhere. The gauge cluster is easy to read and the three-spoke steering wheel feels good in your hands. We were also glad to see that the A6 uses a more traditional shift lever that moves up and down the console instead of the A8's setup that turns the shift lever into nothing more than a glorified joystick.
Although Audi stretched the wheelbase of this A6 by 2.7 inches, the interior isn't noticeably more spacious. There's an inch more room here and there, so the 2012 Audi A6 continues to be comfortably midsize and nothing more. In fact, the trunk is smaller than before, so it's even slightly less if you want to be picky.
High Tech, High Performance
The A6 has often been a step behind its German competition. The BMW 5 Series was always a little more athletic, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class managed to feel a little more luxurious.
This 2012 Audi A6 feels as though it's finally evened the score. Its supercharged V6 is more than a match for BMW's turbocharged sixes and both the ride quality and cabin appointments feel every bit as refined as the E-Class. Add in the Audi's latest technological features and their slick integration and there's not much left to wish for.
With an as-tested price of $71,330, the Audi looks to have matched its competitors in the pricing department, too. At least this time, however, it feels like it's worth it.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
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porsche997scab says:
01:02 AM, 08/04/2011
Was never really a big Audi fan in the past, but I have to admit, after seeing a few A5's, R8's and most recently the new A6 and A7 on the streets, I find their current line-up attractive. I think that Audi's designs will only improve with future generations of their cars since over the past year they've managed to add pretty much an all star of automotive designers/firms like Sangyup Lee (the guy that designed the 2010 camero), and Italdesign Giugiaro, in addition to de Silva. BMW and Adrian von Hooydonk, on the other hand seem to be hell bent on uglifying every vehicle in their line-up. Mercedes seems to have taken design cues from Korean cars from the late 1990's and early 2000's.
As for mid sized luxury rides, BMW hasn't made a good looking 5 series since the E39. The F10 is fat and bloated, and now most automotive reviews say it drives soft too. The E class, looks dated and has so many odd angles that getting broadsided by a F150 wouldn't make it look any worse, it would just add to the design theme. Lexus GS, reliable car, safe styling...official car of the AARP. Infinity M...if going under the radar is your prerogative, then this is the perfect car for you, because nobody will notice your M56.
25til4 says:
12:56 PM, 08/02/2011
That's a lot of problems with your audi, but I'd argue that my 335 has fared worse. Your problems, while serious, don't render your car all that dangerous.
I'm on fuel pump #3 (as in, the car ceases to make any power all of a sudden when you're on I95 outside of DC doing75+)
2 DSC/DBA (stability control) malfunctions that rendered me with ABS until they were fixed.
Other more minor issues include:
Leaking transmission fluid because a seal went bad.
Brake light malfunctions (the bulb is fine, the adapter is bad)
The car has 44k miles on it, by the way.
truecarfan says:
05:17 PM, 08/01/2011
a lot of out of date comments on here... there is a reason worldwide Audi has surpassed Mercedes and is rapidly closing on BMW. No need to even go further.
As far as saying the A6 looks like a big A6... can those ppl say with a straight face that the Infiniti M looks that much different than an M... and wait till you see the new 3 Series... it will look like the 5 just like the 5 looks like the 7... then again even the current model does.
ed124c says:
07:31 AM, 07/30/2011
It's not just Audis that are unreliable after 50K. We have all been cautioned to not buy a BMW, but instead lease it for 3 years. Beyond the 3 years, and after the full waranty expires, the maintenance and repair costs jump.
Fortunately, I guess, I don't have the money to buy any of these German cars.
Bottom line: The more complicated a car becomes, the more problems you will have. And that applies to all cars.
pman666 says:
01:40 PM, 07/29/2011
Erin Riches is a cutie pie.
This is the best A6 ever........ with a lot more features that will break after a couple years.
More warning lights that will malfunction. woohoo!
tonkatoytruck says:
06:34 AM, 07/29/2011
Venom21,
I am sorry to hear of all the problems you have had with your Audi. I have been trying to get the word out on ALL the popular websites to this fact. These are expensive cars and their is no excuse for such terrible reliability. Only Jaguar is worse. I suggest everyone visit TrueDelta before making a car purchase. It really does point out all the unreliable vehicles like the Audi and Jaguar. The sad thing is, I see comments on here that totally ignore your warnings. Well, at least we can say we did not warn them.
geokilla says:
05:26 AM, 07/29/2011
What is with the options and packages? $20k in options and packages, where half of them are practically useless or overlap each other. I never understand people who buy cars like this.
@venom21. Surely reliability has improved in 5 years time right? But I get what you mean. Audi has a terrible reputation for reliability which is why my parents didn't even think of buying one when we were car shopping last month.
venom21 says:
05:49 PM, 07/28/2011
Let me tell you something Edmunds about all this advanced technology that you rave about in this new A6. I have an A6. A 2006 with 56,000 miles. This thing is the worst car reliability wise that ive ever owned. It literally, and I do mean literally, starts malfunctioning around 40,000 miles and starts falling apart shortly after warranty. I've had nothing but headache after headache with this thing, the most recent being an ill shifting transmission and an OIL LEAK.
Problems:
Horrifc almost dangerous throttle response. It either puts along with 50% throttle or floors it with anything more.
Gas gauge stopped working
Entire center console stopped working
Windows never listen to my direction
Engine has slow oil leak (or something in that area) its getting on my driveway.
Transmission shifts rough during 2-3 upshift.
Parking brake malfunctioned at 40,000 and I had to get it TOWED at 1am as there is no way to release it.
Alarm button by side of door fell out of its housing and was dangling by its wires about 3 inches out of the door.
Rear left taillight has had to be replaced FOUR times.
Front right parking lamp malfunctioned at least 10 times.
Both rear door wood paneling strips fell off the door two or three times when i closed the door.
Rear sunshade gets stuck and only works when it wants to.
Drivers door handle got stuck and wouldnt open the door.
There are probably more problems but i cant stand listing anymore. All of these problems happened around 50k miles, shockingly, just when the warranty expired. I will NEVER buy another AUDI again and I suggest everyone else do the same. Here in hollywood, it is a pain in the ass that Beverly Hills Audi only sells and doesnt service, meaning, I have to drive in horrific traffic to Santa Monica to get this POS fixed everytime something goes wrong.
The new A6 will just have more problems than the old one with all this tech, and if I remember correctly, the A6 with this motor is a relability disaster.
The end.
roger03 says:
06:51 PM, 07/27/2011
0-60 in 4.9 sec. with such a heavy car.
310 hp seems underrated by a sizable amount.
lookatmyshoes says:
05:50 PM, 07/27/2011
The video is boring and the lady didn't helped at all Audi's cause maybe she will be OK in a A6 Avant video which IMO is a big mistake not bringing them to the US. Since many brands are axing their wagons I believe there is a niche for a luxury wagon in the US even better if its diesel and Avant is the best luxury wagon out there.
The A6 technology and performance with a similar cargo space of many crossovers available.