• 2013

• 2012 Audi A6

• Used Audi A6
• Repairs Audi A6

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Audi A6 U.S. News Best Cars 8.7
Critics' Rating:	9.3
Performance:	8.4
Interior:	8.3
Safety:	9.9
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Excellent fuel economy with base engine
• Well-crafted interior with high-quality materials
• User-friendly navigation system with ample tech features
• Reviewer-liked optional supercharged V6

• Redesigned exterior isn’t a drastic change
• Uncomfortable center-rear seating positio
• Light steering with vague feel

Research Other Years

• 2013 Audi A6
• 2011 Audi A6
• 2010 Audi A6
• 2009 Audi A6
• 2008 Audi A6
• 2007 Audi A6

Test drivers love the 2012 Audi A6 for its high-quality interior and optional supercharged V6. The four-cylinder A6 also offers good fuel economy for a luxury large car.

Audi’s overhaul of the 2012 A6 may seem like just a few subtle exterior tweaks, but inside and under the hood, there are substantial changes as well. CNET writes, “Navigation enhanced by Google, a touch-pad cabin tech interface, a supercharged direct-injection engine, an eight-speed transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive combine to make the 2012 Audi A6 one of the most cutting-edge cars on the road.” 

Two engines are available in the 2012 Audi A6: a turbocharged four-cylinder in the front-wheel drive 2.0T model and a supercharged V6 in the all-wheel drive 3.0T. Although it may not be every shopper’s first choice, the A6 2.0T will likely appeal to those who are looking for good fuel economy, but don’t need the extra power or all-wheel drive.

Most auto journalists have sampled the A6 3.0T, and so far, critiques of the supercharged V6 and eight-speed transmission have been exemplary. Reviewers say there’s plenty of power, and that the A6 3.0T’s handling strikes a nice balance between nimble midsize cars like the BMW 3-Series and the larger 5-series.

Inside the 2012 Audi A6, reviewers find a spacious, comfortable cabin that shares many design cues and electronic components with the stylish Audi A7, which is definitely a good thing. Car and Driver named the A6 one of the 10 Best Cars of 2012, saying that the A6 surrounds the driver “in a peaceful, cushy, clubroom cockpit.”

As far as prices are concerned, the 2012 Audi A6 makes a compelling argument for itself when compared with other luxury large cars. With base A6 2.0T models starting at roughly $42,000, the A6 undercuts many competitors in terms of price. However, the trade-off is that while the base A6 saves you cash and offers better fuel economy, it’s also the least powerful car in the segment.

Other Cars to Consider

Shoppers drawn to the four-cylinder A6 for its comfortable, well-appointed cabin and excellent fuel economy may also want to check out the BMW 528i. While the 528i costs more than the base A6 2.0T, it’s also more powerful. However, the A6 2.0T gets slightly better fuel economy.

If you like the 2012 A6 3.0T for its powerful V6 engine and standard all-wheel drive, the Infiniti M37x is worth test driving. Both start at about the same price, and like the Audi, the M37x features all-wheel drive and a powerful engine. Reviewers also appreciate the M’s user-friendly electronics and high-quality interior. However, the M37x can’t match the A6 3.0T’s fuel economy estimates.

Audi A6: The Details

The 2012 Audi A6 comes in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive powers 2.0T models, while the A6 3.0T gets a supercharged V6 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive as standard equipment. See the full 2012 Audi A6 specs.

• "The A6 blends everything together into a symphony of driving fun. This A6 will make many trips more interesting than the actual destinations." -- The Detroit News  
• "So it has getaway speed, stops hard, and can handle itself pretty well. It also has a magnificently tailored cabin designed to transport you and your human cargo in safety, elegance, and serious comfort." -- Motor Trend 
• "The A6 demonstrates conclusively that Audi has long since moved beyond seeking parity with Mercedes-Benz or BMW. Now it's working hard to assert its superiority. Anyone shopping for a mid-range luxury sedan should be looking at this car." -- AutoWeek 
• "With a contemporary style, futuristic technology and eager performance, the A6 is a solid competitor to Audi's traditional German rivals." -- Popular Mechanics