What It Is:
The Audi A6 is a midsize four-door sedan slotted mid-pack in the German automaker’s growing lineup. The A6 is larger than the A3 and A4, but smaller than the A7 and flagship A8. The luxurious, but sporty, Audi A6 competes directly against the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. However, it is also cross-shopped with the Acura RL, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M-Class, and Lexus GS. The segment is as crowded as it sounds — there is a lot of tough competition.
Hardly new in this territory, the Audi A6 has been around a long time (its lineage is traced back to the late-1970s with the Audi 5000). For years, the A6 delivered a slightly lower priced front-wheel-drive alternative to the rear-wheel-drive European competition. That changed in the early 1980s, when Audi introduced its "Quattro" all-wheel-drive system. Unlike four-wheel drive, designed for part-time off-road use, Quattro was engineered to improve grip on pavement under all driving conditions. When Audi added Quattro to its Audi 5000 in 1986, the sedan secured ownership of a new all-season performance niche that its competition simply couldn't touch.
Twenty-five years later, with all-wheel drive now optional on nearly all of the aforementioned A6 competitors, Audi has refocused its efforts. The A6 is now noted for its sleek styling, beautifully-crafted interiors (many consider them some of the best in the industry), impressive ride and a range of fuel-efficient engines.
Two of those powerplants are new for 2012, and they deserve a special mention. All previous A6 models bound for the U.S. market (for the past three decades) have only offered gasoline-powered engines. The 2012 model alters the pattern, as Audi will sell the sedan with not only its fuel-efficient 3.0-liter diesel, but with an all-new hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain. Efficiency is a significant role for the new Audi A6.
The all-new 2012 A6 is considered the fourth-generation model, but its internal type designation ("C7") reveals its true lineage. Borrowing much of its architecture and styling from the just-released A7, the A6 will roll into showrooms in mid-2011.
What's New for the 2012 Audi A6:
- All-new Design: At first glance, the 2012 A6 looks much like its predecessor. However, a closer look reveals more aggressive headlights and lower air intakes, and a more prominent shoulder line beneath the side glass. A matte black diffuser, running across the rear, accents the dual exhaust pipes. Audi says the overall look "…embodies a character of athletic elegance."
- Lighter Chassis and New Electric Power Steering: To keep weight to a minimum, Audi’s engineers used lightweight composite steel-aluminum construction for the new A6’s chassis (15 percent lighter than a traditional steel platform). More than 20 percent of the body is alloy, and the front fenders, hood, trunk lid and doors are aluminum. The power steering rack has been redesigned with a highly efficient electromechanical drive, to reduce engine load and improve fuel economy.
- Fresh New Interior: A new wrap-around cockpit, equipped with a large seven-inch driver information system on the instrument cluster, affords the operator a clear view of the vehicle's controls while retaining excellent outward visibility. On vehicles equipped with navigation, an eight-inch display rises automatically from the center of the dashboard and drops completely out of sight when not in use.
- New Diesel Engine: While the standard engine will be Audi's 3.0-liter supercharged V6 rated at 300 horsepower, the automaker is introducing its fuel efficient 3.0 TDI (3.0-liter turbodiesel) to the U.S.-bound A6 for the first time.
- New Hybrid Powertrain: Audi will introduce a hybrid gasoline-electric model, fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and a 45 horsepower electric motor, later in the year. Mated to a modified 8-speed automatic transmission, the hybrid powertrain is reportedly able to run only on electricity to speeds of 62 mph. Maximum acceleration is pegged at 7.3 seconds to 60 mph, while the hybrid sedan is capable of returning an average fuel economy of 38 mpg.
- Wide Range of Powertrains: Depending on engine selection, there are both front-wheel and Quattro all-wheel drivetrains. Transmission choices include a traditional six-speed manual, a continuously variable "multitronic," and a seven-speed "S tronic" automated dual-clutch manual. The lightning fast dual-clutch transmission is a new addition to the A6, and Audi offers optional shift paddles with this S tronic transmission.
- Innovative LED Headlights: While halogen headlights are standard, innovative light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps are optional on the new A6. These headlights consume less electricity, offer a more diverse light pattern, and are designed to last the life of the vehicle.
- New Technology: The long list of technology on the new A6 includes an automatic self-parking system, four-zone climate control, a head-up display, a parking heater and thermal night vision that can highlight pedestrians in front of the vehicle when it’s dark outside.
The Vehix View:
The current-generation Audi A6 is an impressive vehicle that has aged very well, giving the automaker the luxury of making minor refinements rather than huge corrections to its midsize sedan during its complete redesign. While most consumers will focus their attention on the flashy new exterior and rich cabin appointments, the real story for 2012 is found under the hood — the long-awaited arrival of the diesel and hybrid powertrains.
Follow us on Facebook. 
Follow us on Pinterest. 