2012 Audi A6

Exterior and Interior

The new A6 is 4.92 meters (16.14 ft) long and 1.87 meters (6.14 ft) wide, but just 1.46 meters (4.79 ft) high – sporty proportions that are unrivaled by the competition. The model features a new aluminum and high-tech steels body, elements that help the new A6 to weight 15% less than a conventional steel construction.

The whole body is defined by harmonious proportions: a long engine hood, short overhangs and the sweeping roofline. Up front there is a high-gloss black, the large, low single-frame grill and wide, low air intakes. Both headlights and taillights feature LED technology, with the rear lights forming a visually continuous band in the form of a wide, U-shaped curve. The car’s rear is defined by a subtle spoiler edge and a matte black diffuser insert that envelopes the two large, round tailpipes for the exhaust system.

Like all the other models in the line-up, the A6 will be offered with the S-Line package. This includes: more prominently featured bumpers, grills on the air intakes, diffuser insert and S-Line badges on the door sills.

The interior is defined by an ambiance of airiness and roominess; high quality materials and all the latest technologies. Customers can choose between sports seats and comfort seats, which can be adjusted in 18 different ways; both of them covered in leather and an Alcantara/leather. The latest-generation MMI radio operating system is standard, but customers can opt for the seven-inch driver information system (DIS).

Engine Line-up

The engine line-up includes two gasoline engines and three TDI units. The entry level gets a naturally aspirated 2.8 FSI engine that develops 204 HP and achieves 280 Nm of torque. This version will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, while top speed goes up to 149 mph. The next version gets a 3.0 TFSI engine with 300 HP and 440 Nm of torque. With this engine the A6 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

Diesel line-up starts with a 2.0 TDI engine that develops 177 HP and 380 Nm of torque. This version is a little bit slower: 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 141.67 mph. There is a also a newly developed 3.0 TDI is represented with two versions. The first one develops 204 HP and 400 NM of torque, while the second one develops 245 HP and 500 Nm of torque.

When Can I Get One

The new Audi A6 will go on sale in early 2011, with prices for the US version to be announced at a later date. In Germany prices start at 38,500 euro (around $50,000 at the current exchange rates).

Competition

With the launch of the new Audi A6, there will be a real battle between German luxury sedans: BMW has the 5-Series and Mercedes has the E-Class. The BMW 5-Series line-up will range from the fuel efficient BMW 520d making 184 HP, the 535i powered BMW TwinPower Turbo using High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing that cranks out 306 HP as well as the top of the line 550i powered by a 407 HP eight cylinder engine; just to name a few.

The E-Class is powered by a range of four, six and eight-cylinder units with outputs from 136 hp to 525 hp. The line-up includes: E 250 CDI with 204 hp and 500 NM, E 220 CDI with 170 hp and the E 200 CDI with 136 hp, E 350 CDI with an output of 231 hp. The petrol engines are: E 200 CGI (184 hp) and E 250 CGI (292 hp) are equipped with the newly developed 1,8 liter four-cylinder engine. The top of the line is the E500 with an output of 388 hp.

And of course that all the three sedan offers a high amount of luxury and technology. Who will win the battle? Depends on how every maker will convince their clients that their model is the best!