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Audi’s high-style midliner.

The Audi A6 was redesigned a year ago with an even sleeker exterior, a characteristically well-designed interior, and a major leap forward in in-car technology. The navigation system can show Google Earth images, a mobile internet hot spot for up to eight devices can be set up, and the MMI system uses a touch pad on the center console that you draw on with your finger (sounds gimmicky, but it’s really neat). The revised Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which is standard in all but the base car, is rear-biased and imbues the A6 with handling that rivals its rear-wheel-drive competitors’. The base engine is Audi’s 2.0T turbo four, which gets impressive fuel economy and is now available with Quattro as well as front-wheel drive. A smooth and potent supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 is the uplevel engine; it comes standard with Quattro. For 2013, the S6 returns, but it now uses a new, 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 good for 420 hp. The S6 chassis is upgraded with an air suspension and variable damping, nineteen-inch wheels are fitted, and the all-wheel-drive system incorporates an active rear differential. The interior has leather sport seats with diamond stitching, a sport steering wheel, and special trim. The exterior is subdued, marked with an S6-specific grille, a rear diffuser, aluminum side mirrors, and a rear spoiler.

COMPETITORS

BMW 5-series

Cadillac CTS

Lexus GS

Mercedes-Benz E-class

new for 2013

The return of the S6 is the big news for 2013. Although it has lost two cylinders (going from a V-10 to a V-8), it gains two turbochargers and is actually quicker than before, reaching 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. At the other end of the A6 spectrum, we note the expanded availability of the 2.0T engine, which can now be had with Quattro as well as with front-wheel drive.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Front, side, knee, and side curtain air bags; traction and stability control; a rearview camera; and ABS are standard. Rear side air bags, blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree cameras, adaptive headlights, Audi Pre Sense Plus, and infrared night vision with pedestrian detection and a head-up display are optional.

High Mileage

MPG

CITY 17–25

HWY 27–33

PRO

Fuel economy (2.0T)

Elegant interior

High-tech features

CON

Overboosted power steering

Optional LED headlights look better than they work

Base Price Range: $43,095–$72,795

SPECIFICATIONS

DRIVE: Front-wheel, 4-wheel

TRIM LEVELS: 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Premium, 3.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Prestige, 4.0T S6 Prestige

BODY STYLE: Sedan, 5-passenger

ENGINES: 2.0L turbo I-4, 211 hp, 258 lb-ft

3.0L supercharged V-6, 310 hp, 325 lb-ft

4.0L twin-turbo V-8, 420 hp, 406 lb-ft

TRANSMISSIONS: 7- or 8-speed automatic, continuously variable

PASSENGER VOLUME: 97.2 cu ft

CARGO SPACE: 14.1 cu ft