IL Track Tested: 2012 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro

$71k for a Ford Taurus?
WTF?
WTF?
WTF?
BD

Heh, 10% heavier than a Camaro V6 (a good solid engine) with about the same power _rating_ and it traps 4% faster. Just one more confirmation of how seriously underrated this engine is. 340 hp? 350?

Yeah that engine is most definitely underrated. Put that thing on a dyno.

Yeah that engine is most definitely underrated. Put that thing on a dyno.

i couldn't option it beyond 58k. how did you manage 71k ?

I don't think it can be said enough....

SEVENTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS?????

For an A6....

Am I missing something here?

I stopped reading after i saw "Price as tested: $71,330"

I don't like BMW's but I'll take a 550i or Xdrive for $60ish

That should be the 2011 you're looking at. The 2012 has the eight-speed auto and more expensive option packs.
-mm

I got nervous when I saw this, looked at the price, freaked out because I thought it was a msitake. It's not. Three $5,500 + option packages on a $49,000 car add up quick.
-mm

Seems to be a competitive price in this class. On the BMW website I just priced out a 535i for $80k.

Wow 4.9 sec w/ 1 ft roll out. Doesn't the 332 hp Nissan 370Z accomplish the same times? Amazing.

This thing hauls for having "only" 310 hp. And I know the B&O system is tops in sound quality, but really....$5,900?

I'd get the real Taurus SHO, and not this knock-off, for $36k
Same performance, and better made
BD

20k in options?!?!? This is an Audi not a Ferrari. If Ford ever gets around to putting decent brakes on the SHO I'll take it. This A6 looks too much like an A4.

Stop with the whole "$71k!?". It's $50k - no one is going to get the $6k B&O speakers and the other two packages add on $12k.
$50k with the given performance & more than enough base equipment is no more than BMW and Merc

blackdynamite0 LMAO at you. There is just so much fail with your post it isn't even funny. Since when has the SHO EVER been clocked at under 5.0 sec to 60 in any condition? Lets remember this is the base A6(well technically Audi has that little 2.0T whatever) and it is faster than all of the competition(M37, GS350, 335i, Genesis 3.0) even the lighter TL SH-AWD is slower. The SHO drives like a boat compared to this.

I am thoroughly impressed with what I see here. That thing really moves for a sedan that big with four wheel drive.

it's S4 speed! Say Wat? buy this one instead of s4 then

CADILLAC CTS-v.

that is all

From the photos i've seen of this car, it really doesn't look like a car that cost 50grand plus. But i guess that'll be the whole point at the end of the day, huh?

I'll tell ya what, for this price i need to be constantly reminded of how much it costs. This just doesn't do that since it looks so much like the cheaper A4.

BD & Mushroom,

I mean this in the least insulting way possible, but you must be smoking something good. These are impressive numbers and the Taurus SHO is flaccid in comparison. IL's own test gave it a 63 mph slalom and had very little kind to say about the steering. "Chassis is slow to respond to steering inputs" "the steering is vague while the chassis feel reluctant to change direction". Just not seeing why you are comparing the two.

And then factor in that the Taurus is a huge car with a surprisingly small interior, bad visibility, and a bit of a grandpa/rental car image.

That Taurus also cost $45K optioned up, not too far off the base $50K of the base Audi Quattro. I know which car I would buy if I had that kind of money, even if I had to give up some options.

at a midpoint price of about $60k, I'd rather buy a 2yr old BMW M5.

no one should be shocked by the price. Price out an E350 or 535, both are ridiculously priced when loaded. The performance of the A6 is impressive but the price dulls its accomplishments. It should do all of this and more for 70 grand.

Taurus SHO doesnt compete directly with this car but its acceleration is similar and its no smaller or less equipped than this $71k car. Just because people arent likely to cross shop the two doesnt mean the SHO is a bad car. Its a bargain compared to this thing. And $45k is a long way off $71k, there is no point in comparing a loaded SHO to a stripped A6.

SHO has recorded 5.2sec 0-60 runs in numerous sources.

I've never seen an SHO rental. Has anyone else?

Agreed that the engine must be underrated. A 4200-lb. sedan with 310 hp shouldn't be putting up those numbers.

I like this engine better than the N54/N55, at least based on reviews. Then again, in a big heavy executive "saloon" like this, it doesn't really matter how the thrust is created, as long as it is refined.

Wow, this car is awesome. Performance numbers are simply staggering.

Street price of the base model is well under $50k. Great value, IMHO. Considering how expensive even basic cars are these days.

This is a SHO with a handling package
The Handling pkg cost $30k
BD

I love my G8 GT more everyday.

RIP Pontiac

I bet the SHOs 20 cubic foot trunk is bigger than the A6 trunk.

And, I disagree that the Taurus is small inside. It seems huge to me.

The options on this Audi are just about what I want to spend on my next car-- $20,573, which would get me a nicely optioned Focus or a Juke, or....

Anyway, I, uh... dislike Audis. Intensely. Had a new one. Big, big mistake.

They sure hit the stratosphere on pricing. Seventy-thousand plus is at least ten thousand too much for one of these, loaded.

SHO is too porky and ill-proportioned, along with undersized brakes. It should have bigger brakes, like the new Police Interceptor model is getting and better handling - the sport package with stiffer suspension and uprated pads should be standard and then some. The Audi is much more attractive and should be for the price.

ed124c, how did you have Audi when you spend 20K on a car?
blackdynamite0, enough with the SHO, its a Taurus!
If Audi is such a bad company and makes such poor products
why are they the darling of the industry? They can not make
enough cars to sell around the world. The prices are getting
crazy no question, but they are selling lots of cars and getting the
numbers.

Where's the full write up??

People, please stop comparing this to a Taurus. The A6 has fantastic brakes and can actually handle itself in track testing.

Yes, $70k as tested is silly but noone will be optioning an A6 like that. Keep the cost under $60k and I would gladly take this car over the IL long term 5 series. I do enjoy the E class however. That would be a tougher choice.

Storage
1. This looks almost exactly like the Taurus, and dynoed this is making about the same 365 HP the SHO does
2. It's only 200 lbs less than SHO
3. Americans don't buy Audis. They know better. Look it up! I couldn't give a monkey's hairy sac what the 3rd-world buys.
4. This cost almost twice what a SHO does. The Audi badge isn't worth $10k much less $35k

The prostitution rest
BD

Who the hell puts 20k in options in an Audi A6, or any car? You gotta be stupid to do that.

The track numbers are amazing though. I'll take this over the new BMW 5 series and Mercedes E-class any day. Heck I'd even take it over the Volvo S80, and I'm a Volvo fan. I just love the interior and designs of the new A6.

Audi's price is getting ridiculous.

Innovation Package = $5,800 (?!?)

Whatever that is, it's definitely innovative on Audi's side... Moronic on our side...

For the price, I'll take the A7.

Next!

blackdynamite0's ignorance never cease to stun me...

1. Comparing an Audi to Taurus SHO (You know it's made by Ford, right?) is just 1d1otic. Just go enjoy you 'other' boat: Lexus(es). Now I know that you just LOVE (LOVE!!) Ford and Lexus, eh?

2. "The prostitution rest" - Good gosh... Really?

blackdynamite:

we get it, you dont like audi's, but seriously go troll somewhere else.

you got numbers on that 'handling package' you mentioned?

have you ever sat in an audi?

do you realize that to get this performance in an a6, you dont need to pay 71k? or is that too much for you to comprehend?

are you over the age of 15?

What good are reported performance numbers that the tester admits even they can't duplicate twice? Should report the average of the 3 best median runs or something.

This engine is definitely underrated. People are dynoing B8 S4's at 325 AWHP putting that engine (Same engine but rated at 333 HP) somewhere around 400 HP at the crank. This A6 weighs a few hundred pounds more and runs .3s and .5s slower than the S4 in 0-60 and quarter mile, respectively. This would infer that the engine is actually making somewhere in the 350-375 HP neighborhood.

Still looks better and performs better than a 535i so mission accomplished.

BD-
Anyone can compare cheap speed with luxury cars all day. Mustang GT or M3? Similar numbers, completely different cars and audiences. Same thing here. Also, you need to step into te rarified Bentley type classes to get a better executed, luxurious, and styled interior than an Audi. Lastly, most people will skip the B&O and the innovation package, leaving you at $60k for a phenomenal performer with a gorgeous interior and classy exterior with V6 fuel economy. Audi is thefastest growing luxury brand in both the US and internationally.

blackdynamite0 is Dr. Fill in Leftlane News hahahaha

New cars are getting EXPENSIVE. Good grief. Even at 0% for 72, you're edging on paying $1000 a month for this car! That is TOO MUCH! Are they allowing 10-year loans for cars, yet? Or maybe mortgages?

Good flippin' grief. I thought my G8 GXP was spendy.

@ashrum: +1, agreed. Love my G8.

Thank you for posting the price information IL (based on a recent request in a comment I noticed in another Track Test).

71,300 for that? No thanks. I'm sure it is a capable vehicle, but a approximate 21,000 jump between base price and MSRP optioned out is a bit heavy. That is like a 43% increase over base. Hard to justify when you tell me that it has somewhat poor brake pedal feel and somewhat suspect handling characteristics. Anything over 62,000 seems like a stretch.

blackdynamite0 is Dr. Fill in Leftlane News hahahaha

I wish I had more hands, so I could give this car FOUR THUMBS DOWN

"SEVENTY ONE THOU FOR AN A6?!?!?!"

My Sentiments exactly! 310 HP, AWD, audi presteige, and infotainment adds up to maybe 50K
NOT 71 - WTF???!?!!!

Here are the performance figures for the 300HP turbocharged BMW 5351:

Track Test Results
Acceleration, 0-30 mph (sec.) 2.3
0-45 mph (sec.) 3.9
0-60 mph (sec.) 5.9
0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) 5.6
0-75 mph (sec.) 8.6
1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) 14.3 @ 95.1
0-30 mph, trac ON (sec.) 2.6
0-45 mph, trac ON (sec.) 4.3
0-60 mph, trac ON (sec.) 6.4
0-60, trac ON with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) 6.0
0-75 mph, trac ON (sec.) 9.1
1/4-mile, trac ON (sec. @ mph) 14.6 @ 95.7
Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) 28
60-0 mph (ft.) 110
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) 64.9
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) ESC ON 62.0
Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) 0.84
Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) ESC ON 0.84
Sound level @ idle (dB) 42.3
@ Full throttle (dB) 73.4
@ 70 mph cruise (dB) 67.0
Engine speed @ 70 mph (rpm) 1,750

So, let's see: It's slower in a straight line and in the slalom (by a lot), doesn't grip anywhere near as well, is louder inside, handles worse, and the tested model doesn't even have AWD?? Oh, and BTW - its starting price is $1K higher, and comparably equipped is $10K higher?

Audi has nothing to worry about- it's BMW that should be worried....though neither is likely to be cross shopped against that bloated whale of an SHO...

I can sorta-kinda see where BD gets his Taurus comparison, it's that goofy low angle photography. When you STAND next to an A6, it is a very handsome vehicle, but the bug's eye view does it no favours. As for the Taurus, to me it looks like an overstuffed sofa on wheels from any angle. Ford can turn out good looking cars, the Fusion and Focus are great, but the Taurus design team went with the beached whale/Buick motif.

As for the A6, those are some impressive performance numbers. Now if they could just get the reliability as good as their gorgeous interiors....

Ba24.

The Audi was running on summer performance tires, and the BMW was on all season tire, which explains the difference in the lateral G, and slalom.

The new A6 looks boring, I still cant tell it apart from other audis....

Wait people i have to ask what some may call a dumb question. Still if you are willing to spend 60k for a midsize sedan why in the world are you trying to get picky about price. At 60k your spending the money just to be spending it anyway. So 71k is a dam good price for a well made car.

I love the ford taurus sho and I plan to get one, but its no audi a6 period.

The 5 series looks SOO MUCH better than the A6!!!!

so basically the 535i has no advantages over this car and costs just as much and looks more tame. Audi has to be pleased.

This car must be putting around 340-360 horses.!

Funny, I was reading the full test of the Infiniti M35h, and boy oh boy, it has the same numbers!

Basically 0-60 in 5.1s, quarter 13.6@104.5 mph. per MT

And that car has an amazing 27city/32 hwy mpg. (the 2011 A6 has 18city/26hwy, the 2012 would be a tad better of course with the 8 speed).

And with the two major packages, it costs $61K.

Funny cause I read that yesterday, and today this test appears, quite the time for a little comparison.

Both cars have great acceleration numbers.

I can't believe as a 36 year old I am about to say this, but I actually think the Lincoln version of the Taurus is handsome and hides its size much better. (By the way, a car company has a branding and marketing problem when a fairly knowledgeable car guy like myself can't keep the names of their vehicles straight).

"So, let's see: It's slower in a straight line and in the slalom (by a lot), doesn't grip anywhere near as well, is louder inside, handles worse, and the tested model doesn't even have AWD?? Oh, and BTW - its starting price is $1K higher, and comparably equipped is $10K higher?"

Since I bought my 535i as my family vehicle in March:
No. of full throttle acceleration runs: zero
No. of quarter mile runs: zero
No. of 60-0 stops: zero
No. of slalom runs, ESC on or otherwise: zero
Can you now see why performance numbers are sometimes not the be-all-end-all in buying family cars?
By the way, how do you come up with the $10k pricing difference when these two cars are "comparably equipped"? Last time I checked the new A6 is not even on Audi USA's site. Please don't tell me you are comparing it to a fully-loaded 535i....
Don't get me wrong. I like Audis and were the A6 available months ago I would have cross-shopped it. Knowing Audi, it probably would be a tad cheaper than a similar 535i, but definitely not $10k.

I've got tired with these idiotic comments on
1) how its engine is underrated
2) how this car is too expensive
3) how it is comparable to Ford Taurus

Let's address them all one by one.

1) This engine has forced induction at its finest. It has easily 30-40% more power at 1500-4000 rpm than a “comparable” 300HP naturally aspirated V6, like the one in the Camaro. And because it has 8 gears and some power plateau at the top end, it pulls with 310HP all the time when accelerating hard, not with on average 270HP like a 300HP N/A V6 with 6 gears and single power peak (instead of plateau) would.

Audi are unquestioned masters of forced induction engines. Their 211HP 2.0 TFSI four pot feels stronger than 250-270HP turbo engines from, say, a Volvo S60 or Hyundai Sonata. So comparing a Chevrolet to Audi is a bad joke.

The engine might be may be some 5% underrated but stunning performance comes from the shape of its power curve, not the single number at its end. Another factor is the all wheel drive, so no power transfer issues here.

2) German cars come with so many expensive options that it is possible to DOUBLE the price of a S-Class Mercedes Benz, for example. Taking the “price as tested” for granted is stupid as journalists always get loaded examples. Take the base MSPR, add some 10% for key packages and then you'll have a representative number.

3) Comparing this motoring perfection to a Ford Taurus? Seriously?

Ford Taurus is a Toyota Avalon equivalent and can only be compared with one. It is stodgy, clumsy, handles like a boat and is targeted at octogenarians who previously shopped in Toyota dealerships. I know that desperate people from Ford marketing department wanted the public to think otherwise but the reality is as it is.

The Taurus SHO is also a front wheel drive car. And it drives like one. It has the cheap AWD which only sends power to the rear when the front is sleeping, which is good to help traction off the line and on slippery uphills but is not meant for aiding cornering. Audi has a full time, torque sensing legendary quattro all wheel drive with 60% rear torque bias which is adjusted smoothly and purely mechanically (which means in virtually no time at all, as fast as forces spread in steel shafts). There is no delay to wait for the electronic sensors and computers to react and adjust the clutch. This is how the best best all wheel drive in the world is to be built. And this is the key secret to why all quattro cars handle so brilliantly, with this A6 being a perfect example.

I know that there is lots of not that smart Ford fanboys around here who watched to many solid axle Mustangs being tested on perfectly smooth tracks only (as their primitive rear suspension craps itself immediately on rear world, bumpy curves – the simple reason why all fast cars use independent rear suspension) but please do not offend Audi's technical excellence by comparing it to a Ford made version of a Toyota Avalon.

You can get a fully loaded Prestige A6 for under 60 grand. The Bang and Olufson radio is very pricey at over $5000, and few people will probably buy it.

In previous years, the B&O was only available in the A8's and Q7's. The upgraded BOSE is standard in the A6 Prestigeand on par with last years A6's.

And the Prestige A6 has ventialted seats, the drive select, upgraded nav with touch pad.

Overall the A6 is about ~$2000-2500 more than last yeat. But it's a lot better car.

The Innovation Package has night vision, adaptive cruise, full LED healights, and so many other tech options that were not on last years A6.

So you've got to compare APPLES to APPLES with options.

You can get a fully loaded Prestige A6 for under 60 grand. The Bang and Olufson radio is very pricey at over $5000, and few people will probably buy it.

In previous years, the B&O was only available in the A8's and Q7's. The upgraded BOSE is standard in the A6 Prestigeand on par with last years A6's.

And the Prestige A6 has ventialted seats, the drive select, upgraded nav with touch pad.

Overall the A6 is about ~$2000-2500 more than last yeat. But it's a lot better car.

The Innovation Package has night vision, adaptive cruise, full LED healights, and so many other tech options that were not on last years A6.

So you've got to compare APPLES to APPLES with options.

When you lay out big bucks for a car, you want something special. Driven A6's before - nothing special there. Mediocre ride quality and reliability; but a very nice interior with excellent all-weather capability. This is basic transportation for the well heeled.
I'll pass.

@incyphe You are probably looking at the old 2011 model. The new 2012 model has more expensive new options. This is an almost fully loaded A6:

Innovation Package: Adaptive Cruise control with stop/go, Audi pre sense plus, head up display, audi side assist, led highlights, exterior mirror, power folding, heated with memory, nightvision assistant.

Only available with Prestige which is another $6880 so that adds up quickly and typical Audi pricing for the US. Prestige offers lot more options like Xenon plus headlights, MMI Navigation, ...

Not sure if it's worth to pay $6K for B&O Audio upgrade.

Btw the A6 2.0 TFSI starts at $41,700.

This seems like a future comparo champ to me. The 5 series looks dull and hasnt gotten rave reviews for sportiness. E class is just dated at this point and its interior clearly cant hold a candle to the A6. The M's styling holds it back IMHO.

I read the results of a dyno test of the S4 recently (same motor as the A6 and A7, though in the S4 it makes 333bhp). It was putting a total 320+hp to 4 wheels. Audi is phenomenally, almost magically efficient at getting power to the ground with this motor. ...or they significantly underrate this motor - which makes a whole lot more sense.

I'm a bit surprised that Audi priced the A6 so close to the A7. A loaded 2011 A6 with the supercharged 3.0 goes for $57k - sans the 6 grand B&O of course. To me, that seems closer to the A6's sweet spot in the market. It's possible Audi knows what it's doing though...

Alright blackdynamite0, we get that you love to stir the pot. It's funny for awhile, but also distracts from the more interesting and thought provoking statements made here. Please keep the trolling to a minimum.

If "the parts make the sum of the whole," and you've ever had the opportunity to see under both the new Taurus, and an A6 with their wheels off. Then it's very obvious the why the A6 or most any premium/luxury brand vehicle are worth the extra investment over their and other value brand counterparts.

That's why I'm very excited about the suspension walkarounds, because the expose these things to people that otherwise wouldn't get an opportunity to do so. And I get to see some cars that don't ever come through my shop.

Some of you guys are so true, it looks like the 2013 Ford Taurus. I am a true Ford fan with a fair opinion. I read a persons comment that reads as if he got offended about the comparison of an Audi and A Taurus. Well the Ford Taurus is most def. a great car. Ford have reached their goals with building great vehicles with better designs and quality. According to J.D Powers and Associates, the Taurus looks like it will be lasting as long or longer than many German made vechiles. Thinking smart, what low end companies do not compare their products to high end companies,???? I think they all compare their products to high end products because of the time and effort they spent in profecting their products. Remember American cars can not go so outrageous with their pricing. American vehicles have to remain affortable. The Quality and technology of todays fords is why their pricing is up compared to years back. It is so simple to understand why. Some persons really let the name of german made vehicles get into their heads. Out of the many /just about all brands vehicles I have rode in, most of them drive and ride the same or similar. Lets be honest the interior make the difference out of the driving difference. The worst car I have rode in is a Toyota Corolla. The suspension was to stiff and bouncy, other than that , BMW and a Mercedes most def. feels just like my Nissan but with a luxuary touch. In regards of what Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes make or do, the important thing is having a great dependable vehicle with style to last and function the way it need to for individuals needs of that vehicle. So after all, Ford will still be comparing their vehicles as well as Hyundai. They both are gaining more customers and even gaining many german car owners, and I have seen this with my own eyes other than reasearch.

For $71k it should say A8 not A6 on the back. The A6 2.7T was one of the worst cars for the cost of upkeep hopefully the 3.0T will be better for the outrageous money it cost. For $71k I could get a Taurus SHO or a loaded 300 and and have about $25k left over. Or better yet a CTS-V with $10k left over. Lets see a car that will spank the 3.0T and still have $10k sign me up. Plus the caddy looks better.

fusionboy,

It's not quite clear to me yet. Which car company did you say you like?

I'd spend $70k on a *loaded* Avant if it fits 3 carseats across the 2nd row. Too bad because the CTS-V won't (I'm surprised that the interior measurements are not that different between the two).

Just because it looks like a Ford Taurus SHO, and weighs about as much as a Ford Taurus SHO, and dynos like a SHO, don't get mad at me!
BD

Careful using that idiot tag "burnoutsaregay"

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/report-evidence-mounting-that-2010-audi-s4-is-underrated/

The 3.0 TSI engine is dramatically underrated. Every dyno test has shown this. I've dyno'd more than a few myself. By the way, if you look at the link, you'll see that the hp does not plateau (at least on the S4 version).

For comparison, here are some V6 Camaro engines (not because the Camaro is particularly relevant, simply because it has similar power ratings and similar weight). Note that the Camaro should have less drivetrain loss thanks to 2WD vs AWD.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97831

Notice also that the Camaro torque curve and power curve have a similar shape to the Audi curve. There is no magical difference in their basic shape. Nice flat torque curves falling off after 5000 rpm or so with a reasonable power peak.

Simply put, the Audi 3.0T engine, much to the benefit of owners, is dramatically underrated. This is a _good_ thing, not bad. Rated 50 lbs-ft of torque higher than the Camaro, producing 90-100 lbs-ft more at the tires, after the additional losses of AWD. Awesome.

Audi has lost its d*%& mind. There is no way for 71k. And I still want my V8 (it's an image thing. But then again, if you're that self conscious, then you aren't buying an Audi, but an MB or BMW).

I'd have to go with the bloated 5 series over this.

albook
Any car that weighs two tons is "bloated"
That includes most mid-sized luxury cars
BD

People continue to be morons -look, it's 71k, go buy a Taurus for 45k!

Most of the a6 sales will be premium plus and prestige models 55-60k

Ford is selling $ 50,000 f150 pickups. $50,000 for a fancy king ranch truck?

How many people have a military grade night vision, full led headlights, adaptive cruise, or a 1000 watt premium sound system in their car now?

Some people have 10 grand in speakers hooked up to their home theater systems. Premium audio equiptment is very expensive.

If ford added everything that Audi had in that demo A6, the f150 would be on the lot for $60,000

emajor

I like Fords. I Drive a Nissan but I will be purchasing a Ford. I do like Audi's but being a designer, I can truely say this new A6 only will attract me they the Headlamps and interior. Sad to say but Audi's have a simple style that is becoming old. The new A7 sport back, A5, A8 and the Suv's are nice. I personally would spend my money purchasing style with in Jaguar or bently if I had to purchase an expensive vehicle. But I still will not speak to bad of Audi because they have came a long way.

emajor

I like Fords. I Drive a Nissan but I will be purchasing a Ford. I do like Audi's but being a designer, I can truely say this new A6 only will attract me they the Headlamps and interior. Sad to say but Audi's have a simple style that is becoming old. The new A7 sport back, A5, A8 and the Suv's are nice. I personally would spend my money purchasing style with in Jaguar or bently if I had to purchase an expensive vehicle. But I still will not speak to bad of Audi because they have came a long way.

I'll give anyone a bone if they can name the best selling luxury brand in Europe right now based off of actual units sold....

Saw a brand new 2012 A6 on the road last week (manufacturer's plates). The back is boring indeed like the A4, but the rest of the car looks elegant. Just like the A8, this car looks much better in person. In real life is has a nice luxurious presence (esp. in black) and looks significantly larger than the A4. Yet, this car is much lighter than the 5 series and has AWD.

As has been mentioned by some posters here, the car provided was loaded with options. This doesn't mean you need to buy it that way. A stock A6 with just the Sports Package will have everything you need.

BD, take a look at this video -- 12 Min look at the A6 exterior & interior from autospies:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZVbhB0Yi68

The interior of the A6 blows away your favourite LS460, both in terms of modern design and materials quality. Not to mention the Google Earth navigation is better than what Mercedes or BMW offer right now.

The biggest problem with this 2012 A6 is the lackluster steering feel/feedback on the road. But now that the new 5 series didn't even get that right, the Audi still offers superior handling, acceleration, interior design.

Another factor no one mentions in this thread is the age of the average buyer for BMW, Mercedes and Audi in the USA:

Audi: 48
BMW: 50
Mercedes: 54

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/111053133784/mercedes-to-offer-more-tech-on-next-a--and-b-class-to-attract

If we look at the current A4, it costs much more than the previous generation A4. Audi is raising the prices on its vehicles because around the world it has finally become as prestigious as BMW and Mercedes. Therefore, it no longer needs to undercut either of those brands.

And whoever is comparing this car to the SHO doesn't get cars. You can't just compare a car on paper based on power and size. The SHO drives like a boat and has extremely cheap quality materials. There is no point in talking about "value" since a Honda Civic is better value than an M3 and M3 is a better value than a Bentley Continental GT and Bentley is a better value than a Bugatti Veyron. These types of arguments don't make any sense. If you can't afford a certain vehicle, there are plenty of other options for you. Audi, BMW and Benz are the 3 fastest growing premium brands - so that means they are doing something right.

At $71k, why not just spend a bit more for the 510HP Jaguar XFR (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovOh58UBWOs)? At that, even the Jaguar XF Premium has 385HP and is a mere $59k. More performance, more style, better warranty (5 year, 50k miles, all service included, only pay for gas and tires), Bowers & Wilkins sound, and a very sweet exhaust note. However, the navigation is the worst on the planet.

I hate what Audi has become. All their cars look the same. A4, A6, Q5, Q7. I also think the bucktooth grille is starting to look outdated.

Great performance, however, for only 310HP and 4,000 lbs.

Everyone screamin: "$71K, forget that!!"
Let me be the umpteenth person to say it loud and clear: It starts at $49.9k.

Does anyone actually read the article or just lemming themselves?

The performance numbers are shocking for the published power figures. I wonder why Audi/VW so consistently under-rate their engines. 100 lb/ft? I don't see the point. Maybe they want to keep VW a complete tier below the Audis in power/technology in the marketplace, but I doubt many people would run out of an Audi showroom if they heard that a GTI had more power than the published (underrated) A4 number. They would sell more cars in all ranges if they printed more accurate numbers.

Drives like it sounds on paper - great. The one I drove was 71K as well. There are options most of us won't get like a $5,900 BO stereo (upgrade from the standard Bose!). This car is very well equip. for about mid to low 60s. For 71K there is heated/ventilated seats, radar adaptive cruise, HUD, LED lights, summer 19" tires, lane departure warning, nav .....

For those driving a BMW price both. I'll bet the Audi cost about the same or just a little more or maybe a little less. I mean my 3 series I had to pay for folding rear seats - come on BMW - FOLDING SEATS. That's standard on a Hyundai Accent!

At 4175 lbs I bet it is lighter than the 5 series too. I thought after my wife got her first BMW we had found the car brand we'd stick with, but Audi gets better each year and BMW gets heavier, more expensive, IMO uglier and is much less the driver's car than what they were doing in the past.

Oh - not even thinking Taurus - as Ford says go drive one and you'll see why. I did, hoping they were better. They are, but not to any Audi/BMW standard. You can get a pound of Chuck much cheaper than a pound of Filet. Some don't appreciate the difference, those that don't can save the difference in cost.

Either way, I really want an A6 Avant. If they sell one to me tomorrow for $71K I'll write the check.

ive test driven this car and the car is quicker than a 2011 535i that i own, but there is quite few problems. 1. the car comes with summer performance tire which are hopeless in snow and why do people buy audis, for awd in snow while my 535 has summer touring which arent good on a track but decent in snow, 2 the steering feel is terrible, even worse than bmws electric steering, 3. balance- the car doesnt have 50/50 weight distribution which is bad, its very front heavy causing quite a lot of understeer while my 535 doesnt its more neutral than the audi 4- the suspension is too hard it may brilliant on a smooth track but on the street you shake and hear many rattles. My friend also has a m sport 535 has put fatter wheels and performance tires making it feel much better and hopefully equal or quicker than the audi. i think my mom might get the a6 and we'll compare on the track when i have time

I am currently shopping the A6, some of the previous commenters are correct, this car has $13,000 in options no one in their right mind would pay for - the Bang & Olufsen stereo and the innovation package which includes HUD, radar cruise control, full LED headlights, adaptive headlights that change not just direction but range of coverage based on conditions, and night vision. This car, the A7 and A8 are being slotted with each other it seems. A decently optioned car should run 55-59K depending on which sport/wheel package you get, the 19"s and 20"s are the only ones with summer tires. The quattro and supercharged torque are advantages not offered by the 5 series, and the interior is very nice with the touch pad navigation interface.

For $71k in my garage it'd be the A8, not the A6.

And if I had $71k to spend on a sedan it'd be an addition to my car and parked next to my 911 or BoxS.

Interesting - my buddy just bought a 2010 A8, loaded with 28k miles for $32k.

Not sure what my point is, but I'm still looking at my first post and thinking "$71k for an A6?!"

Surprisingly an Acura TL SH-AWD has not popped out in the comments.

Let's see, available with a true manual transmission (and buttery smooth to boot), terribly fun to drive ,matches exactly the performance of this A6, it has better skidpad numbers, it has Torque Vectoring that this A6 lacks, very distinctive look (I love mine) instead of boring (ok look is subjective) and can be had loaded to the hilt for 46K instead of 50K for a base A6....it sounds like a winner to me....