The 2012 A6's supercharged, direct-injected 3.0-liter V-6 with 310 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque and eight-speed transmission combo helped propel the 4166-pound sedan from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, and through the quarter mile in 13.4 seconds at 103.9 mph, smoking both the 535i (5.6 and 14.1 at 101.0 mph) and the E350 (6.6 and 14.9 at 94.5 mph). Here's how our test team got the numbers: "Easy to launch, after you've set the proper vehicle settings. Trans in sport mode, ESC off, vehicle in Dynamic mode. With the left foot on the brake pedal, go flat on the gas until the tach settles on 3000 rpm, lift off the brake and hold on."
Some have questioned Audi's decision not to offer a DSG transmission for the A6, but Febbo for one thinks Ingolstadt made the right call to go with the eight-speed auto. "The smoothness of the eight-speed transmission is the best argument against DSGs I have experienced. Shifts are quick in sport or manual mode (not nearly as quick as a DSG), and the smooth transition won't upset the car in the mid-corner shifts."
When it comes to slowing things down, the binders clamped down hard on Audi's 12.6-inch front, 11.8-inch rear discs, helping it hit the skids from 60 in a scant 108 feet -- impressive stuff for a car of its heft. Again, it bested the 535i (109) and the E350 (123). Over at the skidpad, the A6 hit .91 g average, and it busted through our figure eight in 25.4 seconds at 0.72 g, no doubt aided by its Quattro system with its 40/60 percent front/rear-bias torque distribution setup.
Despite his reservations about the steering, Febbo gives the A6 high marks for its overall handling prowess -- essential for high-speed avoidance maneuvers. "This thing is so predictable and inspires tons of confidence. The ability to put down power with all four tires and progressiveness of all the actions would certainly make it better for all but the best drivers... Even in the most aggressive situations when it's clear physics can still put the smackdown on electronics, the A6 still behaves predictably and safely."
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