(Above): Exterior view of the 2012 Audi A6 3.0.

For 2012, Audi totally redesigned the A6 and left no part of the car untouched. From the tires up, it receives a new look on the exterior and interior, from the materials it is built with to the engine under the hood, writes automotive editor Sally Miller Wyatt, seemingly impressed by what this car has to offer.

Anyone who spends a lot of time in their car should seriously think about the overall comforts and safety features to be found within its confines before making a purchase. With a tight economy, price can sometimes take precedence over these things, but if you’re going to be driving yourself to work and the kids to school, grocery stores, dentists and orthodontists, day care and sports practice – all in a typical day – you should enjoy the ride. Love your car’s great gas mileage, large trunk and generous passenger space. Appreciate the lack of blind spots and the long list of safety features. And, if you’ve bitten the bullet and purchased a 2012 Audi A6 3.0, you’re going to really love the powerful 3.0-liter supercharged engine. Swift, smooth acceleration with no hesitation offers an immediate thrill, but caution: if you’re not paying close attention to the speedometer, you’ll be adding traffic court to your list of things to do today.

For 2012, Audi totally redesigned the A6 and left no part of the car untouched. From the tires up, it receives a new look on the exterior and interior, from the materials it is built with to the engine under the hood.


 (Above): Interior view of the 2012 Audi A6 3.0.

The consistent theme, however, is elegance and attention to detail. The Audi A6’s wheelbase has been extended and the exterior has a performance-oriented look with a sloped roofline that certainly is a good fit for the supercharged V6 engine. The interior is driver-oriented and the fit and finish is classic and elegant. The 2012 models also receive a host of advanced technologies, such as Audi MMI, which includes Google Earth and Google Local Search, real-time weather and traffic information, fuel updates and news, Wi-Fi access for up to eight users, and the latest in driver-assist programs. These include Audi pre-sense, a system that can detect an imminent frontal collision and rear collision, and initiate protective measures, while also alerting the driver to vehicles at your sides and in your blind spots. The Audi pre-sense system is added to an energy-absorbing structural frame that – should a head-on collision occur – directs the crushing energy to actually deform the cross beams in a controlled way. Audi used more than 4,000 crash simulations to test out this platform. Other safety features include side and curtain air bags, stability control systems, driver assistance systems and a cruise control with stop and go features.

The Audi A6 also has a pretty nice sound system on board. It includes a 14-speaker, 630-watt BOSE Surround Sound system, a CD changer in the glove box, HD radio and Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

On the road, it won’t take but a second or two for you to immediately realize you’re behind the wheel of a powerful car. Accelerating to freeway speed is seamless and you’re at the limit in no time at all. The A6 handles very well, has a nice turning radius and I found visibility to be very good. It helps to have indicators in the side mirrors that light up with a car is in your blind spot. Road noise is a bit pronounced, surprisingly.


 (Above): Exterior view of the 2012 Audi A6 3.0.

The seats in all five positions are firm and very comfortable, even for the rear middle passenger. The trunk is very deep, although the opening is compromised somewhat by the sloping rear window.

The A6 model we test drove, with its 3.0-liter supercharged V6, has a gas mileage rating of 19 for city driving and 28 for highway driving.

The Audi A6 is near the top of the line for Audi products, and its sticker price reflects that. But, if you’re a commuter or a parent who spends lots of time in the car, who wouldn’t deserve to be pampered?