2012 Audi A6 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$41,700 to $56,780

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(21 reviews)
2012 Audi A6 Preview summaryImage

The 2012 Audi A6 underwent a number of changes from the previous year’s model, both cosmetically and mechanically, as Audi attempts to carve a larger slice of the midsize luxury car market. Techies will especially love its new electronic touches, which include Internet access through T-mobile and a touch-pad cabin tech interface. Gearheads will admire its supercharged direct-injection engine and smooth 8-speed automatic transmission.

Five trims make up the 2012 Audi A6 lineup: 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Quattro Premium, 3.0T Quattro Premium Plus, and 3.0T Quattro Prestige. Engines available for the Audi A6 are a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, DOHC 4-cylinder engine that achieves 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and a 310-hp 3.0-liter supercharged, intercooled, DOHC 24-valve aluminum V6 engine that has 325 lb-ft of torque, both of which run on premium gasoline. The 4-cylinder engine, which is mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission and is front-wheel drive, gets an estimated 25 mpg city/33 highway, while the V6, which is all-wheel drive and has an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, gets 19/28.

Standard equipment for the 2.0T Premium and 3.0T Premium trims includes Audi Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering, Audi drive select, Audi pre sense basic, antitheft vehicle alarm system (with immobilizer), power locks, halogen headlights (with daytime running lights), heated windshield washer nozzles, LED taillights, automatic climate control (three zone), leather-wrapped shift knob, 8-way power front seats (with 4-way power lumbar adjustment for driver) with driver’s seat memory, 4-spoke, multifunction steering wheel, tilt-and-telescopic steering column, leather seats, sunroof (with sliding and tilting functions), auto-dimming interior mirror (with compass), Bluetooth HandsFree technology, keyless start, cruise control, MMI radio plus, single-CD player, Homelink remote transmitter, Audi MMI Navigation (plus voice-control system) and 17-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels (with all-season tires). For those selecting the 2.0T Premium Plus Trim, you get xenon headlights (with daytime running lights), power-adjustable, heated side mirrors (with memory), 7-inch color driver information display, AM/FM radio with 6-disc CD changer and Sirius XM satellite radio (with trial 3-month subscription), Audi MMI Navigation (plus voice-control system) and 18-inch, 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels (with all-season tires).

The 2012 Audi A6 3.0T Premium Plus trim has all of the previously listed equipment for the 2.0T Premium Plus, while the 3.0T Prestige trim adds adaptive xenon plus headlights (with LED daytime running lights), ventilated 8-way power front seats (with 4-way power lumbar adjustment for driver), four-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting plus, and power tilt-and telescoping steering column (with memory). It also comes standard with a Bose sound system. The Audi connect system, which turns the Audi A6 into a mobile WiFi hotspot, is available on the 2.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Premium Plus and Prestige trims. Audi connect interacts with the navigation system to provide mapping through Google Earth and has live feeds for both news and weather information.

The 2012 Audi A6 gets high marks from the National Transportation & Safety Board for the number of safety features the car has. These include frontal airbags, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front knee airbags, rear side airbags, Audi backguard system, side intrusion protection, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes (with electronic brake-pressure distribution and brake assist), electronic stability and traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, blind-spot warning system and front and rear parking sensors (the latter two are available options for the 2.0T Premium, 3.0T Premium and Prestige trims). Another safety option is the Audi pre sense basic or plus (basic is standard on the 2.0T trims and plus is available as an option, while plus is standard on the 3.0T trims. Audi pre sense basic can automatically tension the seat belts and close the sunroof and windows if it senses a crash is about to occur. Pre sense plus adds the ability to brake the vehicle automatically prior to a crash as well.

There are a number of option packages that can be added to all trims for the 2012 Audi A6. Available on all trims are the Audi Side Assist Package (which adds additional safety features) and Cold Weather Package (which features heated seats and a heated steering wheel). Premium trims can add an 18-inch Sport Package, which has a sportier suspension, bigger wheels and a race-inspired steering wheel with shift paddles. A similar 19-inch Sport Package is available for both Premium Plus trims as well as the Prestige trim. Other available packages include the Driver Assistance Package, Innovation Package and a 20-inch Sport Package (available only for the Prestige trim). Individual options available for all trims include brushed aluminum, dark brown walnut wood or fine grain ash natural brown wood inlays, black cloth headliner, metallic/pearl-effect paint and rear-passenger thorax side airbags. Full LED headlights and a Bang & Olufsen Advance Sound System, a 1,300-watt sound system with ICEpower digital amplification and 15 speakers, are available as individual options for the Prestige trim.

Interior color options for the 2012 Audi A6 include Black, Nougat Brown, Titanium Gray and Velvet Beige. Exterior color choices are Ice Silver Metallic, Ibis White, Brilliant Black, Glacier White Metallic, Havanna Black Metallic, Quartz Gray Metallic, Moonlight Blue Metallic, Aviator Blue Metallic, Oolong Gray Metallic, Dakota Gray Metallic, Phantom Black Pearl Effect and Garnet Red Pearl Effect.

Driver reviews for the 2012 Audi A6 have been mostly favorable, noting that the vehicle, especially the AWD trims, feels more nimble with a sharper response when stepping on the gas. All trims have plenty of grip, and the weight distribution feels more balanced. The ride can be rough for a luxury car, especially with the optional sports suspension added, but it also is more fun to drive in that setup as well.

The fourth-generation Audi A6 is getting rave reviews from owners and journalists alike. The 2012 model (3.0T Quattro trim) was selected as one of the "10Best" vehicles by Car and Driver magazine. While the A6 continues to feel like a little sibling compared to the A7, the improvements made to the engine and interior, as well as the technology upgrades, make the A6 a solid choice for a midsize luxury car.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2012 Audi A6

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User rating:
by Taeisha H
Mar 16, 2024
I love the car. It’s definitely family friendly. Lots of features I haven’t had a chance to check them all out. The car is a great value. Mar 16, 2024
by Gary S
Sep 01, 2023
Excellent fit and finish with great engineering, Ride and performance and good gas mileage to boot.Sep 01, 2023
by Anonymous
Mar 20, 2023
I think this car is a great value for the cost. Mar 20, 2023

2012 Audi A6 Pricing

Original MSRP
$41,700 to $56,780
Price range
$9,066 to $10,012
Average price on CG
$9,066
YoY price change
$9,846 to $9,066

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.09 · Locking differential: front

Engine

Alternator: 180 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Lights

Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Heated: second row · Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Diameter: 18 · Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.09 · Locking differential: front

Engine

Alternator: 180 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Video monitor location: front · Video monitor size: 7

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Heated: second row · Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Diameter: 18 · Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.85 · Locking differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 180 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Lights

Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Heated: second row · Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Diameter: 18 · Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.85 · Locking differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 180 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Video monitor location: front · Video monitor size: 7

Lights

Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Heated: second row · Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Diameter: 18 · Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 650 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.85 · Locking differential: front

Engine

Alternator: 180 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Video monitor location: front · Video monitor size: 7

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: driver side auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Heated: second row · Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Diameter: 18 · Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (5)