When it comes to performance in a pretty package in the midsize sedan class, the 2013 Audi A6 is worth taking a look at. This year’s version is offered in a whopping five different trim levels for plenty of choice. That doesn’t even begin to mention the various option packages available for this line. Inside the cabin, high quality materials mesh with solid construction for an elegant environment on wheels. The technology offerings aren’t bad either. If the price tag doesn’t scare you away, the 2013 Audi A6 is a worthwhile choice in the luxury sedan category.
New For 2013
For the 2013 model year, Audi decided it was time to make some changes to the powertrains associated with the A6 line. It’s interesting to note:
The return of the S6.
The S6 lost two cylinders going from a V-10 to a V-8 engine, but it gained two turbochargers, making it faster than before.
The 2.0T engine is now available on the Quattro trim level as well as the A6 models equipped with front-wheel drive.
Exterior
The 2013 Audi A6 line is a mid-sized luxury sedan available in five trim levels. Buyers can chose from the 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Premium, 3.0T Premium Plus, and the 3.0T Prestige. The numbers refer to the available powertrains. The 2.0T are the turbocharged four-cylinder models, while the 3.0T are the 3.0-liter V-6 engine editions. On the lower trim levels, the A6 is equipped with 17-inch wheels and some of the upper trim levels are equipped with 18-inch wheels. The overall body style of the A6 is much like Audi’s other lines and features the distinctive grille and uniquely shaped headlights located high on the front fenders. The Audi emblem is placed in the center of the grille. The rest of the A6 body design is an elegant combination of curves and lines for a refined look.
Interior & Cargo
The cabin of the 2013 Audi A6 is just as attractive as the exterior. This car features incredibly comfortable seats and gives rear seat passengers more head and leg room than most models of this class. This cabin is definitely the place to be for long road trips. While on the subject of space, the A6 is equipped with 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, a little small for the class. The rear seats do fold down though for more hauling room.
Audi made sure to put plenty of state of the art technology in the cabin as well. The A6 features a Multi Media Interface or MMI that controls a great many of the gauges and controls in the car. This system is responsible for navigation, communication, and entertainment purposes. It features a dash mounted screen and buttons on the center console for easy reach. The graphics are very good and the standard touchpad gives the driver lots of control right at his or her fingertips.
Safety
The A6 is equipped with plenty of standard safety equipment as well. All trim levels have anti-lock brakes, as well as stability control. The full assortment of airbags includes full length side curtain airbags, front seat side airbags, and front knee airbags.
Also available either as options or standard on the upper trim levels, the A6 is equipped with front and rear parking sensors, a blind spot warning system, and rear side airbags. The coupe can be ordered with the Audi Pre-Sense Plus system as well. This system is capable of warning the driver in the event of collusion while adapting the front seats and activating the car’s braking system.
Driving Experience
As noted, there are two powertrains available for the 2013 A6. The first one is a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission or CVT. These cars are also equipped with front-wheel drive. The 2.0T versions offer an optional eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. All A6 with 2.0T feature this powertrain. It is capable of 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy is estimated at 25/33 mpg city/highway for the CVT transmission. The 2.0T versions with the eight-speed transmission get 20/30 mpg city/highway.
On the other hand, the 3.0T models are equipped with a 3.0-liter, supercharged, V-6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This powertrain gives up 310 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, the fuel economy isn’t quite as good and is estimated at 18/27 mpg city/highway, still not bad for a car of this class and powertrain.
Driving the A6 with either engine option is nothing short of a good time. On rougher roads, it’s a bit challenging in terms of ride quality, but nothing that would stop every day or even demanding drivers from enjoying this car.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Audi A6
- BMW 5-Series
- Cadillac CTS
- Lexus GS
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class