2012 Audi A6 vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The 2012 Audi A6 earns kudos for its performance and features, even if we're way more smitten by the A7.

Other cars to consider include the edgy Benz E-Class, especially in its clean-diesel and V-8 forms, smart performers with better handling and available all-wheel drive.

The same's true for the latest BMW 5-Series, which got better looking last year, though some followers claim it's too big and cushy to follow in the 5er's legendary treads.

The Infiniti M is the fabulous looker of this pack; V-6 versions are a little too throaty for our tastes, but the rear-driver's handling is brilliant and its tech features equal those on the Audi.

On the domestic tip, the Chrysler 300 is an intriguing alternative, with arguably better handling than the A6, available all-wheel drive, and a smoking SRT8 performance version.

The Lincoln MKS is a bit more subdued, but still more distinctive than the A6 outside; interior space is better, safety's as good as it gets, and EcoBoost versions are incredibly quick, though handling is more typically American than any of these competitors.