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.
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 2012 Audi A6Browse Used Listings |  2012 Chrysler 300Browse Used Listings |  2012 INFINITI MBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Lincoln MKSBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Mercedes-Benz E ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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It's the same V-6 blast to drive as the far more sexy A7, which makes the 2012 Audi A6 a little irrelevant for those not fixated on five seats or four cylinders. |
Riper and more mature, the latest Chrysler 300 has classically handsome looks and in the right versions, big rear-drive fun. |
The 2012 Infiniti M sedans are true super-sedans, delivering sharp handling, scorching performance, and impressive comfort, with a beautiful but not overwrought design inside and out. |
The 2012 Lincoln MKS writes its own definition of luxury with great straight-line performance, quiet good looks, and a spacious interior. |
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class models have sharper driving appeal than in the past, while also returning to the classy interior appointments and vault-like construction that have made them longtime luxury benchmarks. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $41,700 | $27,670 | $47,700 | $41,500 | $49,800 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 19 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Midsize Cars | Large Cars | Midsize Car | Large Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Sedan FrontTrak 2.0T Premium | 4-Door Sedan V6 RWD | 4-Door Sedan RWD | 4-Door Sedan 3.7L FWD | 2-Door Coupe E 350 RWD |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sedan | 4-Door Sedan | 4-Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | Coupe |
| Transmission | ||||
| Continuously Variable Ratio | Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Audi A6 vs. 2012 Chrysler 300 | 2012 Audi A6 vs. 2012 INFINITI M | 2012 Audi A6 vs. 2012 Lincoln MKS | 2012 Audi A6 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class | |
