Audi's answer to the BMW's 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes in the form of the A6 -- a midsize executive sedan with Audi's signature styling and a choice of V6 or V8 power. The car recieved a signifcant 'facelift' for the 2009 model year onward, with a mildly revised front end and a heavily restyled rear. The rear is characterized by new taillights, complete with LED clusters that provide better reliability, visability, and asthetics.

The taillights have been augmented with R8-inspired lenses that effectively cut through the haze of blowing snow. The facelift also consist of a slightly redesigned front bumper, new rectangular fog lamps and larger air-intakes left and right of the grille.

The most basic models can be had with front-wheel-drive, but most come equipped with the company's Quattro all-wheel-drive. The A6 also features Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI), which provides access to a number of functions via a computer screen, rather than buttons and dials.

Engine choices in the United States range from a 3.2-liter V6 to a 4.2-liter V8. The V6 model delivers 255 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 243 pound-feet of torque at 3250 rpm. The more powerful V8 model cranks out 350 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at 3500 rpm. The A6 can be ordered with a seven-speed multitronic CVT transmission or a regular six-speed automatic. (All-wheel-drive is not available on the CVT model.)

High-tech features include active bi-xenon headlights that point in the direction of a corner, and the new Multi Media Interface (MMI) that provides access to settings for in-car entertainment, satellite navigation, climate control, suspension configuration, and so on.