Until now, Consumer Reports [CR] number one choice in the luxury segment mid-size sedan was the Infiniti M37. Not anymore as after evaluating the redesigned Audi A6 2012, the M37 has to share first place with Ingolstadt premium lounge.
The new Audi A6 received an "excellent" with a total score of 93 points. This is a great improvement over the previous model 79 points.
"The redesigned Audi A6 is an impressive car and a pleasure to drive," said senior director of the Center for Consumer Reports Auto Test. Consumer Reports says that the significant improvement is attributed to the combination of renewed model strong acceleration, agile handling and comfortable ride, and its high quality interior and quiet.
Other models included in the Consumer Reports test of mid-size luxury were the Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec, the hybrid Infiniti M35h and the new Saab 9-5.
The diesel engine, 210HP Mercedes, received an "Excellent" road test and is the leader of the new fuel economy in class with 26 mpg beat the M35h hybrid achieved 25 mpg.
The M35h also has an "excellent" rating of proof in general, thanks to its quick acceleration and fuel economy, but received some criticism for its non-linear power delivery and the fact that the handling and braking is less than the standard M37 version.
"The electricity and gas system helps provide rapid acceleration and fuel economy that is on par with some family sedans, four-cylinder, but its power delivery tends to be uneven and abrupt braking and handling and are not until all of the conventional M37, "said Consumer Reports.
Unfortunately for the sick of the Saab brand, the new 9-5 did not score well in Consumer Reports test. It has been praised for its excellent fit and finish inside and agile handling, but its noisy engine, stiff gait, reduced visibility and a slow acceleration resulted in the new Saab model to not receive a "recommended" label.
"The new design of the Saab 9-5 is disappointing in this rarefied class. Share platform with the Buick LaCrosse and Regal, his former GM cousins, but the 9-5 is not up to par, so these models or their competitors "said CR. "Overall, its performance is not high enough to be recommended."
