The interior of a 2012 Audi A6.

The interior of a 2012 Audi A6. Credit: Handout

The focus on fuel efficiency that has swept across the automotive world has touched the luxury segment, a bastion of high-powered engines. That's beginning to change, as a number of redesigned luxury models are available with four-cylinder power for 2012. There are also a few new hybrids. A selection of new luxury cars is listed below.

Hot Luxury Cars for 2012
All cars are listed in alphabetical order and from the 2012 model year.
 
$41,700 - $49,900

Just a few years ago, the A6 midsize luxury sedan was available with a V-8 engine, but versions of the redesigned 2012 model make do with half as many cylinders as a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder joins the lineup.

  • Turbo four-cylinder or supercharged V-6

  • CVT or eight-speed automatic

  • FWD or AWD

  • Available Wi-Fi hotspot capability

  • Available LED headlights

$59,250

Luxury automakers are somewhat infatuated with four-door cars that look like coupes, and Audi is the latest manufacturer to join the fray with the A7. Its coupe-like profile is convincing, but a large hatch gives it a surprising amount of practicality.

  • Supercharged V-6

  • Eight-speed automatic transmission

  • Seats four

  • Standard AWD

  • Available Google Earth navigation overlay

$83,000 - $90,500

There's still power to be had in the luxury segment, and the redesigned 650i is a case in point. Available in coupe or convertible form, the 650i has a 400-horsepower, twin-turbo V-8 engine, and enthusiasts will appreciate the available six-speed manual transmission.

  • Standard iDrive system

  • Rear-wheel drive

  • Available 20-inch wheels

  • Available head-up display

  • Available night vision technology

$34,450

Buick hasn't had a reputation for performance cars in years, but the Regal GS aims to change that. It's powered by a 270-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder that works with a six-speed manual transmission to achieve a zero-to-60-mph estimate of 6.7 seconds.

  • Platform hails from Europe

  • Manual or automatic transmission

  • Front-wheel drive

  • Adaptive suspension

  • Buick IntelliLink with enhanced smartphone connectivity

$53,700

Infiniti's first hybrid, the M35h offers both performance — its gas/electric drivetrain makes a combined 360 hp — and fuel efficiency, as it gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined driving, which is better than some compact cars.

  • Electric-only operation up to 62 mph possible

  • Lithium-ion battery pack

  • 3.5-liter V-6

  • Seven-speed automatic

  • Available Bose surround-sound system

$43,145 - $44,145

Traditionally a maker or big off-road-ready SUVs, Land Rover's new Range Rover Evoque is something entirely different — it's a small crossover designed to appeal to new customers. It features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and is available in two- or four-door form.

  • 240-hp four-cylinder

  • Six-speed automatic

  • All-wheel drive with Terrain Response

  • Available adaptive suspension

  • Available surround camera system

$71,300 - $94,900

Now in its second generation, Mercedes' coupe-like four-door, the CLS-Class, features all-new styling and a range of forced-induction V-8 engines that are smaller and more efficient than the preceding V-8s but get better gas mileage.

  • Standard 402-hp, twin-turbo V-8

  • Seven-speed automatic

  • RWD or AWD

  • High-performance CLS63 AMG model

  • AMG version features stop/start engine technology

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class $54,800

Featuring a new face that makes it look like Mercedes' SLS AMG gull-wing supercar, the SLK-Class roadster gains a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for 2012. Driver-controlled tinting of the optional panoramic roof is available.

  • Power-retractable hardtop

  • Turbo four-cylinder or 3.5-liter V-6

  • Six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic

  • High-performance SLK55 AMG model

  • Standard Attention Assist drowsy-driver sensor

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