Overview & Reviews

Luxury-car shoppers who love value have long cheered the Audi A6. And in true Audi fashion, the midsize A6 gives you a lot for a very competitive price. One of the A6's primary strengths is its deluxe cabin. Materials are first-rate, and the overall design is nothing short of class-leading. Its winter-weather capability is another plus, as most A6s on dealer lots, like other Audis, have all-wheel drive.

But the car's most compelling asset concerns value. In terms of overall quality and performance, the Audi A6 is typically equal to or even better than its luxury sedan rivals, yet it typically costs thousands less. A used A6 represents an even more affordable proposition, though these older examples lack the athleticism of their more contemporary rivals. The latest A6 benefits further still from enhanced performance and increased driver engagement, making it a top choice in the segment.

Current Audi A6
Powering the base Audi A6 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 (2.0T) that produces 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Other engine choices include a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 (3.0T) with 310 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel (TDI) that cranks out 240 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) are standard on the 2.0T. Standard with the other engines, and optional on the 2.0T, is an eight-speed automatic coupled to all-wheel drive. Fuel economy across the board is quite favorable when compared to competing sedans.

Trim levels start with the Premium (2.0T only) and move up through Premium Plus (2.0T, 3.0T and TDI) and Prestige (3.0T and TDI). Standard feature highlights of the Premium include a sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and heated front seats. Premium Plus trims add larger wheels, xenon headlights, parking sensors, keyless ignition and entry, upgraded audio, a navigation system and an in-car Internet connection. The Prestige boasts adaptive headlights, unique exterior accents, quad-zone climate control, ventilated front seats and a Bose sound system. Options depend on trim levels and include LED headlights, a sport-tuned suspension, a top-view camera system, a head-up display, various electronic driving/safety aides, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

In reviews, we rank the current Audi A6 highly for its engaging driving dynamics, excellent interior, long list of features and impressive combination of performance and fuel efficiency. Drivers with a penchant for winding roads will certainly appreciate the A6's tenacious grip on the pavement and well-balanced weight distribution, while others will likely enjoy the quiet and attractive cabin that is well stocked with intuitive high-tech wizardry. Whereas previous A6 generations played second fiddle to their Mercedes and BMW rivals, this latest version has no problem challenging them for first chair.

Used Audi A6 Models
The current A6 debuted for 2012 and represents the fourth generation in the car's lineage. Adopting the latest Audi design language, the A6 is distinctive for its large trapezoidal grille and more angular headlights. It is also notable for improvements in regard to performance, making it the go-to choice as a "driver's car." The next year brought automatic engine stop-start for the V6, available all-wheel-drive for the 2.0-liter engine and the available top-view camera system. Apart from the 2.0T having slightly less power (211 hp versus 220 hp), the unavailability of the TDI and a slight shuffling of trim levels, these latter A6s are similar to the current version.

The third-generation Audi A6 ran from the 2005 to the 2011 model year. Overall, the third-generation car represented an admirable mix of attention-getting style, entertaining driving dynamics and opulent furnishings. A wagon body style, known as the Avant, was offered alongside the sedan.

In the third generation's final year of production, three engines were offered: a 265-horsepower V6 (3.2), a 300-hp supercharged V6 (3.0T) and a 350-hp V8 (4.2). The 3.2 front-wheel-drive sedan had a CVT, while all other A6s came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The A6 Avant was only available with the 3.0T engine, AWD and the automatic.

Throughout the production run, trim levels were generally structured around engine selections. For the most part, three trims were offered: base 3.2 Premium, midlevel 3.0T Premium Quattro and top-of-the-line 4.2 Prestige Quattro. Wagons were available only in the 3.0T Premium Quattro trim. Standard features were as generous as any luxury car for the time, with navigation standard for all and the upper trims coming with heated seats. Meanwhile, Audi's easy-to-use Multi Media Interface (MMI) system made controlling audio, navigation and Bluetooth functions easy with clear and logical menus.

Those considering third-gen models should keep in mind that the base V6 made only 255 hp from 2005-'09 (later increased to 265 hp). Also, the supercharged V6 (3.0T) wasn't available from 2005-'08, while the car's V8 produced only 335 hp prior to 2007, when output was bumped to 350 hp. In terms of features, the A6 has stayed mostly unchanged, though trim packages and options were also simplified for '09, and the MMI electronics interface and navigation system were upgraded for 2010.

In reviews, we've found the engines smooth and refined. The base V6's acceleration is certainly passable, but our choice would be the 3.0T thanks to its broad range of torque and relative fuel efficiency. In fact, we've found this engine provided quicker acceleration than the V8. The A6 rode comfortably on the highway, and while it wasn't the most athletic car in its class, our editors applauded its predictable, confident feel around corners.

The second-generation A6 sedan arrived on the market in 1998 and benefited from a ground-up redesign; an all-new version of the Avant wagon debuted the following year. This was the first Audi A6 to ride on a stretched version of the highly regarded A4 platform.

For the first two years, only a naturally aspirated V6 was available, but in 2000, Audi added a spirited twin-turbocharged V6 and a torque-rich V8 to the sedan lineup. Given that acceleration tended to be sluggish with the base V6, particularly on the hefty A6 Avant wagon, Audi began offering a more powerful 3.0-liter six-cylinder in 2002. Transmission choices included a five-speed automatic and a CVT (which was introduced in 2002). In reviews, we praised the heavenly cabin and all-wheel-drive utility offered by the second-generation A6, and panned its somewhat nonlinear steering. Overall, it represents a solid choice for used-car shoppers.

The original Audi A6 came to market in 1995 as a lightly revised version of the old Audi 100 sedan and wagon. Although prices on used A6 models from this era are convincingly low, consumers should be aware that only one engine -- a 172-hp V6 -- is available on these cars. With the lightest A6 sedan weighing in at 3,400 pounds, acceleration is modest at best. However, much like newer Audis, this A6 was nicely appointed and offered a choice of front-wheel drive or Quattro all-wheel drive.

User Reviews:

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  Most Luxurious 98,000 mile life disposable car - 2006 Audi A6
  By Steven - January 14 - 6:01 pm

  Ok, well we loved this car, then hate this car, then love this car, and so on... It all comes down to reasonable and prudent reliability and quality of materials. This was a 24000 mile pre-owned Audi certified car we purchased. Driven lightly for the last 5-6 years, garage kept 1/2-2/3 of the time owned. Whats good? Performance, feel, and overall car experience were favorable. Fuel economy is outstanding, especially highway. Car has generally been trouble free, or so I thought (see Whats Bad). Whats Bad? Where to start. 1) Service intervals - we have had this into Audi every 10K per suggested and every time we leave with no less than a $400 bill gone for what I would have normally thought was a Jiffy Lube type $65 event. They ALWAYS find something wrong that needs to be fixed or replaced, or updated - and being a good Audi owner I comply since I want my Audi to be in top shape all the time. 2) Absolutely $%## poor quality of materials on interior knobs, dials, and trim. Just google it and you will see lots of people with delaminated interior trim. Audi chooses to turn the other way though and does not recall this to fix an obvious mfg defect. Its a calculated risk for them I assume thinking not enough care - I do and on this alone, I will never buy Audi again. I tried to sell my car (which is otherwise in great shape) and everyone was turned off by paint peeling off of the various knobs and dials. 3) Power Steering - Developed a leak at 65K miles. Too expensive to repair on my quickly depreciating car - no return on investment there, so just keep adding the $30/pint Audi fluid as need be. 4) Oil Use - uses about 1 US Quart of $8 synthetic oil every 4K miles. No matter what they say, this seems excessive. My Ford Explorer had 200K and used 1/3 of that. 5) Technology - Even in 2006, simple things like AUX jacks should be available. There is no way to connect a device other than Radio Frequency Module - which suck. My 2002 Corolla was better than that. 6) Navigation is ok, not great. Its so outdated and Audi wants you to pay $300+ for their map update CDs....residual income for them I guess. 7) Battery - The $180 battery that goes with this only makes it about 12-14 months then dies. Get a good one with a warranty since you will be using it A LOT. 8) And now for the 95,000 interval (I had to wait to 98,000...shame on me). Remember that the car has been factory serviced every 10K since 24K miles.... 8a) Windshield washer pump was shorted out $400 - had to fix this since its a safety item. 8b) windshield washer blades - there are no auto store or aftermarklets available. Audi must provide these @ $60. 8c) Oil and filter change @ $400. Up to $800 now. 8d) take a guess...bad battery $180 (I declined since mine is Autozone and under warranty). 8e) Motor mounts are bad (huh?) - $1300 - I declined. 8f) Adaptive headlight sensor error - must remove front end to check it $1200 (for a light that is still shining? LOL) - I declined. 8g) Rear brake light error - tech tried to check this but the lens covers were too brittle. New ones cost $1200 - again LOL - I declined. 8h) Front end bushings need replaced - $1800 - I declined. 8i) Oil leak noticed around timing and valve cover - $1500 - I declined. I stop them here. This $6,500 car is way past its service life at 98,000 miles. Didnt even make it to 100K - wow for a $65K automobile. I share my experience with the first person I see who I knew had a A3 with 50,000 miles on it. They just traded theirs in after their service call quoted them thousands of dollars in very similar repairs and failures. Different dealership, different auto groups so no suspicion there. I assume its just a fact that an Audi is disposable ($0 value) after 8-10 years or 50-90K miles. Well, I hear scrap metal is $3/100 pounds so there is that.....

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  Bad Choice - 2002 Audi A6
  By Bullz - April 9 - 7:59 am

  Audis motto is "Truth in Engineering". What a joke! Our Audi needed new brakes at 23K miles, and a new CVT at 45K miles. Neither the dealer or Audi of NA would admit the deficient designs. Audi never again.

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  Problematic - 2001 Audi A6
  By Kathy - September 6 - 12:22 am

  My Audi A6 looks beautiful, but this is probably the worst car I have ever had and this includes a used 1973 chevy monte carlo I bought for $250 when a freshman in college. If you buy this car, be prepared to spend a lot of money for part replacements and repairs. Just when you think youve seen everything, this car surprises you with an unthinkable issue. My advise .... buy something else....

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  I had a bad experience - 2003 Audi A6
  By Richard the 3rd - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I hope this gets through to some people, I have owned American cars most of my life and have had no issues up to now. I bought an Audi A6 in 2002 and since that time both the turbo and transmission have gone bad, I had issues with my tachometer staying accurate as well, anyone else have some defects like this?? Its just a hassle

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  Third Time is NOT the Charm - 2016 Audi A6
  By bruce s. - August 17 - 1:25 pm

  This is my third A6. I loved my other two and actually went to a new dealership for the third and had a wonderfully helpful sales person. The third one is the best looking of my three and I was so ready to love it. I hate it. Literally, the worst car I have had since my first BMW 7 series. I bought the prestige model with all the technology packages including the heads up display and driver assist. Truly, almost nothing works right. I cant input addresses into the GPS, the brake assist never works, it rattles like the frame is not welded onto the frame, the phone system and voice activation never gets names rights and I constantly loose calls that I am able to keep when driving the same route in my wifes Mercedes. I have been on the phone with Audi Experience no less than 20 times. I have been through endless fights with service where I can demonstrate what is not working, take screen shots and they admit they cannot fix it. The regional service rep was going to call his software guy in Germany except the guy was on vacation. I think I will need to look into lemon law protection as this is intolerable. Going back to Mercedes or BMW. They are totally clueless. I went from being a loyal Audi fan to hating every day in the car. Buyer beware!

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  This car is a trap! - 2002 Audi A6
  By Clin - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2.8 avant in 1999. In the first 36 months, it worked fine. But only a week after the warrenty expired, the water pump broken, and cost me $1000 to fix. I had heard this kind of case before I bought the car, but I didnt pay much attention. Be careful, this car could cost you much more than you expected.