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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  audi - 1999 Audi A6
  By popsow - October 16 - 2:00 am

  best handling car with fantastic roadability

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  Another nice Audi quattro Wagon - 1999 Audi A6
  By VWAudiFan - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Our experience has been typical of our previous VW and Audi vehicles. The major stuff (engine, transmission, quattro, etc.) is bulletproof. The cars structure is very solid, and possesses that wonderful German feel when driving or simply closing the hefty door. It is the little things, such as broken switches and failed electronic modules, that will drive you crazy (as they deplete your bank account). Dealer network is inconsistent, ranging from "were an (affluent) Porsche/Audi luxury car dealer, and intend to treat you accordingly," to "our other franchises are VW and Honda, and we plan to handle you in a similar less-than-refined manner."

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  Best of both worlds - 2002 Audi A6
  By JH - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Love it! I have a family of four and was tired of the SUV/Minivan thing and wanted something fun to drive. We still have the minivan, but this car is the quintessential sports sedan. Great for family outings or date night with my wife or a solo drive on a winding mountain road blaring the Bose system.

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  So much for the money... - 2012 Audi A6
  By Lumpy McPhoomph - October 2 - 8:07 pm

  Always find an after-market shop for repairs. NEVER go to an Audi Dealer, unless you have no other choice. In my case this is $85/hr for a very good after-market shop vs $155/hr at the dealer. I recently retired my 2000 A6 Bi-turbo with 424k miles. Anyone who says Audis dont stand up over time is talking rubbish. But at such mileage almost any luxury vehicle is going to nickel and dime you. Thus, my move to the 2012 A6 Prestige.

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  Best Mid-size Luxury Senan - 2003 Audi A6
  By LUV MY AUDI - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my A6 3 weeks ago, and I LOVE this car!!! Exterior is simple yet luxurious, interior top notch, and it has plenty of power. Its quality matches (if not exceeds) that of BMW or MB, yet it costs thousands less. If you are looking for a midsize luxury sedan, make sure you testdrive the A6. Ive heard of some reliability problems, but so far so good :)

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  Audi A6 2.8 - 1999 Audi A6
  By A6 is A ok - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle with 39,900 miles on the clock and to date no problems. The 2 year/100,000 mile Audi Assured warranty sealed the deal for me. The car is extremely smooth and fast - although acceleration off the line is not quite what I expected. The dealership has been great so far. There were a few cosmetic features that they fixed for me and the car is immaculate. I would recommend this car to anyone providing they buy Audi assured.

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  Great Ride!!!! - 2003 Audi A6
  By wolverine - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle bought it to replace Expedition, and dont miss the big guzzler one bit! Great pick up, plenty of storage, decent economy, and fits in any parking spot. Only room for improvement...some of the functions (cruise, wipers, etc.) are somewhat hidden behind the wheel. Step on the gas, its a blast.

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  Wonderful, luxurious car - 1995 Audi A6
  By Tallguy - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Im very happy with my Audi A6 Quattro. Comfortable for a 64" guy, plenty of legroom/headroom. The car speaks luxury: Leather seats, great instrument cluster, leather wheel, wide armrests etc. Active 6 speakers standard! Powerful airco so youre never hot, heated seats help in winter. Car remains very tight after 120K miles. 2.6L V6 is not overpowered, but smooth and relatively economical, about 24mpg on the freeway. Smooth 4 speed automatic. The slightly tinted glass and top quality paint, combined with the rarity makes it a very impressive car to see, not like your standard Merc, VW or Far Eastern car. Lots of style!

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  Second Audi - 2002 Audi A6
  By EOY - September 24 - 2:00 am

  First Audi was a 98 A4 2.8 6 speed sport. This A6 also brings a smile to my face when I get behind the wheel. It isnt the fastest or the sportiest of the A6 line, it is simply a pleasure to drive. Was reluctant to give up shifting gears, however the CVT is a vast improvment over an automatic. No slop, no lag, no power loss. If you miss shifting, slip it into tip mode and blip thru six forward ratios. Handling is good even without sport suspension. Great interior. No regrets.

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  This is the only Bavarian - 2002 Audi A6
  By GA - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Have 58,000 miles on my 2000 A6 4.2. Absoutely wonderful car. Wonderful interior, beautiful lines that still get looks. And gets the last word in most roadway encounters. Think so highly of this car that I bought the extended warranty at 45,000 miles. Thought about something different for a while: The problem is, after test driving the new E-500, the 5 and the new 7-series, I just dont know what all the fuss is about. Looks like I will be buying another A6.