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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  No more American cars - 2000 Audi A6
  By fundguy - August 6 - 2:00 am

  After the Audi experience, I would NEVER buy another american car. This A6 performs better in the snow and ice than my old 1995 Chevy Blazer 4WD.

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  An unbelievable machine! - 2000 Audi A6
  By byrnes - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I beat the heck out of my cars, and my Audi a6 2.7T is no exception. No car Ive owned has held up nearly as well as this one. Ive racked-up about 70K miles since April 2000. No problems, basides small electrical issues that were covered under warranty. Still drives like new and handles incredibly. Quattro is awesome in the snow and responds better than the SUVs Ive owned. I will definitely buy-out my lease and keep this one!

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  Great car, expensive to maintain - 1999 Audi A6
  By zander - August 2 - 2:00 am

  The Audi A6 wagon has been a pleasure to drive. Its single drawback is a grossly underpowered engine. Although the numbers tell you that you can do 0- 60 in 9.5 sec., it sure doesnt feel it. The car is solid and heavy, which may contribute to the slow sensation. My biggest dissapointment was a $1,200 repair bill three months after the 36 month warrantee expired. All of the repairs were for items that had declined overtime and appear to be not unexpected in Audis (air conditioner sensor / controller failure, ignition key mechanism failure. Maybe the new 48 month warrantee will catch these things, if not, enjoy he car but watch out.

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  Audi A6 - 2000 Audi A6
  By tummyofsteel - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive, some minor reliability issues.

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  Great Car - 2002 Audi A6
  By KRK - August 2 - 2:00 am

  After a 4 month wait (factory order), I finally got my A6 and it is worth the wait. The acceleration of this vehicle is very good. You can feel it off the block and at high speeds. The sports package is an excellent option. I have not put the Quattro all-wheel drive to test yet. The fuel milage is very bad. My average is only about 16 mi/ga., probably because of my short city drive from home to work.

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  Its Good But It Could Be Great!! - 2002 Audi A6
  By Ed-d - July 30 - 2:00 am

  The A6 is a great looking and great driving car but the small problems that arise detract from the cars appeal. On day one the window motors were a problem and they have been a problem for the past 35 months. Add to this heated seats that dont always heat and a heated steering wheel that never heated (it took the dealer 12 months to "resolve" the problem and it was never really fixed). Lastly, dashboard indicators go dark periodically. Do you think they have an electrical issue to resolve at Audi?

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  Best Car in this Price range - 2000 Audi A6
  By TwinTurbo - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I have looked at a few cars before buying the A6. HereÂ’s how they compare: Acura TL is nice for its class. It is not a luxury car. It feels like an Accord. Compared to the A6, its interior looks and feels cheap. More road noise. No rear head rest (dangerous in a rear end collision). Lexus GS300 is a bit smoother and a bit quieter but less powerful, loose steering feel, seats do not fold down, smaller trunk. BMW 528 has better exterior styling and is more sporty but less powerful, more road and engine noise, less luxurious interior. Mercedes E320 costs a lot more and I dont think it is worth the money. BTW, A6 2.8 doesnÂ’t have enough power.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2000 Audi A6
  By hatemyaudi - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Constant small problems such as leaks, windows getting stuck over and over again. Rides like a tank. No pickup, very sluggish. Stereo is 3rd rate. I thought I was buying a higher end car, the only thing I got was a headache. NEVER, NEVER again will I buy an Audi.

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  2001 - 2002 Audi A6
  By Dicky Doo - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Quality and interior design. Good handling automobile. Horsepower is weak, needs more power from 0 to 60.

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  Rear Air conditioning could be better. - 2000 Audi A6
  By Robert A. Schrameyer - July 23 - 2:00 am

  The Audi A-6 is the finest car Ive ever owned. I love the all-wheel drive and wouldnt have another car without it. However, rear seat temperature control is worthless. You can only feel air blowing about three inches away and with all that rear window glass, rear seat passangers sweat misurably if its over 90 F. Buy summer package and more tinted windows