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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  Fun Car - 2002 Audi A6
  By Biewel - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought it 5 month ago and have no regrets what so ever. This car is fun to drive and offers plenty of space for the family. Rented a 2.5 TDI in Europa last month and Audi should offer this engine in the US as well. That car rocks.

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  This Car Saved My Life - 1998 Audi A6
  By CarChick - July 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Not only does it look beautiful, but it is extremly safe. I walked away from a horrible accident w/ only a broken hand. I also got many compelements on the unique look of the car from total strangers. It was very fun to drive, but it did get poor gas mileage (19- 24mpg). The only complaint i have about the body is that the front end sits very low and can easily be damaged by concrete parking barriers. Granted I only had my A-6 for 4mos and 4,000 miles, but i would recommend the car.

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  Superb vehicle - 2000 Audi A6
  By Happy Days - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Nothing beats german auto engineering - A6 is very well though through, design is outstanding and performance is surprising. 4 wheel drive does make a difference. I am happy overall.

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  Why buy Mercedes? - 2002 Audi A6
  By johnv - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is great!! Leased this car . Black on black sport, premium, luxury, convience pkgs. For 46,800 you get the same space, performance, build quality,trim etc., as the mercedes E430 4matic for 15,000 less! Acceleration is strong with minimal turbo lag. Exterior design is aging, but very gracefully. The best bang for your buck midsize luxury car in my opinion. I am very pleased with this car. The salesman was also first rate, straightforward and no B.S. Very customer orientated.

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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.

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  Best Value in Market - 2002 Audi A6
  By trajan - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought a loaded 3.0 CVT after shopping against the BMW 530i. With the same identical options, the Audi was $12,000 cheaper out the door while having more interior and cargo room than the BMW. Quality and reliability has been first rate. The CVT is a breakthrough technology for this size of car. The interior is the best in the industry. The A6 is simply the best value buy in the luxury car segment.

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  Excellent Price/Performance/Confort - 2000 Audi A6
  By Bolzani - July 12 - 2:00 am

  The car offers you excellent pleasure to drive and you feel safety with its performance and breaks. Its AWD Quattro feature offers you the sensation youre in a small car with total control.

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  99audi a-6 review - 1999 Audi A6
  By ayr_aca_jst - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I drive my Audi A-6 100 miles each day to work. The drive seems time less as I listen to the Bose sound system--- its like being at a concert!! The ride and handling gives me that Autobahn feeling as I press into the curves with that Quattro drive system.Its the finest car I have owned in 35 years of driving!!!

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  Third times still charming - 1999 Audi A6
  By Tom Finlayson - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Wow my three year lease went by quickly, thats how it goes when you are having fun. Our A6 came with all the goodies. Quattro All wheel drive awesome, for trips to Tahoe in the snow and around our hilly area when it rains. The stereo system with cd in- dash and changer has been faultless & sounds superb. One minor repair, a leak in a vacumn tube, quick in/out repair by dealer. With three small kids the car cleans up easy and looks like new afterwards. No breaking of gadgets that I have seen on other cars. This is our familys third Audi and we will buy again. Power/performance is good but not a speed sensation.

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  Very Happy! - 2002 Audi A6
  By Art123 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  To put my rating in perspective, I came out of 3 yrs in a BMW 535, and 3 yrs in a 540. This car is a very pleasant surprise. Very nice response from the twin turbo-kicked engine. Optional sport package suspension w/ 17" wheels and Dunlop 9090s provides excellent road handling in the twisties. Looking forward to the Quattro here in Minnesota. If the BMWs were "10/10ths", this 2.7T is 8.5/10ths, and for the money, Ill take it.