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 title - 2002 Audi A6
  By pythonfan6 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I actually purchased the 2000 model, but they didnt have anywhere for me to sound off, so Im doing it here. I recently had to decide whether or not to trade in my A6 for a BMW 530 and I actually started to cry at the thought of giving up my car. Needless to say, my A6 is still safely parked in my driveway.

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  If you drive it, you will own it. - 2000 Audi A6
  By a6man - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Although I think the BMW 5 series is the cherry on top, the A6 is the cream with the cherry stain on it. This is an awesome car. Comfort, looks, all wheel drive, you will have to get the 5 to beat it.

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  rocket - 2002 Audi A6
  By rob62 - June 25 - 2:00 am

  ok its ten grand more then the 2.7 t but iam 6ft4 and i needed the extra inches. plus the a8 seats. and the v8 is near perfect, except for the poor misleading gas millage. i live in los angeles, home of the bmw and merc. there everywhere. i choose the audi because its hip without being pretentious and the craftmenship of the interior is flawless.

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  DONT BUY THIS PIECE OF JUNK!!!!!!! - 1998 Audi A6
  By cargrrrl - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car used, with about 32,000 miles on it. I have driven it about 23,000 miles, and over the 18 months Ive owned it, have had the car in the shop 14 times. Not minor things either - new upper and lower oil pans, bad fuel injection system, all new sparks,etc., basically everthing but the tranny. This car is the most unreliable piece of junk I have ever had the displeasure of owning. Now I know why the previous owner traded it in at 32,000 miles, he was sick and tired of the unrealibility too. I cant wait to trade this hunk of junk in!

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  Cant ask for more - 1999 Audi A6
  By indidrvr - June 12 - 2:00 am

  My previous car was a BMW 325i (E36). I bought the A6 in 99 after we have our second child to have more room. Comparing to the BMW, the A6, I has more room, comfort, luxury less sportiness. This is my third year owning the car. Ive only experienced one problem. The steering got stiff. That was fixed under warranty. The Quattro is tremendous. I live in the hilly area of Portland, Oregon, where they dont salt or sand the roads when it snows. The A6 have no problem making it through the hills, even with stock tires. My 3 year lease is up next month. I will buy the A6 because I like it so much.

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  Terrific first few months - 2002 Audi A6
  By Groucho - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car in 2/02, easy to finace thru Audi, absolutely no reason to bring in afterward. A terrific first experience for my first Audi. (Im a defrocked BMW owner.)

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  audi a6 - 2002 Audi A6
  By kurt - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I looked for months before deciding in the audi a6. It was an easy choice to make after driving the bmw and mercedes. I spoke to a mechanic or two and the general consenus was that audi and subaru are the only 2 companies to get awd right. After driving the a6 you cant help but be impressed w/ quattro and the other features are top shelf as well.

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  Problem A6 - 1998 Audi A6
  By Charles Beall - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Nice design,easy to drive, frequent problems--brakes,ws washer pump,front bumper too low and has been pulled off four times when backing from curb(bad design) Trunk lock, glove box lock do not work, Interior pieces fall off.Cup holders do not work. Overall build quality poor. TOO FREQUENT MAINTENANCE. Would not purchase again.

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  Overrated - 2002 Audi A6
  By German Car Expert - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Great idea, poor execution

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  Keep the car, loose the repairs - 1999 Audi A6
  By andrews - June 5 - 2:00 am

  We love the car, but the repairs, my god the repairs. First off NEVER BUY LEITH IMPORTS. They will do nothing for you after you buy the car. We bought the car used, and had our guy look at it. A few things that needed fixing. Audi Assured. They never fixed a few things. They said they did. We bought the car. Soon later a few things didnt seem right. They said "within manufactures specs." unture. they lied. One of the things was the head lights (Xeons) would flicker, "within manufactures specs.", the whole headlight needed to be rewired. $2k if I remember correctly. Never trust Audi of Cary North Carolina.