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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  Small problems drive me crazy! - 1999 Audi A6
  By Push-pole - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Great ride...but spent too much time in the shop...never had the parts...always took at least two trips to dealer: Window track broken - 3 trips Broke lock and messed up leather during repair - two more trips. Cruise control intermitant - never fixed. Cover on door storage would not shut - two trips. Air bag warning light on - 4 trips (last one took a week). Vacume line faulty - 1 trip. (surprise) Never any problems with the engine or drive train. Loaded with gadgets. Good looking. (I have a friend who bought one at the same time as I did and has had little or no problems with his and loves it.)

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  Fun to drive car - 1998 Audi A6
  By x-cpwrguy-99 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  A great car, fun to drive, quattro in Wisconsin is wonderful. No problems in the year i have owned it. Starts out in the snow as if the pavement was dry. Buy one you will love it.

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  A Great Machine - 2000 Audi A6
  By mjmccaff - May 30 - 2:00 am

  First Audi I have owned. Excellent performing vehicle. Very comfortable to drive with plenty under the hood when needed - or just wanted. Lots of trunk room for the golf clubs, skis, and whatever else. No reliability difficulty at all 2 years into owning it.

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  Unreliable - 2000 Audi A6
  By Frustrated Catherine - May 23 - 2:00 am

  We have gone through 3 sets of brakes in under 38,000 miles. Also, we have had the front tie rods replaced, the temp. gauge needed repair, the check engine light goes on and off at least 3 times between services and the car is burning a lot of oil - once the low pressure light came on. The garage doesnt seem to think any of this is a problem. Im frustrated.

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  The SUV killer: the A6 Quattro Wagon - 1998 Audi A6
  By sd92104 - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought my A6 quattro wagon new in RI. Used if for commuting and carpooling and it it also got complements for its looks and ride. Never had a problem in bad weather with the car. Moved to SanDeigo and I put 18" performance tires on the car and handles like a 5 series. Plan on lowering it an inch as well. Best purchase I could have made I have the versitility of an SUV but the comfort of a luxury sedan and the sportness of a sport sedan. Cant wait to purchase my next audi quattro wagon.

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  Smooooooth! - 1998 Audi A6
  By KevinS - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I like this car it gets many compliments fron other drivers and passengers it handles well in any weather it has more room than you might think just looking at it. The sound system it great. You might not out speed other high end cars but more than likely youll out handle and out style them with this car.

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  Easy Car To Like - 2002 Audi A6
  By Dave Kovacs - May 1 - 2:00 am

  After purchasing a 2002 allroad in December I quickly became a strong admirer of the great interior and good engine performance of the 2.7T. My previous Audis had quattro so I already knew the advantage of that drive sytem. The A6 2.7T is a fine automobile with very pleasant performance characteristics, handsome interior materials and an overall package that is purposeful and sophisticated.

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  A6 2.7T Review - 2002 Audi A6
  By Mike Sullivan - April 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Audi in five years. Ive owned an A4, S4 (great car) and now the A6 2.7T. This is a great exec car with plenty of room for people in the back, yet sporty enough to have fun.

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  Smooth but not powerful - 1998 Audi A6
  By Jake C. - April 9 - 2:00 am

  So far the car has been very reliable. I enjoy the smoooth ride but it could use a little more power. Bose sound system is great! Large trunk.

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  Wonderful Blend of Performance and Lux. - 2002 Audi A6
  By lliaw - April 7 - 3:00 am

  The 2.7 Turbo is amazing with strong boost coming from way down in the rpm. It is so smooth that I had to constantly look down at the speedometer to prevent speeding tickets. The only complaints I have about the engine is that the sound is a bit mute and lacking a bit of excitement for me while some other might consider it refined. The throttle respond is also a bit strange. Its nice to have 6 gears with sporty handling in a car as large as this. I regret not ordering it without the inexpensive sport package which include sport seats, wheels, steering wheels, and suspension. The standard leather seats are too wide so I tend to slide around during corning.