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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  Great Choice - Go with the 2.0 - 2015 Audi A6
  By magiann - April 17 - 11:01 am

  This was my first Audi and so far, for the most part, its been great. I opted to go with the 2.0 over the 3.0 and I dont regret that decision in the least. As the other reviews state, it gives you more than enough power. It doesnt have the same "sound" of the 3.0, but trust me, the zip is there. Plus, the gas mileage is much better. The interior has a few quirks, but the materials are top notch. One thing to note - the breaks squeak in cold weather. Audi is aware of the problem and has no fix for it. By cold weather, I mean below 20 degrees. For a luxury car, I find this rather annoying.

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  Awesome First Car - 2005 Audi A6
  By jvcbone919 - February 21 - 12:54 pm

  My father and I went a purchases this car at an auction. The car has been very great to me, we bought it in August 2014 with 130k miles. Ive been in a car accident with it in which I rearended a much larger vehicle at 45 MPH. Luckily I was super safe and I just had to replace the front bumper. The car has about 145k miles on it currently and it just seems to be falling apart. Plastic pieces in the exterior, the window regulator not working correctly and some oil leaking. It has been a very nice car and I am looking for a newer mode with less miles because I feel so safe in it. Also last note the quattro all wheel drive is amazing, you never feel like you dont have traction

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  Incessant Brake Squealing - 2014 Audi A6
  By northatlcars - February 5 - 8:09 am

  I have admired Audis light and interior design for sometime. In May of 2014, I made the move from an MB to a 14 A6 TDI Prestige. I absolutely love the look of the car especially with the LEDs and black out package. The power is great and fuel economy is nothing short of impressive. My biggest complaint is the horribly incessant brake squeal. At 9200 miles I have already had the car in 3 times for this repair. First it was brake dust and I need to slam on the ABS to clear it. Seriously on $65k "German Engineered" car? The next time it was we scored the pads and added no squeal. When I dropped it off this time I said I dont want it back until its fixed.

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  2014 Audi A6 - After 6 months - 2014 Audi A6
  By kcmo3 - January 16 - 11:29 am

  I bought a new A6 Prestige 3.0 in May 2014. Cold weather package, LED, 19" sport package...etc. After owning the car for 6 months, I can say that it is comfortable, quiet, and delivers enough power with the twin turbo engine but this car is not a "sport sedan". It has a tendency to understeer and the dynamic driving mode doesnt seem to help with suspension stiffness. The power comes in around 3K RPM when the turbo come on. Car interior: Id give it a B based on the fact that it has 4 zone climate control, ventilated seats, quiet cabin, shades... but these are all options you have to pay for. Door trim needs leather instead of plastic. MMI system is a fail.

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  Strong and very Reliable car - 2008 Audi A6
  By papo1975 - December 5 - 4:11 pm

  Second A6, got it CPO with 35k back in jan/2011 , now 105k with no mayor repairs. I do regular oil change(Castrol synthetic) and all recommended maintenance..For my brakes ,fluids, filters and battery only use OEM parts Only repairs I came across are light bulb change and throttle body clean up . Yes repairs and maintenance can be expensive but it is a $50000.00 car with a great look and performance. My cost to own very low until now ,and planning to keep it for years to come.

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  1997 A6 Quattro - 1997 Audi A6
  By gmm2 - October 4 - 12:06 pm

  Great car, I bought it used 6 years ago as the "kids car" but use it as mine now that they are out of the house (I drive back and forth to the commuter rail station), its great in snow and I have a very steep & difficult New England driveway and the Audi always gets up there, its really comfortable, this is the second A6 version Ive owned (the first was the first kids car was the wagon version, but I had to get rid of it at 200K miles) this one only has 100K so I hope to keep it a long while, its really durable and looks almost new for a 18 year old car, I miss having a wagon though…it doesnt move all that fast, but neither do i.

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  16 Years Strong - 1999 Audi A6
  By sebago588 - September 4 - 8:54 am

  We bought our 99 A6 Quattro in 2002 when it came off lease. I decided to buy Audi for its reputable Quattro performance and living in New Hampshire, the winters can be brutal. We still have this vehicle! It has had all the normal and expected maintenance done to it with a hefty price tag for all of it, but it is what you can expect with Audi as you would with BMW or Mercedes. Recently the last major job I had done was four new spring coils, joints and tie rod. It was done at a bargain of $3300. I decided to have it done only because I was impressed it took 16 years for the suspension to finally fail a state inspection. Also, these cars never rust. 133,000mi and plan for another 200,000.

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  Best car ive ever owned. - 2014 Audi A6
  By ppace232 - August 27 - 4:26 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I recently upgraded from an Avalon. There is no comparison. The diesel engine provides tons of power and I still get 30+ mpg despite my aggressive driving style. Every button for every function is easily within reach and does not distract from the great driving experience.

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  Fun but a PAIN - 2001 Audi A6
  By bizbinski - April 2 - 7:19 am

  Ive got drive a few cars such as a 2005 Caddy STS, a 2008 caddy CTS, a 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 2014 Caddy ATS, and a 2014 Caddy XTS. Honestly the Audi was the best and most fun car to drive. It handles better than all the rest and feels more like a GT car than a fat 4 door sedan. Although its such a blast to drive the reliability is garbage. I had it for one month before it was having a misfire . After i got that fixed it ran good for a day now it wont stay running. Also the tubing inside is more brittle than glass. Also both cup holders have broke. Ive already dropped about $1000 into it but im suspecting to be dropping more in the near future.

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  2.0 Quattro plenty of power. - 2014 Audi A6
  By gltrans1 - March 29 - 8:07 pm

  This is my 3rd A6. I had a 2008 3.2 and then a 2011 3.0. This time I had to decide whether to spend the extra money to stay with the 3.0 engine or drop down to the 2.0. After test driving the 2.0 on local roads and the interstate highway I determined that it had plenty of power for my driving style. My commute to work is only 10 minutes each day and my highway driving is pretty much limited to visiting my kids at college. Power accelerating onto the highway was great and going up hills locally was fine. Transmission shifts very smoothly. I saved a lot of money dropping down to the 2.0 while maintaining all the other great Audi features that I had in my prior two A6s.