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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  Nice to drive when you can - 2003 Audi A6
  By Bummed - June 27 - 1:48 pm

  Love this luxury car! Then I find out that there are all sorts of water problems associated with these and most other VWs and Audis. Of course this happens after warranty, not that the warranty would cover it any way. What a horrible issue! Thousands of dollars in repairs when all I needed when purchased was to be told about "cleaning drains?" Have now read hundreds of people having same issues. Why wont they admit that German Engineering can have defects, too? I guess thats why the rich get richer. Audi fans (which I was one of) claims theyre not even broken in until 100,000 miles! You cant get there! Im at 76,000 miles and the car is ruined. Dont let your Audi get rained on.

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  Review - 2002 Audi A6
  By susry - June 25 - 2:50 pm

  We have had nothing but problems since purchasing this vehicle. The high repair costs have really turned me off on Audi. CV Boots, some part in the transmission, motor bushings, and now they tell me that the transmission needs replacing. This is the last Audi that this family will own.

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  More maintance than I can afford - 2001 Audi A6
  By Tim - June 21 - 7:41 pm

  Bought it used thinking I could put 200,000 miles on it. Not so, Engine gaskets and seals twice, frozen turbo, Airbag controller those are the $1,00 plus. Less than $1,000 tie rods, control arms, misc suspension parts, window guides, differential seals (all 3), O2 sensors. Fun to drive , great to look at but built poorly.

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  Excellent value in a luxury sedan! - 2005 Audi A6
  By Ken - June 18 - 9:00 am

  The Audi Quattro system in my Audi A6 4.2 will spoil you really quickly. I find it quite a transition to drive the Asian front drive imports now. The power and agility shadows Mercedes-Benz models of equal price. The Multi Media / Navigation (MMI)configuration is far superior to the BMW set up. The Audi MMI is the best on the market.

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  Well Worth it! - 2000 Audi A6
  By Janos - June 14 - 12:05 pm

  Being a lead foot driver for over 9 years I have no complaints about this car. After so many miles my last car (Acura) felt half as powerful, run down and rusting everywhere. This car feels as powerful and smooth as day 1, no rust (12 yrs rust warranty), the interior still feels modern and cool and I get compliments all the time about how new the car looks. The car seats 5 comfortably pus it has a lot of cargo space. I change tires yearly (summer/winter) and always manage to fit my 245mm wide tires and rims in the trunk with lowered back seats with plenty of room to spare. I love this car and would only trade it for another Audi.

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  Great car but... - 2000 Audi A6
  By Alex Y - June 1 - 9:04 pm

  My Audi is a great car, but... dont get me wrong, this car shows power when needed and is able to handle almost anything. I am 18 and I drive hard. The best thing about this car is its turbo. Nothing is better than hitting the turbo redlining the engine and passing all of those slow drivers on the highway. The car also handles very well. Taking sharp turns at 30-40 mph gives you such a rush. However, because it performs so well it is easy to forget the cars limits.

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  Wont do it again - 2002 Audi A6
  By dano1000 - May 27 - 12:42 pm

  This car is supposed to go 200,000 miles. European luxury and engineering. Less than 100,000 in I have had a plethora of minor problems (windows, trim, latches and brackets broken) and major issues (radiator rot/leak, trans slip, tie rod(s) failure). Most disappointing is that Audi doesnt seem to care -- happy to have a piece of junk riding the highways with their name on it. To set the standard, Honda replaced my transmission at 145,000 miles due to known problem. Ill stick with the Japanese.

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  AUDIOS to BMW and Mercedes! - 2004 Audi A6
  By audios66 - May 20 - 10:18 pm

  Having owned 3 Audis this is by far the best one... quality, comfort, speed, all weather capable... what more is there! This Audi beats BMW and Mercedes... hands down... the only downfall is the HIGH maintenance costs. But every car is high to maintain these days.

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  Drive it! - 2009 Audi A6
  By David - May 6 - 12:23 pm

  The new Audi A6 quattro with 3.0L supercharged engine must be driven to be fully appreciated. The speed and agility of this car are outstanding, with 0-60 in 5.9 seconds it compares directly with the 4.2L engine at $5,000 less. Unless you need greater torque for towing there is no need for the bigger and less fuel efficient engine. After owning Mercedes and Porsches for more than 25 years, the build quality and perfection of this Audi is outstanding. We have the Prestige package which includes Bluetooth phone, ipod dock and rear view camera. The interior is beautiful and comfortable with all the creature comforts imaginable. The MMI system and voice command is easy and intuitive to use.

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  LUXURY & sport for 20k - 2004 Audi A6
  By Cory - May 1 - 5:05 pm

  If youre dumb enough to buy a $50k car and complain that it costs a lot to maintain (when you only paid 20k for it) then shame on you. This is a phenomenal car and beats the pants off any comparable, or even brand new, car you can get for ~20k. Ive had 2 and loved them both. (148k miles, and 22k miles) The car is fast, comfortable, reliable (if you keep it up), and an awesome daily driver.