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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  Audi 2005 A6 - 2005 Audi A6
  By pjoy - March 17 - 5:40 pm

  Great build quality, looks, and performance for a midsize sedan.

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  2007 Audi After 1 year and 11,500 Miles - 2007 Audi A6
  By Derry - March 10 - 8:41 pm

  Took delivery Jan 28, 07. Car was delivered spiffy clean and sparkling. So far, no serious defects of any kind - rather amazing in a complex machine. Only a few minor complaints: front cupholders could use redesign - one is under the armrest, which needs to be lifted to use cupholder. Windshield wiper moisture sensors work but not precisely enough - you need to "help" them along sometimes. Occasionally, there is a very slight hesitation when starting up from idle - seems to have lessened as time goes by - maybe I am getting used to it?? Very slight rattle in glove box door- needs adjustment?. Thats IT!! This is a "serious" car - took fanatical attention to detail to build. Fun to drive.

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  Not very good service - 2005 Audi A6
  By Deb - February 25 - 11:15 am

  In 3 years this car has not had any big issues until recently. Since the dealer replaced a recall part of a fuel filter or pump, the car periodically does not start. Eventually it does (I havent had to be towed yet). It has been in repair regularly since October and they say it is not replicating what I describe. After several attempts at this, the dealer now has called in a special engineer to work on my car. I am now driving a low budget A4 loaner as the dealer still has my car and has not returned any of my calls. Audi USA service is just as unresponsive and very robotic with all of their responses. They are of no help.

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  Stay away from this model - 2000 Audi A6
  By bullcell - February 21 - 3:59 pm

  Problems included: (first two within 3 months of warranty expiration) 1. electronic window malfunction 2. LED dashboard diplay went out 3. Broken plastic in console lid, cup holders, & seat levers 4. Bad CVC joints and suspension assemblies 5. Broken camshaft & blown motor at 84000 miles (no hard driving & well maintained).

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  The Best Yet - 2005 Audi A6
  By Lee - February 18 - 12:53 pm

  This is the 9th Audi I have owned since 1996.This car is by far the best vehicle I have ever driven. The car handles very well. The new 6 speed transmission is both smooth and firm. The new interior is sensational and utilitarian. The 3.2 engine has plenty of power and git go for me. Audi has outdone themselves with the new A6. My car has almost all of the options with the exception of the sport package and the 18 inch wheels.

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  This car has been big trouble for me - 2000 Audi A6
  By swells - February 16 - 10:46 pm

  The car is now eight years old but has just 57k miles. The last three to four years I have sunk a ton of money into it. Every time I think Im past the worst, something else happens. Most of it has been replacing the water pump, timing belt, etc. But there are things I have not repaired that should be, e.g. the instrument panel and AM radio. The information box is barely readable and requires a whole new instrument panel ($800+). AM radio went out years ago - estimate to repair was $2600! I was about to trade the car in the fall but it needed $1400 in work. Thought I would keep it a while longer, now the tranny goes bad (reverse clutch) and the estimate is >$7k. Ill never own another Audi.

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  Delayed acceleration and squeaky brakes - 2007 Audi A6
  By tomv - February 16 - 7:03 pm

  When I took delivery of my car and the brakes were very loud the salesman told me this was just a temporary problem and would go away-it has only been worse. Srevice dept reply-brakes squeak. My 4 other vehicles do not have squeaky brakes. The worst problem however is the delayed acceleration at slow speeds. I will not let other family members drive this car, it is not safe and again the service reps say thats just the way it is! I will never buy another. I own 2 Lexuses and have had no problems that were not taken care of ditto that for the 2 BMWs. Audis indifference to these acknowledged problems is beyond belief.

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  I love the car - 2001 Audi A6
  By James - February 13 - 2:28 pm

  This a great car if you love to drive. The car responds to your driving. Great handling in any type of weather. Great performance car. I push the car and it still ask for more.

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  Car drives like a dream - 2012 Audi A6
  By Elisa - February 8 - 6:07 pm

  My 4th Audi, bought it used 2012 A6Prestigue supercharge. My first in 88 91,01 and now 2012. Take good care of your Audi and it will take care of you. Living in NEw England its specially important to have Quattro for those crazy winter. Every time I feel its time to get a newer car, I do actually go and test drive, Bmw, Mercedes, I even tried a couple other cars. But theres no handling like a Audi...I cant afford a brand new 60k Audi, but buying a precertified used is still very good. I considered purchasing a brand new car in 25-30k. Problem, they dont hold the value like a Audi do so think in the long run too. Thats my opinion.

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  Great to drive - 2016 Audi A6
  By David Sherry - January 29 - 2:34 am

  This A6 is one of the smoothest rides I have had. Great acceleration and command of the road. A joy to drive.