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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  It was my second choice. - 2017 Audi A6
  By Massachusetts - January 24 - 10:49 pm

  I considered and drove the usual suspects in this class. While the A6 rise to my top spot among the German imports, I found the design and features to be a bit dated. Probably about two years behind the Swedish and other imports.

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  So far so good... - 2001 Audi A6
  By dave - January 14 - 11:52 am

  Bought this used with 78k miles. Its a 2001 4.2 with sport package and all upgrades. First thing I did was do full timing belt service. Not cheap, but good insurance. Car runs great and performance is strong. Previous owner lowered 1.5", so handling is great, but ride is choppy. Hazard light unit failed shortly after buying -- a $300 fix. But with both fingers crossed, Im very pleased with the car. Around $20k invested in total now. Barring any major service, this is a good value for what you get.

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  2008 Audi A6 - 2008 Audi A6
  By Gary - January 12 - 8:27 pm

  Driving dynamics are brilliant. The car rides like a train on the rails. There is no slipping nor sliding. Quattro system makes sure of that. Every mechanical component works in total harmony with each other. The interior appointments must be an envy of every other automaker. From the incredible ergonomics to the impeccable attention to the slightest details, this car clearly is a winner.

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  Enjoy it, but.... - 2000 Audi A6
  By sdem - December 28 - 8:03 pm

  We bought our Wagon 4 1/2 years ago and weve really enjoyed the styling and room it provides. As mentioned previously, the engine could have had more power but the Ttronic gives you the ability to get creative on the road. Great for hauling and it still looks great but the cost of minor problems is a bit much. we have 81k and im debating selling or trading in just because i worry about whats to come. again, i love the german styling, but my japanese vehicle is 3 years older and i feel safer on long trips in it rather than the audi.

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  A6 Quatam Leap.... - 2016 Audi A6
  By audinorcal - December 28 - 5:54 am

  Great, simple, muscular and "light catching" design with an interior that will stunningly surround and sooth you. The precision and quality of the interior and its fit are truly reflective of exceptional thought and engineering. The car holds its grip on the road and curves; rides with extreme comfort, and acceleration when needed is precise and perky. You wont ever notice when the 8 speed tiptronic transmission is shifting. If you are into a lot of tech, you wont be displeased. And if you are an average person, you wont be overwhelmed. The infotainment system in the center console is very driver-oriented and one you get familiar with everything it does (and you probably wont get that far, it does so much!) you barely need to take your eye off the road to navigate the system. The driver display (between the gauges) is awesome and easily and efficiently keeps you, the driver, oriented as to a variety of systems in the car (including the radio, media, navigation, fuel consumption and so many other things), all easily accessed by the steering wheel buttons. Fuel efficiency is great, especially with a car with this much muscle. Although I am not a speed demon and am past the age of wanting to take the car next to me at the stoplight off the line every chance I get, I can attest to this amazing six-cylinder engines ability to get you from zero to sixty in 5.2 seconds. Its an amazing car, amazingly and thoughtfully engineered in every detail. I know that the Japanese inspired and designed luxury brands are great, but they just dont seem to have that Germanic edge that the Audi brand possesses. I drove a lot of other cars before I got behind the wheel of a 2016 A6, and I was sold before I even pushed the start engine button. And if you are looking for real quality in this category, you will find the A6 3.0 Quattro to be a car of real comparative value to other cars in the $60k-$70k price range.

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  Get your facts straight. - 2000 Audi A6
  By dnickerson - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Im writing in because I saw you scored it at only a 6.8? When I checked the scores, the two A6 Turbo drivers gave a 9.3 average but you added in a third 2.0 score from an apparently disgruntled A6 4.2 owner. The A6 4.2 is not the same as the 2.7T! So check your protocol and give the A6 2.7T the right score for a great car. Kudos also to Dover Audi which does a super job.

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  2001 Audi A6 - 2001 Audi A6
  By Bill - December 23 - 8:42 pm

  Performance, handling, and overall quality very good. Very happy so far. Shopped around and compaired with other cars of this caliber, the all wheel drive was a strong selling point.

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  Still a great car. Better than new - 2002 Audi A6
  By Tim - December 21 - 3:46 pm

  This really is a great car. I has power, AWD, style and comfort. I have been looking to replace it recently with either an STS, G35, CTS and others, but I keep coming back to it. It is roomy for a family, much more than the above cars and the materials are quality, though not as much as my old 94. It is smooth, quiet and powerful. It is not cheap like most Japanese or domestic cars. If you buy these used with low miles they are an absolute steal. The turbo is great for power and you can add a chip for more power if you want.

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  Best in class - 2005 Audi A6
  By iamsville - November 21 - 10:55 am

  This is my first Audi and am happy! Very refined interior, lots of features but not gimmicky. Excellent ride and quattro is amazing. Little roll in corners, excellent brakes and pick up. 30 mpg on highways and can take regular fuel if pushed. Nice looking exterior though the grill stands out. Though Im on my 3rd read of the manual, the MMI is generally intuitive and you can get the basics without reading anything. Generally, a great performing car with excellent road manners. Is sporty, quiet, elegant, frugal, refined and satisfying. I like just sitting in it and my family too.

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  6 Years of great Driving and Reliability - 2001 Audi A6
  By donschwinn - November 16 - 2:50 pm

  Im the original owner. 78k miles now. Replaced brakes and tires twice. Had 2 minor mechanical problems fixed under warranty. Gets 26 mpg on the highway 22 around town. It has the perfect combination of sporty handling and acceleration along with comfortable cruising. I keep thinking about a new one (the 6-year itch) but this one has a lot of life and fun driving left in it. This is my 3rd Audi--1988, 1996. Each was excellent.