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:

• 

  2006 A6 Quattro - 2006 Audi A6
  By David Price - January 22 - 2:12 pm

  Nice ride, Great car for that Sunday drive out in the country good or bad weather.

• 

  Great all around family car - 1999 Audi A6
  By kevin - January 10 - 10:04 am

  Make sure you do your homework. Buy an Audi that has been well maintained, and do regular maintenance. No one can believe that the car is 8 years old w/ over 100k on her. She looks and drives like new. We have had to do the control arms (11 piece set w/ tie rods were $400 + $250 labor), also put in Koni FDS shocks and the car rides BETTER than new. We have slowly been changing all the fluids (tranny, differentials) and this makes a BIG difference. We also switched to synthetic (0/40 Mobil1) oil, again with very good results. Audi comfort and interior quality is second to none.

• 

  It delivers on all levels - 2007 Audi A6
  By matt - January 7 - 12:50 am

  This is a very impressive car. Love the power in sport mode. Build quality is awesome. Traded a 2006 A3 2.0 with DSG. I miss the lightning quick paddles and DSG would be a great addition to this vehicle. The trunk is huge. I have not tested this, but I am guessing that I could fit 4 golf bags in it. Cant wait to burn up the miles.

• 

  Always in need of repairs. - 2007 Audi A6
  By Marcelo - January 2 - 8:11 pm

  Since purchase, the car presented steering and eletrical problems. Audi USA claims the vehicle is operating to specs. It drifts left and right. Several alignments and hundreds of dollars later, I just got used to the way it behaves. Electrical problems include warning lights that will not go off. Stereo not working. MMI malfunction. Undercarriage plastic protection ripped off with RAIN WATER. Plastic parts wear off too fast. The AWD feature is very nice and helps with the handling. The interior is very nice. Hopefully Audi will master their product eventually. I will not be a repeat buyer though. Front bumper comes off when parking.

• 

  Dont buy an Audi - 2005 Audi A6
  By denniso482 - January 1 - 10:01 pm

  This car was great the first 12 months. I have had numerous problems with the car, the dealer and Audi NA. I would not recommend that anyone buy an Audi. The car is very unreliable and not worth the money. Parts are never in stock and service is a joke. I think I will be going to a Lexus from here. There are some good features but the are all overshadowed by Audi business practices.

• 

  Best of the Mid-Luxury Sedans - 2006 Audi A6
  By Jim - December 28 - 2:08 pm

  In my opinion, the A6 is the new standard for mid-luxury sedans. Virtually all of its features - including handling, the console control system (MMI), and sleek looks - make driving this car a pure pleasure. Before buying, I compared the A6 to others in its price range, and it came out on top in almost all areas. And among the German-brand sedans, heres my humble opinion: If you want great performance, drive a BMW if you want a luxurious feel, drive a Mercedes if you want both, drive an Audi.

• 

  S Line package and 4.2 V8 are AMAZING - 2007 Audi A6
  By Jeff Lock - December 21 - 1:13 am

  This car does everything well. The technology integrated into the vehicle and build quality are superb.

• 

  Should I Stay or Should I Go? - 2001 Audi A6
  By MikeR - December 19 - 4:43 pm

  I bought a 2001 2.7T with 80,000 miles in September 2005. Since then, I had to replace two bad turbos and oxygen sensors. After that it was a couple broken seals. Then a couple months after having the 80,000 mile check up, the transmission/4 wheel drive system went out (3 weeks at an Audi dealer waiting for parts). I had begun to notice some strange goings on with the interior lights. In addition, when in heavy traffic for an extended period of time, the trip meter (miles before filling up) flips out and a blinking time set begins to display. Good thing I bought an expensive 2 year extended warranty with the car, but Im really falling out of love.

• 

  Great Fun to Drive - 2005 Audi A6
  By RKK - December 19 - 7:10 am

  The A6 is extremely fun to drive. There really arent many negatives. One thing I noticed is that there are some interior pieces that started to "fall apart", such as the rear view mirror came disconnected, the panel on the drivers side came loose, and finally the A6 symbol on the back of the car broke. All this was easily replaced at no charge with their excellent service package that comes with the car (even if you buy it used). Positives: definitely a unique car, even in a big city like Chicago, fun to drive, the quattro is felt, especially in the snow when all those BMWs are slipping in the snow due to their rear-wheel drive and the room in the back is unreal.

• 

  Elegance in Motion - 2004 Audi A6
  By McCanski - December 4 - 10:20 pm

  Ive owned this car for almost 3 years now. Im extremely impressed. Have driven friends and relatives BMWs. This car is better. The AWD is awesome, even when its dry. Whats even more impressive are the twin turbos. I live at high altitude. They are a must up here. Passes 99% of everything on the highway and still gets 28 mpg. Reliability has been great. Cant beat the looks either.