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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  2005 Audi A6 Q - 2005 Audi A6
  By aga6Q - November 24 - 6:28 am

  Except for a trunk latch and a cd player replacement, no problems at all. This is my fourth Audi and its simply as good and reliable as my last two lexuses, but they handle like true german performance cars. Also nothing can compete with quattro in bad weather. We live in so Fla and still love the quattro in the rains we get here.

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  1st time Audi owner - 2001 Audi A6
  By ViensVT - November 23 - 12:16 pm

  Great power. You get all the comfort style and performance you would expect from an Audi. Just run good gas and oil through it and let the oil gauge hit 175 before bringing it over 3000 rpm. Great power. Little turbo lag. I love it.

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  Seductive - 2004 Audi A6
  By robert c - November 22 - 9:46 am

  I sit behind the wheel and I feel empowered. Heated leather seats with memory. Red illumination for the dashboard. Soft on the eyes! I do not regret this purchase. This is my third used Audi purchase in a row. The interior is my kind of fine appointment. The leather seats hold up just fine. I like the roomy trunk space. I always take my car for regular scheduled maintenance, therefore I have never had a suprise disruption. I like the peppy engine response when traveling down the interstate. I have always appreciated the sexy curves and distinct appearance of an Audi. How can you not feel regal sporting around town in a fine German sedan?

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  Audi A6 4.2 AWD - Too much power - 2004 Audi A6
  By Kevin - November 20 - 10:23 am

  I love the car!! I have had it for 2 years and it is awesome. I sometime wonder if it has too much power. I hit triple digits plenty of times, but the reality is I just dont have anywhere to really run it to its potential.

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  Classy ride - 1999 Audi A6
  By New to Audi - November 16 - 3:22 pm

  I read other reviews and was wary of this model, but the test drive swayed me. This does not drive like a 3800 lb car. Coming from a BMW 525, I felt some difference, but not that much. Acceleration isnt blazing and gas mileage is disappointing, but the interior is top-notch. No mechanical problems yet after 6,000 miles. I am baffled how a windshield wiper fluid tank can spring a leak though. Not as easy to get to 100 mph as the bimmer.

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  An honest review on Audi A6 3.0 Quattro - 2003 Audi A6
  By David - November 13 - 6:27 pm

  I had this car for 6 months now. I bought it with 48 K miles now I have 60 K. I love the exterior of the car and the interior. After never having a car with AWD, I do not know how I lived without it. I was scared to buy this car first because of electrical problems but so far so good. No problems with the car so far (knock on wood). It feels solid and handles well. Some little things that bothered me are when the annoying sound and display of low wind washer fluid, its half of the screen, some paint in the interior of the car chips off, gas mileage isnt that great, doesnt hold value.

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  Love the Car - $$$ Maintenance Bill - 2002 Audi A6
  By Audi Fan - November 13 - 10:02 am

  I purchased this car after test driving many other European options - BMW, Saab, Volvo (my wife owns one and likes it), and one Japanese option - Maxima. Considering I have been a Honda, Nissan owner over the years, I was looking for something more exciting and I found it. My A6 has been wonderful fun to drive, nice to look at and a pleasure on road trips. The CVT technology took some getting used to, but now I truly enjoy it. Knowing the possible repair bills down the road, I purchased an extended warranty and it was not cheap. Of course certain things are not covered, like replacing an automatic window clip for $450. The 40K maintenance bill was $995 b/c of high precision eng/trans.

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  I love it!!! - 2007 Audi A6
  By Doris - November 10 - 5:23 pm

  This car is soooo awesome. It drives like a dream. The luxury amenities are truly luxurious. The nav is awesome. The capability of calling friends by voice command and bluetooth technology will allow me to never get a ticket. It is so beautiful both on the inside and the outside. I am having so much fun figuring out how to use the console to its fullest potential.

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  And Away We Go! - 2006 Audi A6
  By Steve M. - November 3 - 12:29 pm

  Beautifully thought out car... was delivered to me in pristine condition, not a thing to criticize. Interior like a jet cockpit, driver fits in like a foot in a shoe. Everything automatic, voice recognition works flawlessly. Had to use the owners manual extensively for first 2 weeks, but then everything fits into place. MMI really takes command of everything! Almost 2000 miles, not a thing to complain about: I just hope all the fancy electronics last as long as the rest of the car with no problems. Lots of electronic convenience features I never had before in my 1999 Caddy Concours. Im sold on Audis if things keep up the way they are now!

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  06 A6 4.2 - 2006 Audi A6
  By computire - October 28 - 9:00 am

  The car is tight, responsive and handles well. However, the engine is a little loud. The drawback to this vehicle is the brakes which are much too touchy. Difficult to glide to a smooth stop. The controls (radio,t emp, phone, navigation) are very handy and easy to use.