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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  2007 4.2 S line A6 - 2007 Audi A6
  By fs - September 3 - 4:41 pm

  I agonized over this car for months Audi vs BMW vs Lexus vs Acura... I am defiinitely very happy. The V8 is quick off the line but is more appreciated when passing on the freeway. S line handling and paddle shifter are fun but not mandatory. New addition is the review camera - which becomes important in the city (bumpers not made for love taps). Interior comfort very similar to the A8. The car is awesome. The Nav is easier to use than BMW. Decent mpg for a V8. The brakes could be a more responsive. Apparently they didnt make too many of the V8 A6s - usually are ordered only - and so you wind up paying more for it (just 1k under MSRP) but is definitely worth it.

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  Audi not what I thought it would be - 2005 Audi A6
  By Thew - August 20 - 9:17 pm

  Bought the 3.2 A6 a year ago and have been relatively pleased. Gas mileage and drive comfort have been good, and the car looks beautiful. Now the down side: I had a squeak in the rear passenger door that took the dealer 1 year to fix. No kidding. Odd issues with the electrical system have lead me to ask if I really bought an Audi. I always expected them to be top notch on fit and finish and they just missed the mark on this specific car. Wish others the best of luck.

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  Very happy with my purchase - 2006 Audi A6
  By Michael Maddox - August 19 - 7:01 am

  My wife traded her A4 on an A6. I liked driving hers so well, I traded in my IS 250 for one too!

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  Audi 3.2 Quattro well designed - 2006 Audi A6
  By Arch57 - August 17 - 10:15 am

  This car was a replacement for my wifes 97 BMW 528i. This car is surprisingly quick and the transmission is the best "auto" I have ever had. The difference from her 4-speed BMW auto is amazing. This system always seems to know the right gear, downshifting as you brake so when you step on it you are in the correct gear. Handling is not on par with BMW. We could have opted for Sport suspension to fix that but got a great deal on a 2006 on the lot.

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  Very very pleased - 2006 Audi A6
  By Jim Hughes - August 11 - 9:39 am

  Bought the 2006 A6 to replace a 1997 A6. A quantum leap in technical sophistication, comfort and fit. Seating very comfortable. Highway noise almost non-existent. Great acceleration and manuverability. Only two minor manufacturing flaws, neither performance related. The MMI is easy enough to use, but it is distracting. I live with a lot of wide open spaces, but with hundreds of satellite radio stations to choose from, you get distracted. The on- wheel controls do not remedy this because of a lag in activating the tuning dial - the lag means you have to look away from the road to see where you are. The doors are very heavy, which I equate with safe. I would happily buy this car again.

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  A6 - 2000 Audi A6
  By unknown - August 10 - 7:01 pm

  i bought this car 2 mos ago with 83k. i loved it at first. i feel safe in it. i just had the timing belt go before it should have and cause major engine damage. i have heard a lot about sensors going bad. i would never buy another one with out a warranty. it is just not wise or financially practical because something is bound to go wrong because of the notorious electrical problems, and the cost to fix is high.

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  I love my AWD A6 Wagon - 1996 Audi A6
  By TRW - August 9 - 11:43 am

  My first Audi was a 1987 Audi Coupe manual transmission and I loved it for 7 years when I sold it. I bought the 1996 Audi in 2000 with 48k miles on it and have had a great experience with it. The cars loves the snow and can get me anywhere in any kind of weather. I can pack all my family of 6 in the car easily with the help of the back-facing rear seat. The car is very peppy and very fun to drive. The interior design is beautiful with its red lighted gauges. The only trouble we had was with the Audi CD player that didnt survive long after we had it installed by Audi. Enjoy the ride!

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  06 a6 - 2006 Audi A6
  By obee - August 8 - 4:26 pm

  At 6000 miles its been fun and no problems. The 5000 mile service was friendly and thorough. The mileage has been a pleasant surprise as its constantly above 30 mpg on the highway.

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  2002 Audi A6 2.7T quattro AWD - 2002 Audi A6
  By Alpha Dog - August 4 - 7:01 pm

  The A6 with twin-turbo and quattro is a thrill to drive - it offers spine-tingling acceleration throughout the gear and speed range and sticky, sure handling in all weather and road conditions - this is a four-door, all-wheel drive sports car with lots of room for driver and real adult passengers.

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  Goodbye Audi! - 2003 Audi A6
  By Andrew - August 4 - 1:00 pm

  Best day was when I got rid of my 2003 Audi A6 after owning if for 3 months. Second day after I got it I was in the shop for an electrical issue. In three months I had 2 other electrical issues but the real kicker is that fact that after sitting idle for a few hours the car has a "warm up" period before the car will drive. Not to mention I get 12-15 MPG around town.