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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  OK - 2001 Audi A6
  By Khos - August 2 - 3:41 pm

  Nice car, powerful engine and fun to drive, but it does not offer reliability. Last summer it spent 2 months at the dealership because of a weird problem with a computer part. Before that, had a problem with the brakes, before that the front seat moved back and forth, by itself when driving in reverse. Do I like this car, yeah I do, its a nice car to drive. Would I buy another Audi .... NO WAY !!! I need to rely on my car and cant afford to have it in the shop so often.

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  Audi - A6 WOW!! - 2006 Audi A6
  By Sam - August 1 - 3:47 pm

  After driving American cars for over 35 years, I bought A6 (premium package). Wow ! What a difference. I looked at the competitors - no comparison! A6 has a better interior + power + everything else. Gas mileage is excellent (mid 20s combined). Handles very well.

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  Love my Audi - 2001 Audi A6
  By My second Audi - July 25 - 11:51 pm

  Wonderfully smooth car. A treat to drive, both in the city and on the highway. Lots of space for family, a big dog and luggage. For all of our needs, it is a great car. Previously, I had the Audi A4 sports sedan. Likewise, it was a wonderful car.

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  Truly worth buying - 2006 Audi A6
  By Ajay - July 25 - 12:58 pm

  I chose the A6 against Merc E-class and BMW 5-series, just because I wanted to try something different, and this vehicle seemed promising when I visited the showroom. It offers fantastic grip on the road, and I have driven it at 155 mph frequently, without being worried. All the electronics offered in the car are also very useful and good. I never experienced any error in the car as yet (after using it for over a year). I unfortunately didnt get to buy a Quattro. Therefore, i am not much happy with the FWD of this car as it tends to slip a lot during acceleration. Incase if you are planning to buy the A6, then please go for the Quattro (AWD). It literally stands out.

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  Stylish but lazy in performance - 2006 Audi A6
  By A6 3.2 Quattro - July 23 - 12:48 pm

  I bought this car mainly because of its edgy new look & safety. Unfortunately the 3.2 A6 is sluggish off the line. Unresponsive while cruising on Drive, and the Sport mode seems to shift with too much of an advanced delay. This car is fine for a driver who doesnt care about torque and responsiveness across the RPM line.

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  A Bum Rap - 2005 Audi A6
  By tomm - July 20 - 8:53 pm

  The new A6 is a great car. I did have one major electrical/computer melt- down - tow to dealer, then a few weeks (with an 06 A6 loaner) for the non- responsive ignition to be corrected, but all is fine since. This car gets about 30 mpg on the highway! I have wanted a "big" hybrid (sick of hearing about the small trunks, though). I need my cavernous A6 trunk for clubs (4 sets with the drivers and 3-woods out and criss-crossed atop) and other things. Dont buy any other mid-size until you drive this fun, fast and fuel efficient car. Tomm

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  Troubles - 2000 Audi A6
  By CatherineE - July 20 - 10:00 am

  We have had trouble with the car burning oil - about 4 quarts between scheduled maintenance - they say its normal. We have also replaced the front brakes 3 times. The check engine light has gone on several times. Once it was repaired - the other times just goes off and on. The tie rod ends were replaced, water temperature guage didnt work, the oil low pressure light came on once, and there is static in the left front speaker. Now the car is shifting really hard. Love the car, but not all the numerous problems.

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  Wonderful Car - 2000 Audi A6
  By craig - July 19 - 2:06 am

  I have had my 2.7T since new (6 years) and it is a superb ride. At 70,000 miles I upgraded suspension with Eibach springs, Bilsein gas shocks, 17" BBS wheels and Pirelli P-Zero Nero tires. Wish I had done that sooner. The handling has gone from floaty to tracking on rails. The turbo motor is smooth, fast and fun. I can take the care anywhere and it looks great, especailly now that its lowered a bit. Audi is making terrific cars these days. I love it. Only disappointment has been the brakes. Typical Audi issue.

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  Poor quality car - 2001 Audi A6
  By Edwin - July 19 - 12:41 am

  This is our second Audi and like the other one, after 50K we ran into multiple defects (engine failures, electric windows, leaks). Our latest repair at 60K miles, is more than $3K. Its a fun car, but after the free maintenance periods (multiple repairs too, but since its free maintenance and warranty you tend to brush over these quality issues), the poor quality becomes too much.

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  1st Audi after 4 BMWs - 2006 Audi A6
  By steve - July 18 - 2:57 pm

  WOW is all I can say. And Im sorry that I was a BMW "snob" for too many years. I bought the Audi primarily because I was looking for AWD in the winter. Having only had the car now for one month in the summer, Im truly sorry that I didnt consider an Audi prior to this. This car is the ultimate driving machine!!!