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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  10+ for WOW Factor!! - 2005 Audi A6
  By MRamos - July 7 - 7:07 pm

  This is one great car. I was looking for the All Wheel Drive security blanket and after road testing AWD competitors I was about to give up when I found this beauty and immediately went for a test drive. I have never driven an Audi before and was not to sure what to expect. The A6 took off very smoothly but with a firm press of the gas pedal it launched like a rocket. I felt a sense of security in the stiffness of the body when taking some tight turns and the response of the steering was right on the money. Being a die hard Subaru owner for over 20 years it was hard to give into German engineering but needless to say I am completely sold on this car.

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  Great car! - 2006 Audi A6
  By Kevinh - July 5 - 1:02 pm

  This is my second A6, and while I was pleased with my first one, the 2006 blows it away. The interior is fantastic. The ride is silky smooth with powerful perfomance. I love the nav system, but my favorite thing is the bluetooth integration. I just bought a bluetooth phone specifically because my car has it - its great. I recommend this car.

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  1997 Audi A6 Review - 1997 Audi A6
  By Al Strohmaier - June 29 - 3:17 pm

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. I live in NE Ohio in "snow belt" country, and the A6 eats snow and ice and slush as well as my F-250 4x4. I dont get tired driving it, whether its my short commute or occasional multi-hour trip. Great ergonomics. Im a car nut, and every time I think about buying a new car I hold it up to the A6 for comparability. Most are found wanting. New Audis arent cheap, but my experience with the car makes me want to look at low-mileaged used A6s for $27k rather than purchase a new Honda Accord or Toyota Camry with a lot of their bells and whistles.

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  Good Value - 2006 Audi A6
  By Martin Baker - June 13 - 10:58 am

  Overall very pleased with this car. While it is not as silky smooth as others in this class it offers many pros including - good gas mileage (averaging mid -20s), beautiful interior, and sporty handling and acceleration. I selected this car (after test driving the Acura RL, Mercedes E350 4matic, Lexus RX350) because it was the best value of vehicles that had AWD and all the advanced safety features. One major dislike - that steep angle of the windshield causes the dashboard to reflect on the windshield. Very annoying but fortunately it seems to be isolated to cloudy weather and less visible in bright sun and at night.

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  i LOOOOOOOVE my AUDI A6 - 2002 Audi A6
  By AudiAdi - June 5 - 7:04 pm

  The words can not express how much I enjoy this Car. I had purchased this car a year ago in 2005 and I just absolutely love it. It rides beautifully and it is such an awesome car to look at. All my friends love to ride in it as the rear seat has such luxurious space and comfort.

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  So long BMW!!! - 2005 Audi A6
  By Hawaii Driver - June 2 - 5:59 pm

  After driving 8 BMWs in my life, I finally had to admit that the 5 series interior is just getting too cramped for 4 people to ride in comfortably. I looked at the A6 and was SO impressed with the handling, the fit and finish and the power that I never even went back to the BMW dealer. I DID compare the car with the Lexus GS, but the road feel of the Lexus doesnt come close to that of the Audi. This car rocks!

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  Audi A6 - 2006 Audi A6
  By B - June 1 - 1:25 pm

  Having previously owned a Mercedes E55 I was skeptical when it came to acquiring an A6. So far it has met all my expectations and then some. Build quality and interior design are first rate. MMI easy to use. Great stereo and nav. Highly reccomend this as an excellent value for the money .

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  Can Handle all Kinds of Weather - 2016 Audi A6
  By N Whyte - May 20 - 10:30 pm

  First thing my wife said as we were driving in a rain storm, WOW this car handles the bad weather great. It just does everything well and with ease, you will notice how well everything in the Audis function when you get into another car. I am surprised at the gas mileage, 32 on a 25 mile commute to work every day on a mix of highway and 2 lane hilly roads. Acceleration is great, friends shocked when I floor it. My second Audi, will be more....

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  Best A6 Ever - 2005 Audi A6
  By turbotaupetoad - May 17 - 3:59 pm

  Audi redid the A6 last year and made massive improvements. The A6 I leased in 99 was underpowered and should have been a 3.0 rather than 2.4. Consequently, I switched to a Mercedes E320 4-matic and thought I would never drive another Audi again. However, the E350 that replaced the E320 is just awful, so I tried the redesigned A6 and fell in love all over again. My 2005 Audi A6 3.0 has all the power it needs and is beautifully designed, inside and outside. But most importantly, it handles with the precision and nimbleness I expect from a Quattro, especially in the rain.

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  Top notch German performance car - 2002 Audi A6
  By P Gray - May 16 - 7:52 pm

  I bought this car pre-owned. I have had BMW 5 series before - great cars - but wanted to try AWD. This car has interior room, solid quality build and great performance. 2.7 turbo engine w/ 6 speed and 40 to 120 mph doesnt get any better. Superior handling but occasionally the sport suspension is harsh if you spend time on city streets. In winter, mount 4 snows, turn off the ESP and you will put every car, truck or SUV to shame on snowy roads. Remember to change the timing belt before 100k miles!