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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  Shocking good - 1999 Audi A6
  By geo - April 9 - 7:19 pm

  Bought this 7 year old car on ebay 3 weeks ago. I did a lot of research including reading many of the reviews right here and I can tell you that so far, after just 3 weeks and just a completed 2000 mile trip, I am thrilled with this car. Bought in Philly and immediately drove up to mid coast Maine, almost 500 miles, this car drove effortlessly and was tight. The car had 106,000K on it and now has over 108 in just 3 weeks. The car was a one-owner and serviced at audi regularly, I checked, including the timing belt/water pump change ($1800 approx) at 95K. I was hoping that service had been performed but did not find out until after i purchased the car. So far so good, I am very happpy

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  Purchased NEW 2005 A6 - January 2006 - 2005 Audi A6
  By SPM - April 8 - 11:58 am

  Formerly owned a 2001 A6, and after buying a 2005.5 A4 for my wife, I spent hundreds of hours researching/driving. After driving every car I knew, I wanted the new A6. The A6 was the finest interior/exterior/engine combo I had ever driven, I purchased a 2005 A6 3.2 AWD with Bose, Sunshades, Tan leather, 17" custom wheels, Premium Pkg., Tech. Pkg without Nav. Adding Nav for $1400 next week. What a car. For me it is PERFECT!

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  Heaven on Wheels - 2016 Audi A6
  By JMF - April 5 - 5:02 am

  About 6 months ago I found myself in a very interesting situation: see, I was a BMW enthusiast. I had owned two 3series and one 5. After only three years of 5series ownership I had experienced a myriad of issues beginning with chronically underinflated tires culminating in transmission alerts and white smoke exuding from the exhaust. Strictly out of curiosity I looked into Audi, and even more serendipitous, the 2016 A6 Prestige quattro. I fell in love with the aesthetics, but the performance and well-appointed interior sold me. It was definitely a superior vehicle hands down, albeit pricier, worth every penny. One single criticism: interior plastic components are relatively delicate therefore I wouldnt recommend it for families with young childrens wandering hands.

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  Very nice - 2005 Audi A6
  By Riz - March 29 - 3:52 pm

  Great car. Handles and drives really well. I went from a 330i to this and am really impressed. Its a lot bigger, but doesnt drive as big.

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  Best in Class - 2006 Audi A6
  By DBG - March 29 - 4:07 am

  I just hit my 1000th mile on my new A6. Being a 6 time former BMW owner, I have to say I am darn happy I chose my A6 vs. the 530 I first test drove. This car is awesome in rain, absolutely gorgeous and quiet inside and drives beautifully. Sure its not quite as tight in at the wheel, in fact, its a bit Lexus like.. requiring nearly no input to drive, however, the comfort, quality of the interior and awesome braking more than make up for it. Also.. it feels like my 02 740 IL inside with massive rear legroom vs. the ever so tight 5 series which was a major factor in this particular decision. The useability of the MMI system/NAV etc.. it the most intuitive of every car Ive driven as well

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  Gem of a car - 2003 Audi A6
  By Bill - March 27 - 9:19 pm

  They werent kidding when they said, "We have your car," in the ads. Ive never seen a car that adapted so perfectly to the driver. Almost eerie... it took off like a shot when wanted, handled twisty mountain roads with ease, moved through snowfall when nothing else did.

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  Save your Money! - 2001 Audi A6
  By LH - March 27 - 8:41 pm

  There are many pros behind this car. It has a beautiful interior, it is fun to drive, it handles better than most other cars and has amazing pick up. The cons, however, completely out weigh the pros. This car was purchased certified pre owned with 36K miles. Within the first year, it has broken down(thermostat overheated and coolant tank cracked), and has been taken in 18 times due to various problems (ie- when driving the automatic, it would slip into 2nd gear for no reason), and has most recently required a new transmission. I regret falling for the aestetics and strongly recommend anyone against the Audi. Its not worth the headache.

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  Audi A6 4.2L - 2000 Audi A6
  By PBW - March 27 - 3:39 pm

  Attracted by styling and beautiful interior, and of course, typical German handling qualities. Ride and comfort exceeded expectations. Some quality glitches but nothing major. Still as good as new with 65K.

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  New Audi Owner - 2005 Audi A6
  By jg - March 22 - 3:46 am

  I have had the Audi A6 3.2 for several weeks now and although I generally do not get emotionally involved with respect to vehicles, the A6 does provide some joy to the driver. The interior can only be described as phenomenal with regard to comfort, style and functionallity; the MMI system is far better than the BMW Idrive. This is a great car inside and out. Buyers should read the Audi A6 forum with regard to tip lag which can be overcome but is a pain. I drove all of the competitors and this car was the best in its class,

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  Im in Luv! - 2006 Audi A6
  By Bpau - March 19 - 8:16 pm

  I finally got the call the my order was in. Picked it on Saturday. All I can say is "Im in Luv!" It was sitting in delivery as I pulled into the dealership. I almost ran into something as it caught my eye. The color was worth the wait. I live on the east cost about an hour from Atlantic City. Went down that night and it felt like I was gliding on the road. What a wonderful drive. Im glad I didnt get the 4.2...Im sure I would accumulate many speeding tickets if I had. I was doing 80 and it felt like 55/60. Also, Ive heard mixed reviews regarding the MMI system being difficult...I do not find it difficult at all.