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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  At the Crossroads - 1999 Audi A6
  By dan596 - March 19 - 12:17 pm

  This car has fit the bill..mostly. We wanted a wagon for hauling stuff, AWD for New England weather, the comfort and quality of luxury car, and priced less that $25k (we bought used). We make regular cross NE trips with confidence and car leaves us refreshed, not tired. Four years later were untimely faced with the cost of new brakes, new tires, expensive timing belt change, oil leak fix, repainting front bumper, and regular maintenance all at the same time. As with all VW/Audis I have owned they are plagued by electrical inconsistencies that we learn to live to enjoy the german driving experience. So, the question is do invest $3K to fix and keep it or get $6-7k, maybe, on trade.

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  Look forward to driving again - 2006 Audi A6
  By marc - March 16 - 9:10 am

  I typically prefer Japanese upscale cars for reliability but was wowed by the interior and exterior design. Wife had an A6 many years ago that had its compliment of electrical and oil burning problems which kept me away until now. Have been extremely pleased with the cars performance, handling and comfort over the past 4 months.

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  Gets expensive after 70,000 miles - 2002 Audi A6
  By BW - March 15 - 8:03 pm

  I bought my 2002 pre-owned Audi in 2005. This is truly an awesome car inside and out. The features and performance cant be beat in the same price range. However, you may be able to afford to buy an Audi, but you may not be able to afford to drive one. The transmission started slipping at 60K miles. Electrical problems (interior lights cutting on and off) were an issue, little noises and rattles (drive me nuts), the engine went to 300 degrees on normal summer days and finding someone to service the car was a task. Unless you live in a metropolitan area or down the street from the dealership, Id suggest looking elsewhere. I traded it in after 12 months.

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  Best car Ive ever bought! - 2016 Audi A6
  By Danny - March 14 - 12:46 am

  Hands down this is the finest vehicle Ive ever purchased. An absolute joy to drive in town or road trips.

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  Great car! - 2005 Audi A6
  By bbdholmes - March 12 - 5:11 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned, it is hard to keep it under 70 mph and 100 mph feels like 60 in other cars. Quality has been terrific, the navigation works extremely well, and the sound system is great as well. I bought the V6, and other than a rare occasional need for more snap I think I made the right choice. The gas mileage in and around the city averages about 20mpg.

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  Fun to drive, fun to own - 2006 Audi A6
  By Brett - March 7 - 1:05 am

  This car stood out in the dealer showroom. Blue with ameratto interior. But it not only looks great, the fit, and finish is "Audi usual" great. They thought of just about everything. Driving it is a pleasure. The low end torque off from start, is slugglish, but its acceptable. Fuel economy so far has been acceptable for this type of car. I look forward to a great ownership experience.

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  Dead Solid Near Perfect - 2006 Audi A6
  By MJBatchelor - March 4 - 3:20 pm

  Only 1200 miles, so far, but a beautiful ride. Had a 1998 A6 for 3 years on lease with no problems. It just wasnt powerful enough. The new motor takes care of that problem. The build quality is simply fantastic. Paint finish and interior quality are excellent. The biggest thing is the Quattro - its like driving on rails, very confidence inspiring. Economy is good for a vehicle of this type. The MMI is slightly confusing at times but, once you use it for awhile, it becomes more intuitive. We have almost all the options (Technology, etc.), but the heated steering wheel (which just wasnt in stock.) The interior lighting, switches, etc., is simply best in class. We love the car.

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  Mid-Life Crisis Aversion Mobile - 2005 Audi A6
  By Chris Laing - March 2 - 11:06 pm

  Audi is really running circles around its competitors with this awesome car! I still have not tired of finding any excuse to take the A6 3.2 for a drive. Light steering, quiet and comfortable ride around town make it feel like a limo in L.A. traffic. Step on the gas on PCH or the 5 Freeway north to San Francisco and try staying under the speed limit. This car is a joy to drive. Its very powerful and responsive when you need it. At all times, its controlled power in a car that feels substantial and safe. Driving through a torrential rainstorm to San Francisco, we felt in complete control. Plenty of power in a crisis, like the time we chased a road- rager at 100 uphill.

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  Vroom . . . gasp - 2002 Audi A6
  By ak9 - February 27 - 12:04 am

  The ultimate luxury sleeper - one minute youre quietly cruising a residential street looking very stately - next minute the bi-turbo takes a deep breath and this torquey little spacecraft catapults you effortlessly into the traffic flow on the interstate doing 90. Very big trunk, roomy backseat and all the creature comforts - oh, and did I mention, all-wheel drive for those north country winters. Would have liked a little bit better gas mileage, but still beats the last Dodge and Ford sixes I owned on fuel efficiency. This is a very cushy rocket - dont miss it.

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  Tank Solid Reliable Luxury - 1997 Audi A6
  By anonmartin - February 26 - 6:40 pm

  Weve been very pleased at the quality and reliability of this Avant quattro. In silver, it looks fantastic. Audi/VW had relied on this 12V V6 motor for several of its platforms, and after living with it, and having no problems at all, I can see why. At 172 bhp, it is a little under-powered, but does great at speed. Leather interior holds up well if regularly treated. Quattro drive grips the road, dry, wet, or in ice and snow. We drove through a blizzard up a mountain and were passing some SUVs that were struggling. The pop-up rear-facing seats work great for our small kids and cousins, plus, they love riding back there. Interior cargo room is pretty good with rear seats folded down.