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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  love this car - 2006 Audi A6
  By lenny - February 25 - 4:56 am

  Runs great and is fun to drive Buy the all weather Mats .. look good and work better than cloth mats

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  The shortest 5 hour drive of my life - 2006 Audi A6
  By Sean - February 20 - 6:04 pm

  I bought my A6 after extensive web, book and test drive research. I am a big guy, who has always bought cars that fit my appetite for sport and luxury. The A6 has exceeded my expectations and after Mercedes and BMW and Lexus were given their fair shot amongst others, I bought my 4.2 while visiting my brother in law who lives 5 hours away. By the time I arrived home I had mastered the MMI, Satellite Radio and Navigation systems, and was let down when I actually was at the end of my trip. I have never found a car so ergonomically sound, practical, powerful, and energizing, while pampering you all at the same time.

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  Buy a USED Audi - 1997 Audi A6
  By rchopee - February 17 - 4:05 pm

  I bought a 1997 Audi A6 with 70,000 miles about 3 years ago for $13000 CDN. It needed a steering rack when I bought it. Since that time I replaced the catalytic converters, ignition switch and brakes and tires. Probably 1500.00 average for repairs. It runs great and if you do the math, it is the only way to buy a safe luxury car. I absolutely love it. About a year ago I was rear ended. The other car had to be towed away, and I had a small licence plate mark in the paint. Id buy another Audi in an instant.

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  Nice car - 2006 Audi A6
  By john - February 8 - 8:48 pm

  I have owned many Audis from the A8 on down. This is my 3rd A6. They have always been nice to look at but were short on driving dynamics. This car drives like no other audi I have driven, including the current S4. It is a large car that drives like a BMW. The steering/road feel is all there. I have had no problems so far and have very little to complain about. There are always things that disappoint like making the trip computer at option on a 49k sticker car. This has always been an Audi hallmark. My 85 4000Q had it standard. Other than the little stuff, this car rocks. jm

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  Good Car - 1997 Audi A6
  By Peadar - February 8 - 7:34 pm

  I just sold my A6--I had it for 2 years exactly. It was amazing in the snow and made wet roads seem dry. This was by far the best feature of the car. It was very comfortable (seating and ride), more so than most BMWs Ive driven. The main reason I got tired of this car was its lack of power. I mean its not slow but you have to floor it to take a camry at a stoplight. Handling is good. The fact that I could not have a cd changer or deck installed really irritated me--the only way you can listen to cds is buying a FM modulator ($250). Bottom line is its a kinda boring car. Thats why I got a 3-series now.

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  Good, but... - 2002 Audi A6
  By Ant - February 5 - 5:03 pm

  As a more affordable and more interesting design than the old 5 series, the a6 was my first choice, and the beautiful interior stil looks great, even without navigation. Although its extremely comfortable and has plenty of power for the average driver, Ive had numerous problems, ranging from new window washers every year to an entire new transmission at 35k miles. The check engine and abs lights come on often, the stereo occasionally has a 30 minute meltdown, the rear windows stopped working...general deju vu for the classic audi-electrics sufferer. Handling on the non-quattro is also pretty sluggish...doesnt feel tight in turns although the 2003 got far far better.

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  Fantastic Car - 2006 Audi A6
  By Brian - February 2 - 9:02 pm

  This is my second Audi. The new A6 is outstanding and fun to drive. So far it has been picture perfect.

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  Wonderful Saloon - 2005 Audi A6
  By Alexandra Caras - February 1 - 1:08 am

  This is a beautifully executed automobile- I looked at the 545i Sport and the E-500 4Matic, but the A6 4.2 just blew the competition away. It has the most jewel- like interior of the bunch, the best, most timeless style, and the most comfortable cruising, yet slightly hard-edged, performance. Great features- nice extras like power start and electric glovebox, and wonderful navigation and MMI systems.

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  tight ride - 2006 Audi A6
  By linco - January 25 - 6:36 pm

  This Audi is refined yet subtle. Those around you cannot appreciate this cars ability. Wolf in sheeps sheet metal.

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  10,000 miles later - 2005 Audi A6
  By JRamieri - January 15 - 4:06 pm

  I look for reasons to drive. This is the first sedan Ive owned in 12 years always having driven SUVs during that period. My previous was the Infiniti FX 45 AWD. This car is quick, comfortable, civilized and elegant. Excellent handing and very good in the snow. The trans is smooth as silk. Fit and finish are top notch.