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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  car - 2006 Audi A6
  By deb - January 15 - 2:21 pm

  Never thought Id EVER drive a wagon again once the kids were grown. But this is easier to manuever than an SUV. It is really a great, responsive vehicle! I wish the cupholders were better positioned and without that rubber piece that keeps your cup stuck in the holder. The rear view mirror can be really tricky to put back on if it comes off (as ours did). The navigation system is great we have a BMW also and this navigation system is FAR superior to that!

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  This is a machine! - 2006 Audi A6
  By Dawg Fan - January 10 - 8:44 pm

  I researched and drove the Mercedes E500 and the BMW 530xi before I drove this car. I went right back to the showroom and bought it - never looked back at the MB or BMW. The ride, power, handling, and technology in this car is head and shoulders above them. I get compliments from people that see this car at night! A real head turner. I love the MMI. The power in this 4.2 reminds me of my 2001 Corvette - this car may keep the Vette sitting in the garage under its cover.

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  love her - 1998 Audi A6
  By jimmrsn - December 28 - 3:06 pm

  I got this car from California in January of 05. She had 9800 miles on her and was stored in a garge for years and only driven to keep her healthy. I purchased her for $9800 and I have loved driving her every day since shipping her here to michigan. This car has had only a few problems. Front door locks would not release and I had to have the door locks replaced, and then the engine therm went and that repair cost more than fixing the doors. All in all I love this car.

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  Wonder improvement - 2005 Audi A6
  By greg - December 27 - 10:19 pm

  I had a 2004 A6 and traded it for a 2005. The ride is vastly improved, as is the comfort and amenities. The gadgetry takes a little getting used to, but is well worth it. No complaints whatsoever.

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  Fun with Luxury - 2006 Audi A6
  By leyla12 - December 26 - 6:07 pm

  This is my first Audi after owning several Lexus. I must say that the quality and performance is far supeior to what I have experienced with other brands. This car is fun, fun, fur to drive with all the luxury included.

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  2006 A6 Avant Impressions - 2006 Audi A6
  By Northeast - December 18 - 12:58 am

  Ive had the 2006 Avant for 3 months now and its a great car. I live in the Northeast and the car sticks to bad road conditions like glue. Styling is more masculine than past Audi models, but the interior is top-rate. I spent months deciding between the BMW 530xi wagon and the A6 and did back-to-back test drives three times. The Audi is in a different class than the BMW. The 6cyl is plenty powerful, and my last car was a 2001 BMW 740il. Gas mileage has been stellar, and the MMI interface is far more user friendly than the BMW. For Options I suggest the sport seats, technology package, and the navigation. I had to get the 17" wheels and the sport shifters but would have preferred 18" tires

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  More money - more car - 2005 Audi A6
  By swifty - December 17 - 11:17 am

  Going from a 2002 A6 to a 2005 induces sticker shock. The sticker shock is over quickly, but the fun remains. The car has a bigger feel than the 2002, but the handling is better. The navigation system is terrific if you take the time to learn it and keep at it. But be careful not to get preoccupied with the nav system and forget about driving - it is easy to forget to keep your eyes on the road and not the screen. Acceleration is much better than the previous 3.0 - ride is much stiffer now - great "feel" for the road, but the passengers will have to acclimate if they are accustomed to a soft ride. Large trunk - smaller opening than the 2002. A great car that is fun to drive.

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  Top notch - 2006 Audi A6
  By Murray Martini - December 14 - 11:58 pm

  Picked up my 3.2 A6 last week and my oh my, is this a beautiful car or what! Mine is fully loaded with all options and the S-Line package. The interior is top notch quality. Performance is very good especially in sports mode, the car feels very preppy and fun to drive. All in all, 10 out of 10 overall.

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  Saved My Life - 2006 Audi A6
  By Deb - December 12 - 3:41 pm

  The way this vehicle was constructed saved me from even a scratch in a major accident. The only drawback for buying an Audi, as some of you may already know, is the delay in getting parts. Be prepared to wait an extraordinary amount of time (it took 3 months to get in the navigation system I ordered in June) to get parts. They are beautiful cars, constructed to take care of the passengers in an accident. Sporty ride yet smooth touring performance.

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  I like it !! - 2006 Audi A6
  By mikey - December 11 - 2:47 am

  Put the shifter Sport mode or use Tiptronic and you can get rid of that 3rd car you got to have fun. AWD is spectacular, not just in snow and rain but at all times. I could not be more pleased by the manufacturer and the dealer that sold it and services it. The value and pleasure are immense. Try it, youll like it,