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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  Oh what a feeling... - 2005 Audi A6
  By American in Bavaria - August 1 - 1:29 pm

  Im fortunate to live and work in Germany so I can occassionally unleash the A6s full potential on the autobahn. At 135 MPH (speed governed) it rides like its painted on the road. Smooth as silk with no vibrations or nervousness (except from my passengers). Servotronic keeps steering input moderated and, if needed I can stop on a dime if a wayward Opel pulls into the left lane. I wish all A6 owners had the opportunity to wring out the German engineering that went into this car on the autobahn. They would be doubly impressed with their Audi. Besides the high speed performance, Im impressed with its quality. After 8000 plus miles, not one problem (except that darn speed governor!).

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  Awesome A-6 - 2006 Audi A6
  By J. Link - August 1 - 12:40 am

  After over 20 years with BMW, the beauty of the A-6 won us over. Wow, what an awesome car! Never have we seen a better interior, at any price. And that Quattro drive! What more could one want? Then to hear the recent crash test ratings. The highest you can get, front and side. What a BONUS! Run out and buy one.....

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  Great Car !! - 2005 Audi A6
  By fourrings - July 31 - 11:55 pm

  We absolutely love it and this is our second Audi. Drove to Vegas from the Bay Area and the car performed very well considering the extreme desert heat(116 degrees).Could use more horsepower but im satisfied with it..Great gas mileage.

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  Black beauty - 2002 Audi A6
  By Kovacstx - July 30 - 8:09 pm

  The car is simply beautiful. But which Audi isnt? Even with the new A6 out on the market the 2002 still looks very stylish. I bought it for my wife who is switching from a 323i (We bought the BMW new and had a mass of problems, turned out to be a dissapointment). The A6 is very comfortable and the CVT shifter is smooth. Its got enough umph to beat most like cars at the light but I did not buy it to race. I wanted a stylish touring sedan with plenty of space, comfort, power, and for great (European) heritage. Since we bought it the engine oil level sensor has been replaced in it by the dealer.

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  Best Ever, Ive had a lot - 2006 Audi A6
  By ken - July 30 - 10:29 am

  Traded in my A4 Cabriolet for some extra space and luxury and am not disappointed. Economy is much better than expected and if driven conservatively will get over 23 MPG. Have a diesel in europe, wish they would send them here. Luxury and interior design are unequalled, ride is smooth, great handling and braking. This has got to be one of the best Audis ever. I am in my 50s and at last count have owned over 25 cars, sports, SUV, Vans, wagons and Muscle cars, almost every model, This is by far the best .

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  Too much maintenance - 2000 Audi A6
  By dakotarueckert - July 29 - 7:28 pm

  Bought used at 40,000 miles now has 112,000 miles. Fun to drive. Solid, no squeaks or rattles. Replaced 3 sensors, one of them twice always $500 a pop. Replaced gasket to stop oil leak and burnt oil smell but hasnt worked. Some front end alignment issues also. No AM radio reception. First foreign car Ive owned, not sure if Ill stay with Audi more expensive maintenance than my previously owned Ford products.

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  Love & Hate - 2001 Audi A6
  By Not Happy - July 28 - 3:37 pm

  I have a love and hate relationship with my Audi A6 2.7T. Its beautiful, fun to drive, great acceleration and handling, but the car is unbelivably unreliable. I will take it back to the dealership for the third time this month. Electronics and Electrical components seem to be Audis weak points and not even the Factory Certified mechanics at the dealer can diagnose the many problems this car has had. Too bad, I really liked this car, but it will probably be my last Audi, if not my last German built car.

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  Worth The Wait! - 2005 Audi A6
  By Steve - July 27 - 10:28 pm

  1040 miles on my new 4.2 and not a single flaw. Exceptionally quiet and a smoother ride than what Ive read in various reviews. The car is fun to drive and the $9K extra for the 4.2 may just be worth the extra sizzle in performance. I ordered all the options, including the solor sun roof which works well during these recent hot and dry triple digit Nevada summer days. I too switched from a 2005 5 Series BMW purchase order after taking a last minute visit to the Audi store. Fit, finish, ride all helped to change my mind. Quattro is a must during those long Lake Tahoe winters, something BMW is still trying to perfect.

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  Really Nice Car - 2005 Audi A6
  By JMAX - July 24 - 1:17 pm

  Wonderful car to look at and drive. Lots of nice touches and an interior that is beautiful. It cruises really nice on the road -- have to be careful and watch how fast you really are going.

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  Nothing but poblems - 2001 Audi A6
  By Disgusted - July 23 - 2:14 am

  This is a fun car to drive, that is when it is not in the shop. Ive had so many problems with this car that I will never every consider an audi again and judging with all the things Ive been reading on the Internet, Im not in the minority. It seems like they are incapable of fixing the electrical problems assocaited with this series. What ever happened to German Craftsmanship and quality. Maybe this car was made in East Germany !