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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  This car rocks - 2005 Audi A6
  By KevinGary - June 30 - 11:22 pm

  My 05 4.2 is a great car. It accelerates and handles extremely well. Though the gas mileage is rather low and the 18" tires give it a harsh ride. It is alot of fun in the snow. I find myself looking for hills to go up. The swivel headlights make night driving a snap. The solar sunroof keeps the car cool in summer and warm in winter. The advanced key means that I never have to look for my keys. The voice recognition and bluetooth make cell calls easy. Though the MMI can be a little imposing at first. The satelite radio is a must. My children love the television monitors in the headrests, the heated rear seats and rear window shades. My wife and I love the safety of rear airbags.

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  Forget the Competition - 2006 Audi A6
  By Peter R - June 24 - 5:50 pm

  After owning 3 BMWs which by the way I loved and driving numerous sports cars I still can not believe the performance of my my new Audi a6 4.2, I opted for the sport package with the 18 inch rims and P-Zero tires and lowered suspension, this car handles like its on rails, I cut three lanes at over 100 mph and dont hear so much as a whisper from the car, at 125 mph the car feels safe, solid and extremely quiet for this speed, I constantly drive the car in S mode so my gas mileage suffers, small price to pay for an adrenaline rush, next week Im having the 130 mph limiter removed and would be disappointed if I dont reach a solid 160 mph, overall this piece of machinery is incredible.

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  Performance With an Interior to Match! - 2001 Audi A6
  By miguel - June 23 - 3:16 pm

  I have put over 40,000 miles (85,000 total) on this car and have only done minor maintenance with one minor electrical problem ($250). Buying this car used is a steal since it came with a $46,000 sticker price. Find one that hasnt had problems and go and buy it!

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  2005 A6 3.2 - 2005 Audi A6
  By Richard Jacoby - June 18 - 6:49 pm

  Car rides wonderfully. Much better performance then the old model. MMI is a breeze to use and enjoyable

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  creature comforts - 2005 Audi A6
  By tom - June 18 - 1:42 pm

  I test drove the BMW 530xi series looking for all wheel drive to navigate colorado weather. I had my heart set and even put down a deposit to reserve the in-demand car. Then I decided to test drive the audi A6 to find out why every other car on the road in Boulder is an audi. Lets just say I drove away from the dealer in an 05 A6. The main reason I chose the A6 over the 530xi was the interior comfort of the car. It is truly luxurious as opposed to the stripped down beamer interior. The power is nice but nothing to write home about but the accomadations (mmi, nav, voice control, audio) make one feel like very executive.

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  First 2000 mile impressions - 2005 Audi A6
  By JRamieri - June 17 - 7:34 pm

  The car is a joy to drive. Has a lot of power and the "Sport" mode on the trans is great. I love the new aggressive looking front and the understated elegance of its syle. The interior is as close to perfect that I can think of. No rattles or noise. The MMI takes a bit of learning to master but once done is intuitive. The premium sound system is so good that I almost hate to get out of the car while listening. I actually wish I had a longer commute. I dont like the absence of body side mouldings for protection from the inevitable dings so I installed aftermarket ones. The voice commands and Bluetooth feature as well as the DVD Nav system are great fun. The Nav system is excellent.

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  Great Redesign - 2005 Audi A6
  By DRM - June 15 - 1:10 pm

  This is my second Audi and I love it! It is a sheer pleasure to drive, handles in snow with aplomb, has styling that turns heads, and the interior wow! So far this car has exceeded my expectations in a newly designed car from the ground up. I will definitely buy Audi again.

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  pay the price - 1998 Audi A6
  By audi fan ? - June 13 - 10:46 pm

  I bought my audi with 40k drove it to a 100k and sold it had it for three years. A very nice car to drive I must say my only problem with the car is it cost a thousand dollers every three months in little nickel and dime problems my front head light went out and it cost 1,000 between the igniter and the lamp for 1 head light. the power windows went out several times. the engine light would come on regulary and would all ways cost me at least a grand each time. Now I am going to by a mercedes or bmw or lexus.

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  best of its class - 2005 Audi A6
  By asalman - June 13 - 3:31 pm

  The new A6 Drives like a Dream. The comfort level is very high. Looks are great. Great handling in the rain

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  Great Design, Poor Reliability - 1998 Audi A6
  By GoodDesign - June 12 - 10:13 pm

  Like most reviewers here, I bought my A6 right after it came off of a 3-yr lease. I wondered, "Why would the original owner not buy this wonderful car?" The maintenance is horrific on this car but the car drives so well, and the styling is so superb, I am conflicted over whether or not I would make the purchase again. My mistake was in not purchasing an extended warranty, something that I would never have even considered after owning several Japanese cars. I thought that only American cars needed extended warranties. But when you look at similar year BMWs & Mercedes, there was really no contest. The BMW was faster & the Benz had more recognition, but Audi won the styling competition easily.