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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  Amazing Quality - 2005 Audi A6
  By Mark - June 12 - 10:38 am

  I have had my 3.2 A6 for 3 months now and have never been back to the dealer, not once. There has not been one single thing that needed repair or adjusting. My Blackberry 7100T works perfectly with the exception of downloading the phone list and took 3 minutes to pair. I love how I can be on the phone and start the car and it switches seamlessly over to speaker. Once you get used to the MMI, it works great... even the voice recognition. Ride, handling, transmission, A/C, stereo and nav are wonderful. The interior is much better quality than BMW or Mercedes. People compliment me frequently on the cars beauty. Audi is the new standard in German luxury.

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  Buyer Beware - 2005 Audi A6
  By Buyer Beware - June 12 - 1:21 am

  I made the mistake of buying the A6 with the V8 and the Sports Suspension. This car is better with standard suspension and all season tires for sure. The combo I bought makes the car ride way too stiff. Also - the outside temp indicator randomly malfunctions and reads 15-20 degress lower than the temp really is. Seems that this is occuring when the A/C is on. Dealer refuses to do anything because it doesnt happen when they have the car. The automatic transmission is the worst I have ever driven - it switches way to fast when starting from a stop. THere is no vent only setting on the climate control - I have never heard of such a thing!!

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  Total Package - 2005 Audi A6
  By jramieri - June 11 - 6:24 pm

  The car is great to drive..lots of power and the interior is flawless. The premium sound system is the best Ive experienced in a stock OEM unit. The CD changer is poorly placed in the glove compartmenbt with no in dash CD player. The Tiptronic and sport modes for the trans are fun. The car, however, looks like ten thousand others and is undistinguished. Smooth, quick and elegant. I love getting into it each morning and am sorry to leave it. Power steering is a tad too light and brakes a bit too touchy.

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  love the new A6!!! - 2005 Audi A6
  By barry fain - June 11 - 1:31 pm

  I traded in a 1999 A8 for the new 2005 A6. Wow!!! Even with the smaller engine the car gives me a lot more get up and go than this cowboy could possibly need. Given that I live in a heavy snow area, the added weight of the A6 (compared to the sometime too light old A8) and of course the four wheel drive, made this baby cruise through our snowy streets, especially the hill I must negotiate to get home each night. The creature comforts are outstanding and I actually find excuses to go on journeys now... aided by both the navigation system and sirius radio. In short, I have fallen in love with this baby and look forward to many years together.

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  Satisfied Owner But Waiting to See - 2005 Audi A6
  By Herbert Hunter - June 11 - 12:34 pm

  When I lease this car, with 400 miles on the odometer, there was a vibration in the steering wheel and on the floor of the car. After returning it twice, and wheel balancing and an exchange of driveshaft from another car and new wheels, it took the dealership at least three weeks to find out the nature of the probem and hopefully correct it. Not what you would expect with a new car of such "high quality." The air conditioning system gadgets are too complicated to use.Too many Elvis Presly selections in the Sirus, no Blues as I recall.

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  This car beats E-Class and 525,530(BMW) - 2005 Audi A6
  By Dean - June 9 - 8:54 pm

  Interior is best of any car in this class Ive seen. Beautiful and classy use of real wood, leather and aluminum. Love the Quattro All-Wheel Drive in dry or wet conditions. Pickup speed could be a little better (I think its rated at 6.8 seconds 0-60). Dual exaust gives a nice sound under heavy acceleration. 10 way seats are very comfortable. Push button start/stop option is a great convenience. Love the styling... especially the bold new grille on front. It separates it from any other brand on the road. LEDs are used on tail section for turn signals and rear lights. The paint finish is the best Ive seen on a car at ANY price level.

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  A6 3.2 is Very Impressive - 2005 Audi A6
  By dplush - June 3 - 6:30 pm

  This car has been a joy to drive. Have the black with amaretto interior. The power may not be class leading but it is more than enough. Cabin is very quiet and engine is nice a throaty. Drives like a true luxury german sedan. MMI is not that difficult to use, you get used to it really quick.

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  Sweeeet!! - 2005 Audi A6
  By NewAudiLover - June 1 - 12:50 am

  I just replaced my Lincoln LSE with my first German car and what a difference! The quality of this car is fantastic and it drives nice. Great value.

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  Target Guy - 2001 Audi A6
  By Taregt Guy - May 30 - 11:39 pm

  I have only had this car a month, I love it! The zip it gives is impressive! The car is a blast to drive.

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  A6 4.2 - 2005 Audi A6
  By Johnny - May 30 - 5:10 pm

  I strongly recomend the Audi A6 4.2, which is about equal to the A8. I have owned the BMW 745IL and Mercedes S class. The build quality of the A6 is equal to the BMW and better than the Mercedes.The car has more horsepower, a ride that is slightly inferior in the comfort area, but more athletic than the others. It is $25,000.00 less in price, thus the value is much greater. For those who want a very nice luxury car but do not require the more upscale badging of the other two fine vehicles, this car is best. I had the Lexus LS 400 and 430 also. Both were junk. Within 15,000 miles both cars needed new tires, a replacement motor for the steering wheel and more. Rearend slides in rain.