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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  Beyond My Expectations - 2012 Audi A6
  By mjplx2 - July 30 - 3:16 pm

  Ive had my A6 Prestige 3.0 for about 3 months and clocked about 3,500 miles. This car is amazing. Well beyond my expectations. Exceptionally smooth and quiet ride. Effortless power. Quick and instant acceleration at any speed. The car feels solid and drives like its on rails. The exterior design is sleek and powerful while still having a luxury image. The interior is equally as nice. Very comfortable seats. The wood grain inlays have a beautiful high-end look and feel. I love the lightning-like feel and acceleration from the supercharger. Cruising at 80 mph is effortless at a bit over 1800 rpms. All this with outstanding gas mileage. Two recent 400 mi trips averaged 34 mpg !

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  None Better! - 2003 Audi A6
  By fastboyfromill - July 25 - 10:28 pm

  Ive owned this car for about a year and a half now. Ive owned over 40 VWs and Audis and Im am speechless about this car. Solid, smooth and as fast as the wind. I bought it for myself, but it quickly became my wifes car. Outside of routine oil changes Ive replaced the serpentine belt and tensioner, the drivers lower aft control arm and the passengers side front drive axle. I did the work myself and it was fairly cheap. I do love this car.

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  Loving my car, but... - 2012 Audi A6
  By mrbtjohns - July 24 - 6:18 am

  WOW!!! That was my 1st impression of this car. The car looks nice on the outside and looks stunning on the inside. After testing driving the 2013 Cadillac XTS, I was real close to buying it but for some reason I kept looking at the 2012 A6 and Im glad that I did. Im coming out of a 2008 Infiniti M35 and driving the new A6 was night and day. The Audi has a great car on their hands. Im loving it so far but the car is lacking some feature that my M35 had. You can not control the a/c by voice, no remote start, no remote power windows up or down option and to get a power steering wheel you have to get the prestige package. Tons of room in this car. Besides those minor things I LOVE THIS CAR.

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  Certainly different from prior A6s - 2012 Audi A6
  By shanenolan2 - July 4 - 5:34 pm

  I have only had this car about a week and its my 3rd A6 with Premium plus package. I replaced an 06 with a 2012 . While this A6 is quite nice, it does lack the luxury feel that accompanied my last 2006 A6 with the same package. Sound proofing seems a little less and the road noise is certainly more noticeable. I had 18" tires on my last A6 and barely heard them. Now its an issue. Things like keyless entry which came with Premium plus editions has new limitations. Its really just key less start as you have to use the fob to unlock and lock the doors. This was not the case in the 2006 version. Its still early in ownership so maybe I will forget how great the other A6s were

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  WOW!!! - 2012 Audi A6
  By greginnh - June 30 - 12:21 pm

  Having owned an 07, 09 and 11 A6s, I fugured that that couldnt be be much change for 2012. Was I ever wrong! This car blows away any of its competition. I purchased the Prestice with Driver Assist and Cold Weather Package. I did not think the other options were warranted. This car is like a smaller version of the A8. I love the new 2012!

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  Love the A6... - 2012 Audi A6
  By edmundk3 - June 9 - 10:24 pm

  I just purchased my 2012 A6 Certified used. Drove all day from Southern California to Phoenix, AZ to get it. During the last 10 years Ive gone through 7 different cars from BMW to Land Rover.... & by far this is the best car Ive ever owned.... I traded my 2011 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI for the Audi. I drove the BMW 535 & Lexus... but when I drove the A6 I didnt want to drive anything else, it was almost like the car picked me.... I own a custom vehicle wrap shop & will be wrapping the A6 in a two tone matte black & matte dark grey. I had the headliner & pillars done in Black Suede...

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  Almost in love.... - 2008 Audi A6
  By dwmmlm - June 6 - 7:19 pm

  The car is a beautiful style and handsome even 4 years after its birth. Interior is top notch and I even prefer it to the 2012 loaner A6 I am driving this week. Fuel economy is outstanding and the car just glides at 90mph. However, the CVT transmission is quirky and I would opt for the Quattro next time around. Car is sluggish off the mark and much of that is around the CVT. I had it in twice this year for rough idle and jerky driving when cold. Also, Audi refuses to update their software in a timely manner for the Media Center and is behind the curve of technology despite what the commercials tell you. Remote doesnt roll down windows and no streaming music from your phone to Bluetooth.

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  Brilliant Car - 2012 Audi A6
  By ani02 - June 2 - 1:15 am

  Got the 3.0T prestige with Innovation, cold and 20 inch sport package and B&O sound This car is a beauty both to look and to drive. Test drove the Jaguar XF, BMW 535 xi The Jag drove well and looked great but it dint match the technology available in Audi the other draw back was lack of a 4 wheel drive...the Audi quattro is unreal it gives you that added reassurance of stability. The BMW 535xi just dint feel right to drive not like the old BMW , the AUdi just kills the BMW both in looks and drive quality. this is a fast car with great handling, build quality and technology and to top it good milage getting 27 on freeway and 18 in stop and go

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  Too many problems - 2010 Audi A6
  By mprage - May 29 - 1:51 pm

  I love driving this car but sadly have had too many problems. 1) had to replace 4 tires after hitting small potholes for flat/sidewall bubbles. Really detracts from driving enjoyment if constantly worrying about the tires. 2) total of 4 services for coolant pump, 3 engine related repairs - broken fan, loose lines, and rear view mirror falling off.

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  Audi A6 - Hits it out of the park! - 2012 Audi A6
  By audia6rocks - May 13 - 7:32 am

  Just purchashed the new A6 and absolutely love it. The looks, the comments this car is a stud! It drives in all modes, you pick! How awesome can that be! This car is so intuitive, it is before its time! I test drove all of the competition BMW, Mercedes-Benz, even the new Lexus and there is no comparison.