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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  Audi A6 - 2003 Audi A6
  By jrp604 - April 28 - 12:04 am

  Wears tires out, perpetually out of balance, interior trim peeling, popping from the suspension, windows malfuntion in cold weather. In other words a piece of junk. Audi America says "Too bad, well keep fixing it the under warranty". Tires have been balanced 6 times and replaced by Audi at 7000 mi., Audi says to rotate them every 3000 mi. Both front brake rotors replaced at 1500 mi. No problem for me, just took a loss on the Audi and ordered a 2006 BMW 530xi. No more VAG products for me!

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  Pure Joy - 2005 Audi A6
  By Ezeuzoh Francis - April 27 - 11:15 pm

  It is simply a joy to drive, do not take my word, just run to the Audi dealer and you be the judge. I love it.

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  1997 Audi A6 Quattro - 1997 Audi A6
  By burnedByAudi - April 26 - 4:22 pm

  Every car has lemons so take this review for what it is. See suggested improvements for electrical problems. My 1997 Audi A6 quattro Sedan drives smoothly and has moderate to good acceleration at highway speeds (none to speak of off the line -- low end torque simply isnt there). The steering is unrivaled compared to all other cars Ive driven, if only there wasnt this nagging hydrolic problem every winter that makes a very loud noise and stiffens the power steering. Unfortunately I cannot recommend this car. I dont like it and it ended up costing me a great deal of money in the end.

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  Great redesign - 2005 Audi A6
  By Voyager - April 21 - 10:21 pm

  I knew Id replace my 02 A6 4.2 with an 05 when I saw the October 04 announcement of the "new" A6. The exterior look is only surpassed by the interior comfort & toys. The extra power, 335HP, was unnecessary, but welcome. I step on the gas pedal and smile. Since buying my first A6, driving in the Northeast is fun in any weather.

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  Going for Japanese next time - 2000 Audi A6
  By MariaM - April 20 - 11:13 pm

  Im not impressed, considering how much this car cost and the ratings it has received. Like way too many other reviews Ive seen, Ive had many problems with the car (and of course they all happened just after the warranty ran out) - at 80,000 miles so far the following has stopped working: the computerized display, the glove box (for no apparent reason according to the dealership), the AM radio, the automatic windows, plus the transmission has started sounding scary (it lurches when changing gears). Mind you, all of these were not at all cheap to repair. Its a money sink, and Im glad to be selling it.

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  Make sure youre wealthy - 1998 Audi A6
  By Ric - April 20 - 2:23 pm

  Dont buy one thats not certified! It is a great car, but costs big $$$ to get fixed. Dont take to dealerships! Got 19-20 MPH average (Stinks!) Had all kinds of issues at first. Hit a pothole for $5k of damage. Had a wheel fall off while driving due to a bearing and control arm just breaking off. Engine started leaking oil pretty bad at like 95K. Was still running at 150k, but was hurting. New brakes every 20k or so, new tires about the same, new head lights pretty often. Bent my rims all the time. Always thrashed my front bottoming out. Awesome in the snow - even if the snow was over the hood! Crashes VERY well. Head on with a Jeep Grande Cherokee and no injuries. Car dead.

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  Ouch - 2005 Audi A6
  By Edward - April 16 - 7:07 pm

  This vehicle is a technical marvel. The only thing I am disapointed with is the harsh ride on roads with expansion joints. You can feel and hear the car hitting each one very hard. An adjustable suspension like the S class would make this A6 near perfect.

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  Surprised - 2005 Audi A6
  By Joseph Ramieri - April 9 - 1:15 pm

  Ive considered an Audi in the past but the introduction of the 335 hp V8 sold me. The car is very civil yet quick and responsive. The premium sound system is great

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  Dont Buy A6 - 2000 Audi A6
  By Rob - April 2 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this car brand new in March of 2000. It has been driven very little, only has 58,000 miles after 4 + years. It has lots of problems. The dealer service was passable at best. Recently though with only 57,000 miles, I was told I need new turbo chargers at a cost of $6,200 dollars. I was shocked and even more surpirsed to hear Audi USA they wouldnt cover any of the cost. I have owned 4 Audis previously and I will never buy another one. Its too bad because when it works, its a great car to drive. Doesnt hold value like a BMW or Mercedes.

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  Hot Black Audi A6 4.2 - 2005 Audi A6
  By John - April 1 - 11:11 pm

  This car is awesome. Its got great get up and go, all the extras are nice. The Voice Recognition system takes a little getting use to, and for some reason does not understand women well. The Bluetooth phone system in is great - make sure you have a phone compatible with the system. My Motorola V600 works real well with it - its great! Pulls up all the numbers on your SIM card, recently dialed numbers, missed calls too. The Tiptronic transmission is a lot of fun to use as a 6 speed. If you can get into this car do it!