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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  A Great Car! - 2005 Audi A6
  By Audi Family - March 5 - 6:16 am

  My 2005 Audi A6 3.2 is fantastic! It has exceeded my very high expectations. It is a blast to drive and even more fun in sports mode. The new lines are great and the interior is extremely comfortable.

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  Near-Perfect Car - 1998 Audi A6
  By BoulderSteve - March 2 - 2:33 pm

  Ive gone through quite a few cars in recent years, including VW Passat, Acura TL, Lexus ES300. This car beats all of them by far and yes, even purchased used. Strong engine, good fuel economy, go-anywhere AWD, luxurious interior (leather & real wood!) with everything at your fingertips, tiptronic transmission. I can ride in this car for hours w/o any backache.

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  Improved over prior model - 2005 Audi A6
  By Hohman - February 26 - 4:30 pm

  Acceleration equal to prior 2.7T without the thrill of turbo sound. Larger size of body makes for a better ride without losing great handling. I elected to avoid the sport package this time and dont regret it, much better ride without losing tight road handling and performance. Great new 6 speed automatice transmission and vastly improved navigation system.

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  A6 4.2-Pretty Good - 2001 Audi A6
  By A6 LTB - February 25 - 2:18 pm

  I last owned an A4 2.8q that was leased. I decided that I did not want to be restricted by mileage overages so we bought a CPO 2001 Audi A6 4.2. I think it is probably one of the best looking cars made and definetly the best looking Audi except for the RS6. It has a very aggressive look to it. It had the Sport package so the ride is firm but I like feeling connected to the road. It came with some pretty aggressive Yokohama 255/40/17s that are great in the dry roads but truly stink in the snow. The car could not get up a hill in our local area, so I had to back down the hill and start over. I guess the Quatro system is only as good as the tires. But for pete sake,these cost $200 a piece

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  This Car is the Best - 2005 Audi A6
  By angel - February 23 - 1:48 pm

  My 2005 Audi A6 3.2 has it all. The redesign is beautiful, luxerious, and sporty. The multi media interface is very easy to use and is one of the best features of this car. The nav system has a DVD instead of a CD. Of course the all wheel drive Quattro system is unmatchable. No other all wheel drive car compares. You just have to go drive it.

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  Had BMWs, Mercedes-Benz, why an Audi? - 2005 Audi A6
  By ray jacobs - February 19 - 2:28 pm

  Ive always liked the styling and size of the A6, but this year, 2005, took me to a new place. It is longer, wider, and the looks of a full-size sleek sedan. Ive driven the best, and feel when I enter this car, that Im in a luxury, incredibly well-fitted, well-thought out car. The trunk space is enormous, without sacrificing the interior area.

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  Audi A6 3.2 - 2005 Audi A6
  By LIY - February 19 - 9:52 am

  After debating about, driving, and obsessing on, the Acura RL, Infiniti M35x, and Lexus GS 300 AWD, I bought the Audi A6 3.2 and love it! The combination of fit, finish, features and driving fun cant be beat. Love the look and drive with the 18" wheels -the ride is firm & taut - but never unpleasant.

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  Sedan that Drives like a Sports Car - 2003 Audi A6
  By dman - February 17 - 11:40 am

  The A6 is fun to drive. I will sometimes take the "long way home" just to drive this car more. Completely happy with the car and all of the features inside and out.

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  1999 audi avant--my 6th audi--best yet! - 1999 Audi A6
  By wyogold - February 15 - 4:00 am

  great all-around, all-season automobile...comfort and poise whether driving through southern wyoming mountain passes, or down I-25 to the denver airport (unless you lose key going thru customs and have to rent a car plus shell out $187 for new laser- cut key)...overall a great automobile that I still enjoy driving...

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  Amazing Car! - 2001 Audi A6
  By Zimman - February 15 - 2:00 am

  This car does it all. The quattro system and twin turbo engine combine to provide an amazing level of everyday performance. Ours has been dead reliable, and the free scheduled maintenance is a great perk. Its even something of a bargain, compared to other cars in its class. We tried all the usual suspects (530i, E320 4Matic, GS430) and found that this one had an unbeatable combination of virtues with few drawbacks. We have enjoyed every mile, and I still look back at the car when I walk away - is that love, or what? ;-) Oh, and one more thing - the 2 people who suggested that this car is slow and soft obviously DIDNT drive a 2.7T. 0-60 in 6.6 is FAST in anybodys language....