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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  2005 Audi A6 Nightmare - 2005 Audi A6
  By Darrell Brown - February 14 - 8:17 pm

  I purchased the 2005 A6 on 11/22/04. It has been the absolute worst car purchase Ive ever made. Since the purchase I had a total of 5 separate issues, including issues with the seats, loud engine noise, car needing to warm up when first starting, and both front seats shaking and rattling. While everyone at the dealership is professional, there is a level of defensiveness that exists. Their first reaction is that there is nothing wrong with the car, its the driver. Ive had 7 cars in the last 10 years and Ive never experienced these many issues. The worst part is that the customer advocates in Mich are unresponsive & not helpful. I wrote to the VP on 1/3. No response

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  My First Audi - 2005 Audi A6
  By Major - February 13 - 10:34 am

  Lots of comfort for a family of 5. The smooth ride and elegant design steams 100% luxury. Electronics are ideally positioned (better than Mercedes). Plenty of truck space. I feel protected with the advanced safety features. Small discomforts are engine sounds during quick acceleration on highway and 2nd cupholder under armrest. This will NOT be my only great-looking Audi.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Audi A6
  By CWise - February 12 - 11:55 pm

  From the day that I picked this baby up I was impressed with the look and power of the 4.2L V8 engine. As a sedan this is my first Audi and first V8 engine in a sedan. I have tested many cars of course and this is far the best. I love the feature of the navigation, very easy to use, Bose Audio System even better then my 150,000 Porsche, and love the fact that you dont need to start with the key. But a little odd that you cant open the passenger door without the key. Anyway the car is beautiful and I would heartily recommend this car.

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  Excellent - 2003 Audi A6
  By Cheeps - February 10 - 3:18 pm

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned. The quality and workmanship blows away Mercedes and BMW. We only visit the dealership for scheduled service and car washes.

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  Worst car we have ever owned - 1999 Audi A6
  By ezondag - February 10 - 12:34 am

  We purchased our 1999 Audi A6 with 3,000 miles on it (it was a dealer demo). We drove it to 69,000 miles and had to make the following repairs: recalls new fuel indicator 2x, blinker system, new radiator, waterpump, break discs 2x, front rocker arms. Some of this work was done under warrenty. At the last oil change ($62) we were told the transmission was leaking and it needed new torsion arms or something (again) The repair bill would be $1,700. I own a Toyota with 266,000 miles on it and never repaired any of the above. We retired the Audi and bought another Toyota. We saw similar Audis on Ebay, selling for $8,000!

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  This is unbelievable - 2005 Audi A6
  By Carnutty - February 9 - 8:03 pm

  The 2005 Audi A6 4.2 rocks my socks. I love the way it drives and feels. And the A8 engine is great in a smaller car. It goes 0-62.1 mph is 6.25 seconds. You gotta give Audi some real credit there.

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  Wow! Nice Car! - 1997 Audi A6
  By NMiller - February 9 - 3:05 pm

  I picked up my 1997 Audi A6 with 93,000 miles on it. I changed the timing belt and water pump (now ready for 75,000 more miles or whatever Audi recommends), rear calipers (hand brake portion rusted), popped in 6 CDs in the CD changer, and thats it. The sun roof needs to be rebuilt ($500), but it works OK if you dont go all the way to the rear. This car screams in snow! Wow! I went over 105,000 miles on recent trip to the Appalichian Mountains, got a flat tire, and didnt even know it on the hard turns, etc., for about 25 miles (not recommended). Afterwords, the tire was ok. Highly recommend HS Michelin all season tires. They are a great match!

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  Audi A6 - 1999 Audi A6
  By jim - February 7 - 8:22 pm

  My 1999 Audi A6 is a pleasure. It is smooth, quiet, and handles well on winding roads. It is a bit sluggish from stops though. It has comfortable seating in the front and rear. Its fun to drive in the snow. What a great looking car.

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  High maintenance - 1999 Audi A6
  By George Burnetz - February 6 - 10:20 pm

  I bought a 1999 Audi A6 as certified vehicle with a two year warranty. One month before the warranty went up, the water pump went out while I was doing 80 mph on a trip out of town. The pump went out causing the engine to lock up and timing belt to come off. After all was said and done (6 weeks later), the costs for repair was around $15,000. I searched for warranties to extend the car from 60,000 miles to 100,000 miles but the cheapest I could find was $2,000. I chose not to get one because I didnt think I would spend that much in repairs. Shortly after, the alternator went out costing $500. The whole front bumper and radiator has to be removed to get to it. Its almost impossible to do repairs yourself and finding an independent repair shop is just as hard.

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  wow! - 2005 Audi A6
  By ek - February 5 - 10:49 am

  My 2005 Audi A6 absolutely rocks! I had planned on buying a Porsche Cayenne and decided to test drive the A6 while at the dealership. They have made so many improvements to this car! We already own an older A6 and this car is NOTHING like it! So... long story short.... we fell in love and traded our BMW in for an A6 and it was the best decision! Drive one.... you will be amazed!