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 a great car! - 2000 Audi A6
  By satisfied driver - January 31 - 4:26 pm

  Audi A6 is a great vehicle. It drives like a dream, and the cornering is superb. This car is a must to test drive in all situations. If you test drive this vehicle you will own one!!

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  What a Car - 2001 Audi A6
  By Fadi - January 4 - 3:48 pm

  Ive had absolutely no complaints since purchasing my 2001 Audi A6 2.8 quattro Sedan a little over four months ago. The driving is superb for any weather, especially Chicagos cold and harsh winters. The leather seats fit me comfortably, and the Bose sound system blows me away. What a car!

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  Great Car, Great Price - 2001 Audi A6
  By Pleased 2nd Owner - January 2 - 8:43 pm

  I picked up my 2001 Audi A6 4.2 at a used car dealership that takes in a lot of off lease Audis. My A6 has the sport package which I highly reccommend. I was afraid of buying this car after reading about the reliability issues on several sites but the dealer gave a nice bumper to bumper warranty. I do not regret my decision to buy this car! I love it.

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  Best Kept Secret in Luxury Autos - 2004 Audi A6
  By Anthony Hunt - December 31 - 9:48 pm

  The Audi A6 3.0 is designed for speed and comfort. The car handles quite well on curves and seems to hug to road. Its color combinations are great --- I have the bluish grey exterior with the black leather interior. I love the bose radio/CD. The sound is lush and can be cranked up without a loss of clarity. The instrument panel looks great. With everything within reach. The gas pedal and the brake are a little too close together and causes a promblem with this size 11 foot. That is the only negative I have about the car. Wheels are alloy and look great when shined up. I also have the tiptronic transmission which gives you extra acceleration. This car definitely compares favorably with BMW.

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  Affordable Luxury - 1998 Audi A6
  By Mark D - December 27 - 1:30 pm

  I purchased my 1998 Audi A6 pre-owned with 85,000 miles on it. I read lots of reviews before purchasing and was concerned with reliability issues. However, after a test drive I fell in love with the A6 and bought it anyway. Now a year and 28,000 miles later Im still very pleased with the car.

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  All about the Design - 1997 Audi A6
  By Daniel V. Payer - December 20 - 6:46 am

  The two main reasons I picked my 97 Audi A6 were its AWD and the exterior design. I live in Idaho and like to ski. This car goes up the mountains with no problem. And looks great downtown. I didnt like the look of the 1998 models coming out. The 97 A6 is flatter, not so rounded like every other car on the market. More like a race car. The exterior design was what really excited me about the car. Oh, and the black color. Very cool.

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  Last car - 2016 Audi A6
  By Doll - December 16 - 10:20 pm

  Explore all discounts

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  RIDICULOUS ride - 2000 Audi A6
  By Nik - December 16 - 7:19 pm

  Ive owned this car for almost a year now, and I drive it every day. I STILL get excited every time I drive it. The handling is incredible - I take 35 mph turns at 70 mph with ease. The 6-spd manual is a MUST- HAVE. I got this car for the value, options, and just because I love Audis. Its no exotic car like a Ferrari, but it STILL draws the attention anywhere I drive it.

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  What you really need to know before you buy - 2016 Audi A6
  By Frank - December 12 - 10:13 am

  I have two major issues with the A6. First is the extremely annoying stop-start of the engine each time you stop the car for a traffic light, stop sign, heavy traffic, etc. You can turn off the feature if you remember to do so each time you get into the car, but you will often forget. Even with the feature turned off you can "feel" the engine thinking of turning off. I absolutely hate this feature and will not buy another vehicle with it. The second issue relates to the very low feature of the tires. There are only a few inches between the road and rim. Ive had two blow outs because of the narrow space between road and rim. One blowout was from hitting a curb and another from a pot hole. Both situations would not have happened with regular height tires. At about $300 a replacement, this is a very expensive problem.

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  just got it - 2005 Audi A6
  By kennys001 - December 1 - 1:46 am

  My 2005 Audi A6 3.2 drives very well, even in the snow we have been getting. The features are not very intuitive (I had to read the entire manual + the MMI guide). Once familiar with the cockpit, I am sure the car will be great. Stylistically, I like the new design. The car feels bigger than my 2002 A6. Even the headlights are sophisticated. The full screen Navigation is a better system than previous editions. I also like the fact that the entire country is on one DVD versus the previous systems multiple discs and lack of a screen.