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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  Go with a Lexus - 2001 Audi A6
  By JennAudiDriver - November 26 - 5:06 pm

  The Audi is indeed a sexy sleek beautiful machine but the maintenance is a nightmare. From the dash lights to the creeky noise of the steering wheel (that Audi still cant identify), water pumps and the wear and tear of the "aluminum" shifter plate. Id say that the maintenance money could be better spent. I came from a 1995 Lexus ES 300 with160,000 miles on it that still ran like a champ. My 2001 A6 has been to Audi twelve times now for warranty work. I have spent more time in the loaner car. Just my advice - you dont see many on the road for a reason..... Good luck.

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  Fix the electrics! - 1999 Audi A6
  By jamccann - November 17 - 3:01 pm

  My 1999 Audi A6 Sedan is fun to drive, but is slow off the line unless you use the tiptronic shifter in first gear and stomp on it. The ride is soft for hard driving but very comfortable. The power options crap out and nit pick you too death. Basically I like the car though.

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  Never Again - 2000 Audi A6
  By Hunter S - November 17 - 12:04 am

  My 2000 Audi A6 2.7T Sedan was probably a candidate for a "lemon law" return. I have NEVER had so many problems with a vehicle and when I finally got rid of it I got clobbered on the resale value. Im back in a BMW and couldnt be happier!

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  Sporty and responsive, but UNRELIABLE - 2003 Audi A6
  By Racer_X - November 15 - 6:01 pm

  My final 2 test drives in 2002 came down to a choice between the BMW 530i and the Audi A6 2.7T. As most buyers who will read this review are already aware, every option on a new BMW is "a la carte", and the price tag really starts to add up as you add options to support its claim of being a "luxury performance sedan". Because a similarly configured Audi was about $5,000 less and had very comparable performance, I went with the A6. I now rue the day I made that compromise. Although the driving performance has lived up to expectations, the Audis reliability has NOT. After 6 trips to the shop (including 2 recalls) in only 24 months of my 39 month lease, I wish I had gone with the BMW.

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  Disappointed in CT - 2001 Audi A6
  By Dgnokids - November 14 - 8:11 am

  I loved my 2006 Audi A6 for a while, but problems seem to be non stop and very expensive. I needed a replacement rediator, had a misassembled dashboard, leaking transmission and differential, all 200 miles out of warranty, (dont count on any compassion from Audi). The AWD is fabulous, the interior is just beautiful, the fold down rear seats make it a mini-ute vehicle. It was the perfect choice for me, but I am done with Audi. My replacement car will be an AWD but from a company that stands behind its cars.

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  Audis Quality is not good - 1998 Audi A6
  By pelikan - November 13 - 5:27 pm

  I bought my 1998 Audi A6 Sedan with 51,000 miles on it and had numerous probelms. I Spent over $2,000 to fix things that should not occur in a car with 52k miles, including a new axle, head light washer, water pump, leakign oil seals, electonic display, etc...

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  So far so Good! - 2003 Audi A6
  By Grad - November 9 - 12:08 pm

  Recently purchased a 2003, 2.7T A6. The car is so much fun to drive. Very glad that I purchased this car rather than a BMW. I can not wait for snow to drive in with the quattro wheel drive. With the quattro, the fuel economy is slightly less than I am used to as I have been getting about 20mpg wwith mixed use driving.

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  Is there a shoe waiting to drop? - 2003 Audi A6
  By ILM Hogan - November 6 - 5:15 pm

  Ive had my A6 for less than a month and keep thinking to myself: "This car is too good to be true". Bought used, this was the dealers loaner car and was therefore low mileage (less than 11k) and in good shape. I agree with other comments that Audi has done a great job differentiating their autos from everything else on the road: great design, but "under the radar" in terms of flashiness and ostentation.

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  My 1st Audi A6 - 2004 Audi A6
  By Santo - November 5 - 1:15 am

  I am extremely pleased with my new A6 2.7T S Line. The car has great acceleration & you can feel the turbo kick in at 3,000 RPMS. So far I found the car very comfortable and with no problems. Like most others in these reviews I too find the cupholder to be too small. I understand Audi improved this in the new 2005 model. Handling on this car is amazing. I find the seating to be comfortable and my children really enjoy the heated seats in the back. I really like the 6 disc in-dash cd player. One last thing...the trunk is huge & with fold- down seats it has all the utility room I need. I cant wait till the snow comes down to try the AWD.

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  2002 Audi A6 3.0 Fwd Sedan - 2002 Audi A6
  By dempetro - November 4 - 6:27 pm

  I enjoy this car because it drives smoothly, has a powerful engine, (for a 6-cilinder), has an excellent Interior. I have not experienced any mechanical problems yet. My A6 has a high level of comfort for the driver and passengers.