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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  4TH Audi - 2004 Audi A6
  By EDDOC - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Great handling and performance. Well put together. No problems so far. Last Audi 2001 A6 2.7 had routine service and no problems over 45K miles.

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  Still love it after 6 yrs & $$ to keepup - 1998 Audi A6
  By Rick Parker - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive admired Audi vehicles since the 80s and fell in love with the 98 A6 styling, particularily the interior. I felt secure with the 4 yr 60k warranty but was still disappointed in the numerous trips back to the dealer for electrical (info panel on instrument display, window lift motors), interior hardware, and engine issues (fuel injectors, washer reservoir leaks, oil leak - valve cover and main engine seal). I also had to replace the front bumper cover (Audi reinbursed) due to it continuously catching on curbs. But the last two years have been relatively trouble free and it still is a joy to drive and my 15 year old sons friend think its really cool. I do too!

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  Audi comfort and safety - 2004 Audi A6
  By kalhank - October 19 - 2:00 am

  We first experienced the Quattro as a company car in Toronto, ON. We noticed that we could safely drive our Audi in the winter when BMW and Mercedes owners were not able to make it up hills in a city where snow removal is done after most of the storm has passed. We love the cockpit and the comfortable seats for highway driving. The A6 is a great balance between road feel and smooth ride. The Audi is a must drive if you are shopping in this price range.

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  Audi A6 2.7T - 2001 Audi A6
  By Dallyup52 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Great car, comfort and road hanling all in one package.

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  first audi - 2001 Audi A6
  By maurizio - October 11 - 2:00 am

  The audi a6 4.2 is a great car in any weather and is extermly good for small road trips. The quattro actually pulls you through turns and the v8 is very responsive. I would definitly recommend the audi a6 4.2 to anyone.

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  Audi A6 4.2 Quattro - 2000 Audi A6
  By Nate Affleck - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Have had numerous issues with upper and lower control arms. Something to consider is the enormous costs because of the Audi name and the German parts every little things costs an arm and a leg. All in all I believe this to be a lemon.

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  Fun Until...... - 1998 Audi A6
  By NOMOREAUDI - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, like all Audis. Great for the driver, better for the mechanic! Engine started leaking oil at 30K Miles. Check engine light went on at 45K miles because of a recall related item. ABS went out at 70K miles. The electrical system blows bulbs all the time. Spotty build quality + German mechanics = no money left at the end of the day.

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  Beats BMW/Volvo - 2004 Audi A6
  By Dutchgirl - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Only 2wks but love this car! Drove BMW 525 (same price range) and was NOT impressed. Would have to spend more $$$ for a 545 to match the HP and perf. of of the 2.7S. Heavenly cabin w/quality materials, tight build and responsive handling.

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  Not For the "Me Too" Crowd - 2004 Audi A6
  By Audi Guy - September 21 - 2:00 am

  My Audi A6 S Line 2.7t Quattro is a stand-out car in all respects. Its interior and exterior both scream uniqueness, sport-luxury and quality. This is my second Audi A6 and the 04 is better than my 01. Ive got all the get-up-and-go I could ever need for over-taking and freeway merging and the Quattro 4 wheel drive provides that extra road handeling competence that you just have to personally experience to fully appreciate. I mean slot-car like road holding around corners. When you punch the gas, the torque just keeps pulling and pulling and before you know it, youre just going too damn fast!

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  Fun, sexy, fast, and still practical! - 2004 Audi A6
  By rjm98119 - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive really enjoyed this car so far. It drives great, its very quick and sporty when you want it, yet can be very civil for daily commuting. When you add AWD to the mix, I dont think theres a comparison at this level. Not to mention its beautiful and has an understated sexiness BMW and MB dont have. The only quibbles are a few squeaks/rattles that had to be ironed out, the seats are a little too firm, and the sound system isnt the best in class. Those things aside, I love this thing. Ive test driven everything from a Corvette to a BMW M3, and things in between... this thing has the best of all worlds. Best car purchase in 10 years.