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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  Great car when it not in the shop - 2001 Audi A6
  By mrchaseA627T - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy my A6 2.7T except that is has spent too much time in the shop. Problems arose at about 2.5 years and its last stay in the shop was 26 days waiting for a tourqe converter. I was given a loaner, a much lesser car. At end of lease I was well under the mileage limit so although I paid for the more expensive A6, part of the time I drove a stripped A4. The dealership and Audi have not been very responsive so no more Audis for me nor would I recommend the car or the dealer to others. They are not reliable.

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  My A6 - 2002 Audi A6
  By tacik - September 9 - 2:00 am

  A Fun car to drive, esspecially in the sport mode. But the fuel economy in the city is very poor.

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  Audi on the move - 2002 Audi A6
  By doug pincus - September 8 - 2:00 am

  My 2.7t A6 manual transmission is a great car. If you have the need for speed and crave the excellence of a german car this is for you. Benz, BMW and the likes better keep there engineers on the ball because Audi is coming to kick you to the curb. I would buy another Audi. this is already my 2nd Audi. Belly up to the line and let rock!

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  Could have been a contender... - 2001 Audi A6
  By harrydirt8 - September 8 - 2:00 am

  This car has a solid and subtle design. The interior is laid out well with exception to the climate control. Performance is also exceptional with the factory performance package and overall features are above average. Warranty and scheduled service was handled professionally and efficiently. That said, the implementation of the so- called solid design is extremely poor. Based on the number of trips to the dealer for serious defects and warranty service and recalls, I give a very low reliability rating for this car and I would never buy another Audi again.

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  A6 Wagon - 2000 Audi A6
  By Bag - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Very useful car, holds a ton of stuff, especially if you add a roof rack. A bit underpowered at 200 HP, but adequate if you dont do a lot of hill driving. Great for kids, safe and reliable. Interior is superb for a car of this price.

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  Great Car - 2000 Audi A6
  By Conejito - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my A6. Very attractive exterior design. The inside is luxurious and spacious. Much more storage space than the BMW 5 series. I highly recommend it.

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  A6 Owner - 2004 Audi A6
  By cnjstewart - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely LOVE this car! You have to test drive it before you buy anything else. It handles extremely well, no surprise since Audi is traditionally a racing car. Total luxury inside and out, smooth ride, and great value overall.

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  Audi Lack of Assurance - 1999 Audi A6
  By lkjl - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Car has been great with minor problems until 90k. Brought the car into the dealership for its last checkup and they found all sorts of leaks and guess what Audi Assured said. Sorry......we cant cover them. I am very disappointed because until now I was a big fan. I would not recommend this car or company to anyone

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  Why is Audi overlooked by so many? - 2001 Audi A6
  By DWPC - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Im completing 4 years driving my A6 2.7T, and can easily rate as the best car Ive ever had, including two E- Class Mercedes. Its been utterly flawless, dealer service is excellent, is both fun and luxurious to drive, offers strong V8-like performance. As my lease end neared, I checked out new several cars. NO car Ive driven matched the A6 balance of drivability, comfort, and luxury...so Im keeping it.

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  the b review - 2004 Audi A6
  By the b - August 24 - 2:00 am

  this car runs great. although mileage in not good on side roads, freeway mileage is great.