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:

• 

  Loosens up & too expensive to maintain! - 2001 Audi A6
  By tonyde - April 12 - 2:00 am

  We are faced with putting $5K of routine maintenance into this disappointing ride. Turbos clogged, oil leaks, suspension problems, etc. It was billed to us as a family sedan w/ some pick-up-and-go. I had no idea it would be more expensive to fix than a porsche. Next time, Ill just buy one of those instead. Also, the car drives much looser now, compared to my E320 Benz. Audi can keep its line of products for the gear heads.

• 

  1999 A6 - 1999 Audi A6
  By Rus - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought it with 18000 on it,now its 57000,no problem whatsoever .At first I thought I stepped "down" after driving 93 740I for awhile.Perfomance felt kinda "sluggish".Then I realised than if U leave transmission in the 4 position there is not much difference between either two.I switch in D only on freeway,as soon as speedo shows 80. Works for me.I do most of the cars out of holeshot.Torgue is not what the number says,its how and when it delivered.

• 

  I LOVE this Car!!! - 2000 Audi A6
  By belsico - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I am not a huge car buff and usually cant tell the difference from one to the next. The Audi A6 caught my eye with its sleek lines -- after taking it for a test drive, I was sold. The steering and handling is extremely tight, so you feel like you are really driving. It was amazing in the snow as well. I almost felt like I was driving on dry pavement even though there was 5 inches of snow on the road. When I took the car into my mechanic, he found it in excellent shape and was very pleased at the purchase (I was a regular with my old Lexus). Overall, I highly recommend this car -- a beauty that is fun to drive!

• 

  Great Car Great Value - 1998 Audi A6
  By Raymondz - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love with this car from DAY 1, Now is about Day 3, Only got better -

• 

  Audi My new First Choice - 1998 Audi A6
  By Nradical - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 4 Years, and Am now about to buy the A4, and trade this car in. 4yrs - 120k miles on the car, Still Drives and Handles the same way i bought it, The ride is very Luxorious Highway is Perfect, smooth and Never gets boring with this car. I recomend it.

• 

  Unbelivable Quality - 1998 Audi A6
  By JohnJaylayer - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Silly Ride, and Handling - LIke a Spider crawling Through the Roads, Grips roads with LOVE. Pure Luxury at an Affordable PRICE.

• 

  A6 Class B Luxury Affordable Relaible - 1998 Audi A6
  By AudiFan48 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car about a year ago. Heard many electrical problems with the car, And it said it was very UN- Relaible.. NOT TRUE! Had a Minor window problem, Connection Got loose, My mech tells me this happens a lot with these cars. Only Problem, and the car is driven RUFF. Has 100k On it now, Drove 25k Miles - Very smooth Ride.

• 

  Audi 2.7 s-line - 2004 Audi A6
  By Mr. Les - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I just traded my 3.0 A6 2003 for a new 2004 A6 2.7 s-line. I really liked my 3.0 but I love my 2.7 The acceleration and handling is just outstanding. The spoiler is just what was needed to finish the rear end. Too top it off, the quattro is awesome. By the way, the 9 spoke wheels are handsomely crafted. The braking is great. I would highly recommend the s-line to any car enthusiast.

• 

  nice "looking" car - 1999 Audi A6
  By firefighterlfd - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I love the interior. Heated steering wheel, front and rear seats. I only have 38,000 and the front stunts squeek. I had to change the water pump and thermostat $700 and the front fight CV boot $200 in less than a year. Seems like there would be a warranty for this type of vehical but nope 3 yr 40000.

• 

  Great car... not with the service - 2000 Audi A6
  By 00AUDIA6 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The car itself is decent, the Quattro does an excellent job in a Maine winter, but the quality from there on out drops. The rear cupholders both broke in December 02. We have yet to hear back from the dealer who is ordering the parts. Vehicle is safe, was in a minor accident and we did not feel anything, but we sent it to the dealership, and they fixed the rear bumper... with a dent in the front bumper. Way to go for quality control. Car has had many service problems, and dealers service has been unsatisfactory