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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  graet car to drive - 2000 Audi A6
  By HR - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive, especially on ling stretches. I am 62 and have no problems. Great traction with Quatro. Minor problems. Bought extended warranty. Audi service is very professional. Would buy again, buit gettinr very expensive.

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  disappointed - 2004 Audi A6
  By easton striker - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is a fine car, however I have been extremely disappointed with the service department at audi. The feeling I got is that we are there for them, instead of them being here for us. The wait time 55 minutes to hand them my keys was unacceptable. This is my 2nd 2.7t. The radio reception has been a major let down. I receive nothing but static on the strongest signals from the NY market

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  Just an Overpriced Volkswagen - 1998 Audi A6
  By rar - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Loved this car when bought used in 2000. Unfortunately, vehicle appears to be jinxed. Has been in for repairs way too many times. Washer fluid tank leaked. Instrument panel has been replaced onced before and needs to be replaced again due to LED fading. Transmission blew out at about 70k miles. Now leaks oil. Good thing I purchased after-market extended warranty, which I wouldnt normally do (wife talked me in to it). Ill never purchase another Audi again and advised others not to either.

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Audi A6
  By lwhite - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Problems from day one on this A6. Had to get the tranmission control reprogrammed because excelleration was non-existant in Drive mode (Sport & TipTronic was fine.) Two weeks w/o car. Have had brakes/rotors adjusted or replaced 4 times (only 17K on it to date) and it still sounds like a school bus when I come to a stop. Audi says that is normal - right! Now I need to get some red flashers and paint it yellow. Power Steering fluid leaked out almost totally, window motors had to be replaced, tires vibrated constantly on highway, and it goes on. If this was a 9K car, maybe I could understand it, but its a 42K car - No Excuse. I miss my ES-300.

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  Simply the best and getting better - 2004 Audi A6
  By Happy A6er - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Why spend $15,000 more for the 540i? The A6 2.7 Quattro is truly the driving enthusiasts sport sedan. Beamers are everywhere -- kids are driving them to school for Peets sake. The Quattro A6 will open the door to a whole new driving experience Dont you owe it to yourself for all those years of hard work and dealing with lifes ups and downs. Reward yourself like I did. This is the car of the decade!!

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  The best car I have owned - 2000 Audi A6
  By bettedon - February 2 - 2:00 am

  The most fun car I have ever owned, beating 66 Barracuda and 90 Reatta. Havent begun to test the performance limits since I mostly abide by the law, but it takes corners awesomely. An amazing thing to me- mass flow detector and related items malfunctioned after 60000 mile warranty expired, I replaced. A few months ago Audi offered an extended warranty for this, easy way to reply. I banked the $515 check this week. Any other manufacturer doing this?

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  Great Driving Car - 2002 Audi A6
  By Dpedersen - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I have my 2002 A6 2.7T for 18 months now, and have loved every minute of it. There has been some concerns notes elsewhere about Audi reliability, so far the only trouble I have had was a bad windshield wiper (fixed for $0 of course). It is fun to drive, handles great (even in snow) and has a fantastic interior (looks great in the dark).

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  Two year report - 2004 Audi A6
  By Bernie1 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  The car is a pleasure to drive. I am many decades past the age of squealing tires and stop light races but I like a nimble responsive car. This is a refined classy vehicle. Plenty of power. Understated elegance.

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  Great Car - 2000 Audi A6
  By Rare Tampa AudiOwner - January 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned several cars from SAABs to Hondas to Acuras and by far, the engineering in the Audi is far superior to all the cars Ive owned. There is no shortage of safety features in this car and theyve thought of most convenience features in this package.

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  Quattro - 1997 Audi A6
  By Fs2 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  The 1997 Audi a6 is a weather monster perform perfect with the "Quattro" awd system and no 1 can do it better than audi. Has a great fight at the red line