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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  Audi Repeat - 2004 Audi A6
  By mbedoc - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Had 2001 A-6 quattro 2.8 with 54000 miles and liked the car very much. When I saw a new 2004 4.2 quattro at the dealer, I couldnt turn down the deal. It also had satellite radio which I enjoy. The car has plenty of power and the handling expected from an upscale German car. I have no complaints and it is a blast to drive. My only problem is keeping my 18 yr old son away from it.

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  Beautiful Wagon - 1999 Audi A6
  By Audi Girl - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Without a doubt, the Audi A6 Avant is a stunning car to look at. Although I didnt have many problems with it, it is now out of warranty and Im getting rid of it before it attacks me in the wallet. Too expensive to fix and I fear a transmission problem developing ("clunking" at 70+ mph. Have had to replace the tires twice in 3 years and I keep losing trim pieces: cupholders fall apart and the cover on the headlight washers have fallen of, while driving, 4 times and Ive had to replace them. It is a lovely vehicle, but dont keep it past its warranty!

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  Awesome Ride - 1997 Audi A6
  By guzinta - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. Its like a rock on the road. Extremely comfortable, ample power, very good handling in all types of weather. Very smooth shifting (auto trans). My only complaint is the location of the cup holder.

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  Great drive bad reliability - 2000 Audi A6
  By b williams - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used in October 2003 with 30k. In one month I have replace brakes, roters (and they still squeek, Repaired many cabin rattles, and need to replace leeky valve cover gaskets. The car is fun to drive but I wished I had not bought it.

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  Extremely Poor Quality and Service - 2002 Audi A6
  By C. Del Rosario - January 22 - 2:00 am

  My car has only 14,800 miles and has been in for repairs 4 times due to a variety of reasons- catl conv (twice), ignition coils, and stereo system going out completely. Unfortunately, the service departments and Audi policies are NOT what you would expect of a luxury car dealer. Our other family car is a Lexus (similar class, type) and we have received excellent service from the service dept, always gotten a Lexus loaner, and never been brought in for repairs. I bought an Audi expecting a high level of quality and service and unfortunately have not come close to my expectations.

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  I love my car - 2004 Audi A6
  By nicejams - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought it and havent touched another car ever since it would be like cheating. I love it all I can say is test drive this car you will love it to.

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  Great when running - 1998 Audi A6
  By Whaleya2 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is very fun to drive, however things keep breaking. The car has 32K on it and in the last 12 months I have spent over $4,000 on repairs. Some I did some repairs myself and others I took to an independent shop or the dealer. Since this review is limited to 700 characters I cant even begin to list the problems

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  Winter driving - 2004 Audi A6
  By Sondra - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best car I have driven in tough winter conditions here in Minnesota. I have previously always used SUVs, but will never go back to one again. I also appreciate the XFM radio standard in this vehicle. The heated car seats activate very quickly.

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  2002 A6 2.7 T - 2002 Audi A6
  By LindaJ - January 16 - 2:00 am

  My second Audi. Love it in the snowy Northeast Winters. Handles great, with superior pickup in all conditions. Fun, while safe, to drive.

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  Better Than Any Other - 2004 Audi A6
  By rrushing - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I had an 98 A4 and loved it. Traded for a 00 Lexus GS300 4 mnths ago and liked it, but had to go back to the Audi. Drove the A6 2.7T and fell in love w/ it. Audi makes the best cars (great performance w/ luxury style). Best car in the market under $80k. You have power, performance, and tight (but not too tight) suspension.