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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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2000 Audi A6
  By barrgen - December 13 - 2:00 am

  This car was made to roll. The only words that came to mind when I test drove the A6 4.2 was,...Ultimate driving machine. Everything about this car makes it fun to drive. Pick up, power, smoothness, ergonomics and safety are awesome. I like the fact that the car isnt ostentatious. Its understated elegance and comfort without making "a statement" about what you drive.

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  Perfect handling and power - 2000 Audi A6
  By Nik - December 10 - 2:00 am

  The perfect car but unreliable, 30K mi, breaks (rotors and pads), engine and transmission seals leak, secondary cooling pump leaks, mass air flow sensor failed... the service department is slow, unresponsive and expensive.

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  Audi Encore - 2004 Audi A6
  By Jaxon - December 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my second 2.7T. I took advantage of an early lease turnback offer from Audi. I had my first one for 3 years and experienced no problems with the car. It is fun to drive, especially in tiptronic mode, and is amazing in wet and snowy conditions. I never had a wheel spinning incident in 3 years which I cant say for many front wheel drive cars I have owned in the past. This new A6 I just got feels like a tighter more refined version of my old one and the Onstar /satellite radio is really cool!

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  Very good car except needs more HP - 1999 Audi A6
  By kLiMaX - December 5 - 2:00 am

  its extremely fun to drive and handles like mostly no other!!! i just wish i can put the 2.7t engine in this car. i like the enterior better on the 2.8 then the 2.7t.

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  A real runner - 1996 Audi A6
  By d.fuz - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car with 96,000 miles. Now with nearly 225,000 it still runs very dependably, handles mountain roads daily, and produces not a single rattle nor squeak anywhere in this car. Yes, it is getting long in the tooth and some shocks were repalced as well as a transmission seal and a few interior switches have broken but the engine has been flawless. It drives comfortably, firmly & with authority on mountain roads. Climate control system is needing work again electricals. I spend 6-10 hours a day in the car as it serves as my office. I got a good one!

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  Great car! - 2003 Audi A6
  By ljb - December 4 - 2:00 am

  So, far this is a great car. I drove a bunch of BMWs, A Jag, a Lexus, etc. Some were fun (the BMW) some were soft and slow (the Jag, the Lexus, for example) and most were far more expensive, for the same features! I am very pleassed, so far. Drives great!

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  2004 Audi A6 4.2 is a thrill to own - 2004 Audi A6
  By missmolie - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the 2004 A6 4.2. It has the premium sound package, including the XM ssatellite radio system. It really goes in the snow. I had a 2001 Lexus GS430 This car is just as cushy and powerful. The interior is well laid out. All the driver info is displayed in the middle of the dash, ahead of the steering wheel. I can keep my eyes ahead and know the time and which radio station is playing. The exterior styling is graceful, but not overbearing. One caveat, If youreconsidering a built-in navigation system, get the Magellan Roadmate 700 gps unit instead. Audis unit is inferior.

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  Love the car - 2004 Audi A6
  By gregda - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I own two BMWs (540 and 328ci) and enjoy many of the features in the A6 more. I looked at the BMW 545, but was sold on the all wheel drive of the audi. Other features between BMW and Audi were comparable on whole. I love the car which is solid and fun.

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  Awesome Audi!!! - 2008 Audi A6
  By D. Wonders - November 28 - 8:15 am

  This car delivers on all counts!!! Its pricey but worth every dollar!

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  Finally! A car that exceeds expectations - 2001 Audi A6
  By Joehlers - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Benz (1998 E320), Corvettes, Olds Aurora, ... but this is the nicest car Ive ever had. A vette is a vette (tight/sporty), but this car handles better than the Benz and was more reliable than any of the 10+ new cars I have purchased. Were buying a 2004 A6!