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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  What a great car - 2004 Audi A6
  By Florida Driver - November 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. The CVT makes it a quick vehicle. The vehicle is very stable at all speeds. Road noise is minimal and you have to be careful or you will find yourself well over the speed limit. Workmanship is excellent and the German engineers have put a lot of functionality into this model. Its a much better value than the BMW 5 series, not to mention Mercedes Benz. A German automobile and a very reasonable price.

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  Too bad they dont make an A8 wagon! - 1998 Audi A6
  By mrburb - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Weve had gasket and seal issues, but they seem to have been resolved. Electrical is not the greatest, and rear seat legroom is tight - especially for a bunch of tall people. Those things aside, this is the most balanced, smoothest, most well- engineered car weve owned. It is a joy to drive - even if it is a wagon - though a little more power would be nice. If only it were a little bigger...

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  fast 2.7t - 2004 Audi A6
  By srur54a - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car to play with. I installed an aftermarket chip in the 2.7t and it flys. Also installed Euopean spec audi nav plus system. Best interior out of any car in its class (or above for that matter.) Good reliability. Any problems I have had are minor and covered under warrenty. A lot of car for the money. A bargain but not a bargain car. Cant bring myself to spend a few thousand more for BMW or MB. 4 wheel drive rocks! I really enjoy this car. It may not corner like a BMW but I dont take corners at 60mph. Great muscle car with lux abound. Perfect for American drivers. Cup holders are a little small.

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  Love my Audi - 2001 Audi A6
  By cbelden - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Not since my 89 Acura Legend have I driven a car theat cost me so little in repairs. The car has been completely reliable, so much so I fully expect to get the next version A6 when it comes out in 2004.

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  DRIVE ON A CLOUD - 2004 Audi A6
  By MOGSPEK - November 17 - 2:00 am

  THE CVT IS THE SMOOTHEST, SEAMLESS, GREAT TRANSMISSION. FEELS LIKE YOUR IN THE RIGHT GEAR ALL-THE-TIME. NO DOWNSHIFTS.

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  My A6 - 2003 Audi A6
  By kbstets - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my A6 for 3 months, but so far, so good. It is very comfortable, rides very nice. Sporty, but wish I had gotten the 2.7L Turbo for more HP & torque. The "Sport" transmission & tiptronic help that a bit. Passengers have commented on how roomy the car is, more room inside than you would think. Classy interior, like with the wood-grain and leather. Im anxious to see how the Quattro handles Nebraska winters. Only glitch has been a small electrical problem with the remote door locks, but easily fixed.

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  Great Car - 2000 Audi A6
  By Rick Traskos - November 10 - 2:00 am

  The 2.7 is a fun car to drive. Plenty of pep and holds the road like a tiger. Now if they could just get that wonderful Bose radio system to get better reception, that would make the car just about perfect.

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  No Complaints - 2001 Audi A6
  By Frankcusfa - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned SAABs, Volvos, MBs and BMWs, but this is the finest automobile I have ever owned. A couple of problems in the beginning, but AUDI fixed with no hesitations (including replacing brake pads at 14K and entire clutch assembly).

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  FUN CAR - 2002 Audi A6
  By RickyB - November 7 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR HANDLES GREAT. A VERY SMOOTH RIDE AND A GREAT AMOUNT OF POWER. THE UPPER LEVEL A6S ARE ONLY ABOUT A 1/2 SEC. FASTER 0-60. LOVE THE CVT TRANSMISSION WHEN IT IS USED RIGHT AND INTERESTING AT OTHER TIMES. ALREADY HAD TO BEREPLACED AT 10000K,LUCKILY UNDER WARRANTY.NOISEY SUNROOF WHEN CLOSED ALL YEAR ROUND. OTHERWISE GREAT CAR.

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  Very happy - 2000 Audi A6
  By DMH - November 5 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I have owned Audi cars for 20 years. He currently drives the S8 I love this car. I am the original owner and have had no problems with it. I had problems with previous Audis but this one I ordered custom. Perhaps that made a difference or maybe they have finally addressed a few of their quality issues.