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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  Pathetic Reliability - 2002 Audi A6
  By demoralized - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car if you want to know your service dealer really well as car is in shop over 35 days/15 months for a variety of mechanical problems, some of which can not be fixed even after 5 attempts.

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  Buy at own risk - 1998 Audi A6
  By g123 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new, and it spent more time in service or waiting for service than it did on the road. Had ~30K in warentee work done over the 3 years I had it, finally traded in for a new Honda. It was bearly running when it was traded. Really expect more from Audi, never again. It even straded me 3 times.

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  Always buy Audi or BMW or Honda - 2004 Audi A6
  By Geoge Farell - November 1 - 2:00 am

  My 7 month year old Audi rocks. With Awd it is the best car in its class. My Ford lasted 7 months. My Wifes old Audi lasted 7 years or more. I hope mine will last 25 years. Me and my wife both have the brand New Audi A6. We also have a 2 year old Ford Taurus which we bought for $25,000 and spent $45,974 fixing. Ford is the worst, and Audi is the best. I would always recomend The Audi A6 To any one!!!!!!

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  no contest! - 2002 Audi A6
  By pagalmunda - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive been an audi fanatic for over 10 years now, and my love for the cars still holds strong. The 2.7T engine is unbelievable for crusing, and for those red light launches. The xenons are great, visibility is unmatched, The bose is crisp, heated rear seats are just cool, and the engine is to die for. This is my 5th Audi in 10 years and they get better everytime!!!!

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  Awsome car to drive - 2000 Audi A6
  By Brad K - October 26 - 1:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive!!! handeling is unbeleivible it has a look that no other car has nice wide flares around the wheels better than the A8 and S4. the fit in finish on these cars is awsome... the sound system is great too. lots of trunk space we can pack alot of stuff in this baby.Awsome car!!!!

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  GREAT!! - 2004 Audi A6
  By john jacob smith - October 26 - 1:00 am

  i love the car you people have done a good job

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  My 1st Audi there will be more - 2001 Audi A6
  By na - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Comming to the end of a 3 yr lease, this was my 1st Audi. When I got it I chose it over the Mercedes E400 with all wheel drive because it met or exceeded that car feature for feature, had much better acceleration, and had the design/feel of a sports car vs. a sedan. Every button is where it should be. I actually like the simplified navigation system (taking route a turn at a time) as opposed to other digital map implementations. I never expected extra convienences like fold down rear seats to expand trunk space. Pure fun to drive alone, or chaufering others.

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  wow!! - 2003 Audi A6
  By CADA - October 25 - 2:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO DRIVE. EVEN LONG TRIPS ARE COMFORTABLE THE WHOLE WAY. ALL CONTROLS ARE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS AND MAKES THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE TERRIFIC!!

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  Great automobile - 2004 Audi A6
  By mary sloan - October 22 - 2:00 am

  A great driving 300HP car. My major complaint is city milage but it is an 8. Just a comfortable great handling automobile whit lots of power.

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  Love It! - 2000 Audi A6
  By sh - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The A6 is a great car, easily comparable to the BMW 5 series or the Mercedes E class. Test drive this before you purchase a car in this class!