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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  GREAT!!! - 2003 Audi A6
  By Rod Doede - September 19 - 2:00 am

  After 10 months and nearly 15,000 miles I am very satisfied with my overall experience with The Audi Quattro A6. There have been a few minor problems which were quickly handled by my dealer (great job - under warranty) but these were quirkly things like a blinker switch, etc. , nothing mechanical. The performance is great, the styling is great - clean lines - and will never go out of style. Real wood trim and a fit and finish that is second to none will keep me happy for a long time.

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  Result of my shopping - 2000 Audi A6
  By Alien - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Great breaking. Outstanding internal material quality. Nice strong engine, but it doesnt live up to Mitsu 3000GT Turbo I once had. Very well designed trunk (lotsa space). Smooth yet tight ride after 55K. It runs better than my dads brand-new Volvo. Had to replace tiptronik electro plate for $800. Wish I didnt have to deal with a dealer (waiting list was 3 weeks). Chose the car over BMW, Acura, Infin, and Lexus GS300 (came closest but not good enough).

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  nice - 2000 Audi A6
  By tennismiller - September 11 - 2:00 am

  i love this car, it is all i need

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  Great car but poor reliability for price - 2000 Audi A6
  By dardman - September 10 - 2:00 am

  In addition to 3 gas-guage, a front bumper and some other recall, leaking windshield washer, and a broken mirror switch all under warranty, the Check Engine light came on at 51,000 miles. Surprise: both catalytic converters are shot (covered), and the tranny and main rear seals are leaking (not covered, $1300). My one concern before buying an Audi was their poor reputation for build quality, which improved in the 1990s so I took a chance on the long-term mechanical reliability. I love driving this car but for the price it is not nearly reliable enough and weve only had it for 3 1/2 years.

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  Audi Lemon - 2003 Audi A6
  By minime11 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Had car 1 month in shop for complete electrical failure, windows, security system, rear warning system, sunroof, etc. Over the next 11 months, car was in shop for same problem for a total of 20 days out of service. Local dealer had no idea how to repair problem. Audi corp refused to acknowledge our existence. Finally found BBB Autoline arbitration. Met with arbitor and explained problem. Audi did not bother to show up for meeting, only faxed statement saying do not replace vehicle. Arbitor found in our favor and now awaiting Audi to repurchase vehicle so we can say goodbye to their product forever. Beware.

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  A year after the honeymoon, still sexy! - 2001 Audi A6
  By Psyber - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I came from a 2000 Passat 1.8T. I loved the Passat and had it not been for the Chrome trim and taller greenhouse, I might have gone with the B5.5 model Passat. But the A6 seemed to tie it together better than both the Passat and the A4. The car has got looks, more than enough power for civilized driving, plenty of room in a shiek cabin, and the road manners of a locomotive- meaning it sticks! In good weather its nice with the roof open and Bose stereo up, but this car even makes bad weather fun to drive in. Comfortable, stable/predictable, solid, etc... I knew this coming into the relationship, and I have not been let down yet.

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  A6 2.7T 6 spd - 2000 Audi A6
  By Puma128 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car, great power and very smooth, good gas mileage to boot. The twin turbo deliervers more low end torque than the 4.2 V8. Lots of nice features. And if you want more power (not that you need it in this car) you can get alot more power via performance chip.

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  Great Car..My 4th Audi - 2000 Audi A6
  By BOBDallas - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best Audi I have owned (my 4th). Cant beat the quattro experience. The acceration is adequate and highway crusing is its specialty. No issues with reliabiltiy.

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  Executive Rocketship - 2003 Audi A6
  By Scott F - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Im 65, so the first hoop to jump in any car is height and legroom. I could wear a cowboy hat in my A6. If I put the seat all the way rearward, I cant push the clutch in far enough. Theres still room in the back seat, too. It drives like its on rails, and so fast and quiet you really have to pay attention or itll get away from you. Oh, yes. A smoooooth ride, a luxury feel, and more performance than Im qualified to push.

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  WOW - This car is the big secret - 2003 Audi A6
  By jcoffey10 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun fast and beautiful. The interior is so nice I feel like I should move into the back seat! Powering through turns with confidence with the quattro AWD is something that the BMW freaks cannot begin to understand (traded a BMW 535IS). Stopping power and cornering traction are incredible. How does BMW gets the hype from the media while ignoring the 2.7T 6 speed. Those in the know will take this car hands down. More room than a 330I or 530I , a world better traction, faster 0-60 time, nicer interior, solid warranty. I have had no problems except for two burned tail bulbs. We like this car: My wife traded her SUV for an Audi A-6 Avant.