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:

• 

  Awsome Car - 2003 Audi A6
  By jredwinger - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is everything you want and more. once you get past the hot design of the exterior, sitting in the front seat is the best. the control panel is a very hot and easy to use design. from the air conditioner to the fold in mirrors this car was made for good times. the drive is great it is very smooth and its a pretty powerful car. the best part is you can have your friends in the car because the back seat and the truck are amazingly huge. im 6-3 couldnt fit in a bmw 3 series or an a4 so i tried the a6 out. i can fit in the front seat and the back without having to move the seat settings. this car is all that and i recommend it to everyone!!!!

• 

  A6 yeah baby - 2004 Audi A6
  By kennyyyyyyy - September 3 - 2:00 am

  runs great nice power get plenty of compliments from people in nyc

• 

  Saab 9-5 to Audi A-6 - 2004 Audi A6
  By Barry Peretz - September 3 - 2:00 am

  new lease - quality auto. coming from saab 9-5 , which I loved. Audi is a fine auto

• 

  Fantastic Vehicle - 2001 Audi A6
  By gigrktek - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Looked at several vehicles when purchasing this vehicle. This is the best value vehicle I could find for the price/performance. Have had this vehicle for twenty-seven months and absolutely still love the vehicle. Just had my 30K maintenance checkup and rotors/pads were replaced (dealer initiated replacement). Nice to have maintenance warranty.

• 

  50,000 miles, sell it! 80,000 but it. - 1997 Audi A6
  By SEH - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Take a look in the paper, selling any german vehicle. They are all at of near 50,000. Many past owners have figured this out, These cars fall apart at this mileage. Once they are fixed They are great cars again for another 50-100k. Typical issues cooling problems (really bad), transmission leaks and weird electrical bugs. After $1,500 in repairs we are good to go for another 50k. Dont take your car to Audi, for repairs after the warranty runs out. They will make you want to sell the car after you get the bills.

• 

  no more audis for me - 2000 Audi A6
  By jubu - August 26 - 2:00 am

  With less than 39000 the car has major electrical problems. Instrument cluster replaced, radio replace , AC quit, front end vibrations. Just out of warranty and Im out over $3000.

• 

  Audi A6 2.7T quattro - 2003 Audi A6
  By Slhemphill - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Sporty yet luxurious. Plenty of power. Comfortable. Holds the road - very responsive. 18+ gallon gas tank is nice. It is so nice to have luxury that isnt bmw or mercedes - too many of those around. Someday people will appreciate the Audi and then there will be too many of them on the road!

• 

  carl - 1999 Audi A6
  By thompso11 - August 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used with 52k, looks great, love the interior, but poor reliability. Within the last 10 months I have had a transmission leak ($320), engine oil leaks ($1,000), cruise control module ($525), transmission relay ($520) and the digital display is fading. I plan on trading it in next week on a Nissan.

• 

  Love Hate Relationship - 1998 Audi A6
  By Jackied _irl - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this car the second I drove it – yes even girls love cars! It handles very well in New England snow & after giving up my much loved rear-wheel drive BMW the Audi AWD was a God send! I did however fall victim to the nasty fuel tank problem & had the sensors replaced 3 times. Once the dealer even contaminated the gas with diesel! The dealer & Audi in general have been the hate part of my car relationship. Would I buy this car again? I would have to say No. The reason: The dealers, I know, I’ve been to most of them within 80 miles of Boston & have yet to find a competent one! Alas, BMW this is where you win.

• 

  German Disappointment - 1999 Audi A6
  By NC_Audi_Owner - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used -- still under Audi A$$urance -- and boy did we need it! Dealer tried to weasel out of almost all our issues. Our personal mechanic was more reliable than the dealer. We bought Audi because we trust German engineering (we own a 13 year old Benz that has over 225K miles - still solid as a rock!). Sorry to say .. this will be our last 2.8 A6 -- and its interesting to see Audi now using a 3.0 in place of the 2.8 -- hmmmmmmmm.