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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  Tranny woes - 2002 Audi A6
  By S. Wild - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I love the styling, the power, the handling... but I hate the transmission! Would you ever shift into 5th at 25 mph? This car does. Its either bogged down or revved up around corners - a little frightening. Love the trip-tronic, but hubby doesnt do that. Ever. Youd better have a garage, cause this baby doesnt like New England winters - it whines and groans. And the wiper blades! Summer-type only, Audi-brand only ($25), that cant take any ice. The $90 rubber floor mats let water leak onto the carpet... Gimme my old Volvo AWD! Ok, so Ill miss the handling...

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  Sleeper Speed Demon! - 2003 Audi A6
  By Vpr - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 3 weeks and I have nothing but great things to say about it. I have the black on black one with 17" BBS rims and it looks amazing. The drive itself is amazing. If it is driven lightly then it is very well mannered and handles the road beautifully and very smoothly. However, if you begin to push harder the car responds like you wouldnt believe. The steering tightens up, turbos begin to push, and it turns into a low flying jet! This car simply rockets when asked to do so! Perfect balance between luxury and sport. Plus the Quattro is awesome in bad wether.

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  4 years and still impressed - 1999 Audi A6
  By Audi - March 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car since new in 1999. The car exceeds my expertations in reliability and quality. No problems to date & I get 25MPG on the highway. I just wish it had 30 more horsepower and a sport suspension.

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  smooth as glass - 2003 Audi A6
  By jhwool - March 3 - 2:00 am

  This is our second A6. Our first was dead reliable but was sluggish. The more powerful engine with the CVT transmision is a vast improvement over the Tiptronic in our old A6. Gas mileage is much improved too. The car has wonderful build quality, is roomy for passengers and luggage, fun to drive and is significanly cheaper than comparible BMWs and Mercedess

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  4.2 Power for any situation - 2000 Audi A6
  By 4duece - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Car has been rock solid since date of purchase. This is my 3rd new Audi. The Quattro system it is unmatched by any other design period. Chassis design is flawless for high speed cruising. Mileage 18/15... Bright spots Engine/Interior design/Radio/Seats/Brakes are great... Low points Ride Quality w 17” wheels/255/40 are rougher. Steering in a little light (however the Europeans actually comment they love the steering lighter)?, Driver side mirror could be larger, Overall better than the 540i I replaced.. Practically in the snow and service reliability ... Stealth is the word…..

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  Unreliable - 2000 Audi A6
  By Bud&Sue - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Leased this car new in 2000, cant wait to turn it back in. If we had owned it, it would have been gone long ago. After almost 3 years of complaints the dealer finally solved a cold start problem (towed in 5 times) but after the fix it developed a cooling leak that took 3 visits to cure. Broken power windows, fuel tank recalls (2) etc, etc etc.

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  My 2002 4.2 - 2002 Audi A6
  By John Hill - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Previously owned 2000 2.7 T. Crashed it into a tree and bought the 2002 4.2 new at the begi9nning of 2003. Smooth power, excellent handling. Interior first class. Tiptronic on steering wheel is nice little gimmick.MPG seems to be about 18.0, but wife driving mostly in town. In a word, the car is solid, solid, solid.

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  Great Car but tire choice critical - 2003 Audi A6
  By TRB - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Driving an A-6 4.2 is a great experience. The car is fast, handles well and is an all-around first class sedan. But for those of us living in the snow belt, the choice of tires can be critical. The 17" Perellis have been trouble. I have experiences three damaged tires and two bent rims in the last couple of years. The lower profile, 17" 235-45 tires simply do not offer much cushion against road hazards. Even the Audi website (in the fine print) suggests that "sport" tires require a special decision. Ill probably buy another Audi - its a great car - but my choice of tires will be different.

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  Audi Avant A-6 - 2003 Audi A6
  By H Friedman - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The seats are extremely comfortable. The quatro is great in snow. The controls are logical.

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  Great Car but tire choice critical - 2003 Audi A6
  By trb - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Driving an A-6 4.2 is a great experience. The car is fast, handles well and is an all-around first class sedan. But for those of us living in the snow belt, the choice of tires can be critical. The 17" Perellis have been trouble. I have experiences three damaged tires and two bent rims in the last couple of years. The lower profile, 17" 235-45 tires simply do not offer much cushion against road hazards. Even the Audi website (in the fine print) suggests that "sport" tires require a special decision. Ill probably buy another Audi - its a great car - but my choice of tires will be different.