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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  99 Audi - 1999 Audi A6
  By LAshrink - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I like the car

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  For adults only - 2003 Audi A6
  By Trina - November 8 - 2:00 am

  My car is a 2001 A6 2.7 turbo, just plain fun to drive. There is plenty of room for those teen of yours or just hauling a pice of lumber, since the back seats fold down. In the winter, no fighting on who sits in the back seat, since the back seats have seat warmers. It handles like a dream on those curvie back roads. My last car was a Lexus which was o.k., this car has far more bells and whistles then most $40k cars. The German quality is curtainly there. You wont realize the good purchase you made until you have owned this car for awhile.

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  German quality....but - 1996 Audi A6
  By Need2Speed - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Superb vehicle if you live in the north were winther is an issue of getting around or not. The Quattro system is the worlds best real-time all wheel drive system, expect high maintenance price and do not buy an Audi without warranty. Built quality interior and exterior is very high compared to domestics.

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  German for Quality - 1999 Audi A6
  By Eddieonline - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Have only had the Avant 2.8 for a month, bought used with 32k. Audi builds a quality product that is extremely solid and well designed. I have to agree with previous reviews that it feels slightly underpowered while in a partial throttle acceleration from a standing stop, but if you get on it, the 200 ponies are definitely there. When the engine is cold, the trans does not want to shift at the normal times, but the tiptronic cures that. The car is a joy to drive on the highway - smooth as silk and good handling. I also prefer the tiptronic shifting in the mountains. The car conrner like it on rails, doesnt feel at all like a wagon.

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  A6 4.2L is tight! - 2003 Audi A6
  By Enachi - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Mercedes, a BMW and drove several Porsches before deciding on this car and have never had a single regret. The styling is second to none and the performance, especially in sport mode, is tremendous. I feel like I am in my old Cobra again. The engine even has a nice growl to it like its American counterparts.

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  A6_Avant - 1999 Audi A6
  By Former_Audi_Fan - October 23 - 2:00 am

  We chose the A6_Avant knowing about its relatively poor gas mileage and its under-powered engine. These were acceptable given the carÂ’s smooth, quiet ride, AWD capability, and styling. We did not expect an unending series of repairs and recalls, though. We had problems with the fuel-sending unit, the instrument display cluster, the rear-window lockout control, the rear speakers, the radio/CD player (2X), the windshield washer sensor, an engine hose, and front window clips. Unfortunately, these problems seem common for Audi, and I would not recommend the A6_Avant.

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  I hate my AUDI - 1999 Audi A6
  By myaudisucks - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I loved it to START with...but now it just sucks! I have spend over $3000 in repairs in the last year and a half. It sucks.

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  Three Years in an A6Q - 1999 Audi A6
  By tubey - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Its not perfect, but its the most satisfying car Ive ever owned. The superb build quality - particularly the peerless interior design and finish - make it a joy to always enter. Sure, I wish it were thriftier, but thats the joy of living in a congested city. On the highway it does just fine and really can fly too.

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  A6 AVANT - 2002 Audi A6
  By FRANK WILSON - October 20 - 2:00 am

  WE NEEDED A CAR FOR MY WIFE TO DRIVE IN ALL WEATHER AND PICKED THE AVANT...BEST VEHICLE WE HAVE EVER OWNED SO NOW WE ARE LOOKING FOR AN A6 4.2 QUATTRO SEDAN FOR ME.

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  A6 "A Technical Nightmare" - 2005 Audi A6
  By John 206 - October 17 - 3:20 pm

  Since I got my new 2005 A6 three weeks ago, there is a hesitation problem. When starting from a dead stop, the vehicle will occasionally hesitate in first and second gear. From the time you press the gas pedal until the engine responds, there is 1 to 3 seconds delay which is a real problem in traffic. I have taken for service to two different dealers with no solution. Since the dealers computerized diagnostic program does not show an error message, they dont have a clue. All controls are computer and software driven including the electrical linkage from the gas pedal to the engine. The A6 is so technically complex, I fear the vehicle is a technical nightmare.