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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  Absolute Tank! - 2001 Audi A6
  By sjs - June 3 - 9:33 pm

  We bought it back in June of 06 with 131,000 miles on it, it now has 171,000. It was purchased as an extra vehicle for my wife who has tried her hardest to kill it. She has been in three accidents one of them quite serious, we fixed it and it runs and drives great. I change the oil every 5,000 with synthetic of course. I do it myself to save money. It does have some of the leaky issues and the drivers side window is testy, but to its credit its almost 10 years old been put through the ringer by my wifes poor driving skills, and believe me, if you only knew. It is an awesome vehicle. Worth every penny. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another Audi. It takes a lickin and keeps on tickin.

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  Great but... - 2006 Audi A6
  By steve - May 27 - 9:15 pm

  Well Ive had this for 6 months. It now has 75k. I get 33 at 74 mph cruise for a comfortable 75mile ride to work. In winter the 1st upshifts are extra longweird. So I simply use manual shift for the first cycle. Small annoying rattle on cup holder cover that comes and goes. Other than that, its a dream. Did my own 65k service using shop manual. Not bad at all and saved about 1k. Sport mode is fun. The Interior is so so nice. My commute time has now become me time in a mobile man cave. MMI is great.

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  Piece of junk - 1998 Audi A6
  By john9 - May 27 - 5:00 pm

  I cant believe the ratings are as high as they are. Way more repair issues than ANY car deserves. Now I have 120k mi and spends more time in shop than home! Expensive to get worked on. Many issues throughout life of car. Would never ever buy another Audi.

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  Truly a WOW car! - 2006 Audi A6
  By Darren - May 27 - 1:34 pm

  This car has surpassed my expectations. I am very pleased with its performance and sleek look. It has many great features that require study of the manual. But once you are comfortable with them, they are awesome. If you want fun-to-drive, coupled with comfort and eye catching appeal, get yourself an Audi.

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  Audi quality - 2005 Audi A6
  By DANNY - May 26 - 11:08 pm

  i just bought this car and it runs smoothly and is a gas saver. the only problem i have is that i cant turn off the dual climate control.

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  So far, so good - 2008 Audi A6
  By Mark - May 26 - 5:16 pm

  First luxury car I have owned and very pleased after two years lots of bells and whistles, even on the standard model (only option was i-pod interface). Build quality excellent - solid as a bank vault. Only complaints are touchy brakes, accelerator lag, and annoying buzzes and rattles that I mostly fixed by stuffing cracks with felt. Great gas mileage 22-37 mpg.

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  2001 A6 4.2 - 2001 Audi A6
  By enthusiast - May 24 - 5:24 pm

  Purchased the 4.2 under the Audi Certified program. Ive accumulated over 100k with this car and it runs and looks fantastic. Continues to deliver a performance oriented drive that is supplemented with comfort and reliability. Maintenance has been limited to expected repairs for a car with over 110k on it.

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  garbage - 2001 Audi A6
  By steven - May 24 - 1:31 pm

  Where do I begin to tell the story of a car thats been a sin. Purchased this 2001 a6 quattro in March of last year used with 90,000 miles on it. Its been a nightmare ever since. Numerous problems regarding electrical, turbo, and suspension components. I asked the dealer if the car comes with bags of money for all the repairs that it requires and it didnt. Build quality on these cars is horrible. We traded it in recently for a 2010 Kia forte coup sx with a nice long warranty and piece of mind.

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  Excellent First Car - 2005 Audi A6
  By xixDEMONxix - May 22 - 8:33 am

  After reading reviews about the A6 having a lot of electrical problems with the MMI system I was very hesitant to buy. However, this was not the case. The car handles unbelievably around corners and has great gas mileage.(I get around 250 mi-300 mi city and close to 400 on highway. Overall the car is stunning both inside and out and I would highly recommend this car. The only downside with this car is that repairs are expensive and most of the time the part must be directly ordered through Germany, so it may take longer than anticipated for your car to be fixed.

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  Audi Convert - 2010 Audi A6
  By Audi Convert - May 13 - 10:00 pm

  Was a BMW person for 20 years, tried Infiniti, but always liked the Audi designs, and after making the comparison, decided to lease an Audi A6 Premium Plus (3.0T) from Audi of Alexandria. Had to drive 500 miles the day after getting the car, and found that the car just gets better and better at highway speeds (much of the trip was through 70 mph zones, and “of course” I never exceeded the speed limit. lol!). These cars are made for highway driving, but around town, has great balance of weight, power, handling and ride. Curb appeal is also very high as these are great looking cars! It’s one of those cars you can just admire from every angle with both a classic look, but with modern design.