Audi A6 Review 2026
Audi A6 Verdict
Extremely comfortable and upmarket cabin. Lots of technology including mild hybrid system helping fuel economy.
Not the most daring styling, just more of the same. Unresponsive 8-speed torque converter auto with 3.0 V6 TDI.
Find out more about the Audi A6
Insurance Groups are between 30–44
On average it achieves 85% of the official MPG figure
The new generation Audi A6 from 2018 strikes a balance of waftiness and driving dynamics just right, while technology (and a platform) shared with the A8 means the A6 has got plenty of gadgets to keep passengers entertained. As a comfortable, premium vehicle for covering high mileages, there's not much on the market that'll do the job quite as well.
All engines - a four-cylinder diesel and a range of six-cylinder petrol and diesels - come with a mild-hybrid system allowing the car to coast under electric power in certain conditions. The most complimentary thing we can say about this system is that the majority of drivers won't notice it. The engine seamlessly drops out during coasting, improving refinement as well as giving fuel economy a boost.
No matter which engine you choose, the A6 is a relaxing car to drive. All models come with progressive steering, which makes the steering quicker the more you wind on lock, while all-wheel steering is available as an option. This turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the front at low speeds to reduce the turning circle, while it does the opposite at high speeds in a bid to increase stability.
While the steering isn't the last word in feedback, the ride quality is very good - even on larger alloy wheels. There are no fewer than four different suspension options available, but all generally provide a soothing ride without being excessively floaty.
Where the A6 excels is its interior. It's not as flashy as an E-Class, but it's pleasingly modern with everything well laid out. All models come with a twin-screen infotainment system - the usual touchscreen display in the centre of the dash providing access to navigation, DAB radio and the like, with another one below it providing access to climate features. Both screens use haptic and acoustic feedback, so users hear and feel a click as soon as their finger triggers a function. Strange, but it adds to the premium ambience.
Audi's Virtual Cockpit is also available as part of the optional Technology Pack, replacing the conventional dials behind the steering wheel with a configurable display, allowing to prioritise navigation or the speedo and rev counter.
The biggest issue with the Audi A6 is its price. It may start in the region of £40,000, but you could easily spend £20,000 more by the time you've chosen a desirable engine and a few option packs. That said, you get what you pay for, and premium rivals are equally expensive.
Looking for a second opinion? Read heycar's Audi A6 review.
Reviews for Audi A6's top 3 rivals
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Audi A6 handling and engines
- Engines range from 40 TDI S tronic to 55 TFSI quattro S tronic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 50–55 mpg
The 286PS V6 diesel is surprisingly quick. It'll thunder up the road like the proverbial scolded cat, if you hammer the accelerator pedal. Doing so won't help fuel economy, though - officially it'll return mid-40s mpg (depending on wheel size), but it's also very good at being a relaxed motorway cruiser returning impressive fuel economy.
One slight frustration is the eight-speed tiptronic gearbox, which can be caught out when you want to accelerate. If you're looking to overtake, for example, you'll need to get into the habit of prodding the accelerator a second before to encourage the gearbox to drop down a gear or two. You get used to it but it is a mild irritation on what otherwise is a near faultless driving experience.
Fortunately, the 40 TDI and 55 TFSI petrol uses a seven-speed S tronic gearbox which is much eager to respond. The stop-start system is a little frustrating, taking a fraction too long to react when you need a quick getaway from standstill, but the gearbox is much more eager to drop down a gear.
Most buyers will opt for the 40 TDI, and it makes sense in a car like this. It's a quiet and refined engine, only giving the usual diesel rumble when you're heavy with the accelerator. If you do most of your driving around town, you'll find the 55 TFSI to be the best option until a plug-in hybrid version arrives late in 2019.
Whichever engine you choose, the steering isn't as communicative as that in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It's fine, though - the A6 is an effortless cruiser than can be hustled into making progress surprisingly easily. Indeed, the Quattro all-wheel-drive (standard on the six-cylinder models) provides an impressive amount of grip, while the optional four-wheel steer makes it feel surprisingly agile for a car of this size. It might sound peculiar, but you won't really notice the rear wheels steering.
Customers can choose from four set-ups, depending on trim level: the conventional steel spring suspension, sport suspension, suspension with damper control and the adaptive air suspension, also with controlled damping. As you'd expect, the sport suspension is on the firm side, but all set-ups we've tried provide a relatively compliant ride without being too wafty.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 TDI quattro S tronic | 60–64 mpg | 7.6 s | 116–124 g/km |
| 40 TDI S tronic | 60–63 mpg | 8.1 s | 117–123 g/km |
| 40 TFSI MHEV S tronic | - | 7.3–7.5 s | - |
| 45 TFSI MHEV S tronic | - | 6.0–6.2 s | 178–191 g/km |
| 45 TFSI quattro S tronic | 42–43 mpg | 6.0 s | 149–156 g/km |
| 50 TDI quattro S tronic | 50 mpg | 5.5 s | 149 g/km |
| 50 TDI quattro tiptronic | 50–50 mpg | 5.5 s | 146–150 g/km |
| 55 TFSI quattro S tronic | 38–39 mpg | 5.1 s | 159–170 g/km |
| S6 TDI | 45–46 mpg | 5.0 s | 165 g/km |
| S6 TDI MHEV | - | 5.0–5.1 s | 188–210 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Audi A6
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
85%
Real MPG
50–55 mpg
MPGs submitted
8
Audi A6 interior
- Boot space is 520–1680 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4939–4954 mm |
| Width | 2110 mm |
| Height | 1446–1467 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2925–2928 mm |
The Audi A6's interior might not have the homely feel of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but that doesn't make it any less premium. There are numerous screens - two in the centre of the dash, as well as the optional Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster.
Some might prefer BMW's approach of buttons scattered liberally across the dashboard, but we find the Audi A6's digital systems more than intuitive. There's an 8.6-inch screen located below the main infotainment display, providing access to the climate control. A bit like an iPad controlling your home's central heating, it's a bit unnecesary, but very nice nonetheless.
The standard 8.8-inch screen in the centre of the dash can be upgraded to the 10.1-inch, if required. Whichever size you opt for, Audi's media system is one of the best in the business. It's easy to use with fast responses and sharp menus, while the navigation is easy to follow. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fitted as standard across the range, should you wish to mirror some of your phone's features onto the dash.
Unfortunately, the displays are touchscreen only, which can make operation tricky on the move. A controller positioned near the gear lever would help when trying to input things like addresses into the navigation.
The seats are very comfortable with lots of adjustment, although you'll pay a fair bit extra for electric seats. There's more head and legroom than in the old A6, and enough space for three adult passengers in the rear (although it would be a bit tight and the transmission tunnel running along the length of the car doesn't help).
If you need more space, consider the Avant - although the saloon's boot is surprisingly spacious, with 530 litres of luggage space. Its boxy shape is useful, and the rear seats can be dropped 40:20:40 for more room. There are ISOFIX points fitted in the rear of the car, allowing you to easily fit two child seats if required.
Standard specification (from launch):
Audi A6 Sport features 18-inch alloy wheels, standard suspension, quattro all-wheel drive with self-locking centre differential (50 TDI), Audi Drive Select, progressive steering, LED front and rear lights, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, leather seats, heated front seats, split-folding rear seat bench, split-folding rear bench (40:20:40), LED ambient interior lighting, MMI navigation with 8.8-inch colour display (top screen) and 8.6-inch touchscreen (bottom screen), seven-inch driver infomation display, DAB radio, Bluetooth, Audi Pre-sense front, lane departure warning, cruise control with speed limiter, front and rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, keyless go, ISOFIX child seat mounting.
Audi A6 S line adds 19-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, Audi Matrix LED headlights, S line exterior styling, folding exterior door mirrors, front sports seats, electrically adjustable front seats, perforated leather steering wheel, stainless steels pedals.
Audi A6 models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4939–4954 mm |
| Width | 2110 mm |
| Height | 1446–1467 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2925–2928 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1635–2095 kg |
| Boot Space | 520–1680 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 9000–19000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £41,005–£70,905 |
| Insurance Groups | 30–44 |
| Road Tax Bands | C–K |
| Official MPG | 38.2–64.2 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
On sale until August 2021
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| S6 S6 Black Edition TDi 349 V6 Quattro S tronic 48v MHEV S Tronic Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 5.1 s |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| S6 S6 Black Edition TDi 349 V6 Quattro S tronic 48v MHEV S Tronic Start/Stop 4dr | - | - | 5.0 s |
| S6 TDI 349ps Quattro Tiptronic 4dr | £60,220 | 45.6 mpg | 5.0 s |
| S6 TDI 349ps Quattro Vorsprung Tiptronic 4dr | £77,220 | 44.8 mpg | 5.0 s |
On sale until December 2020
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 45 TFSI 245ps 12V Quattro Be/Tp S tronic 4dr | £49,050 | 42.2 mpg | 6.0 s |
| 45 TFSI 245ps 12V Quattro S Line S tronic 4dr | £45,755 | 42.2 mpg | 6.0 s |
| 45 TFSI 245ps 12V Quattro Vorsprung S tronic 4dr | - | 41.5 mpg | - |
| 45 TFSI 245ps Quattro Sport S tronic 4dr | £41,775 | 42.8 mpg | 6.0 s |
Model History
- February 2018: Audi A6 revealed
- August 2018: 2.0-litre 204PS 40 TDI engine added to range
- April 2019: Audi S6 announced with 3.0 TDI diesel engine
- October 2019: Audi A6 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid announced
- June 2020: New plug-in hybrid A6 50 TFSI e Saloon priced from £52,790
February 2018
Audi A6 revealed
All engines in the new A6 feature new mild-hybrid technology. Here a belt alternator starter (BAS) works together with a lithium-ion battery, enabling the A6 to coast at speeds of between 34mph and 99mph in the interest of fuel economy and to initiate its start-stop function earlier – at speeds of 13mph and below.
The engine is restarted from standstill predictively as soon as the vehicle in front of the Audi A6 starts moving. During deceleration, the BAS recovers up to 12 kW of energy. In real-world driving, the MHEV technology reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres (62 miles).
The interior of the new Audi A6 is even larger than in the outgoing model. Legroom in the rear exceeds not only its predecessor but also its core competitors, while headroom and shoulder room measurements in both front and rear are also more generous than previously.
The new Audi A6 is noticeably sharper than the outgoing model from a handling perspective as well, thanks in no small part to innovative new suspension options. Customers can choose from four set-ups: the conventional steel spring suspension, the sport suspension, the suspension with damper control and the adaptive air suspension, also with controlled damping.
As part of the launch in the European markets, Audi offers the new A6 with two powerful, smooth engines – one TFSI and one TDI. The petrol unit is a 3.0 TFSI. The V6 turbocharged engine powers the saloon from rest to 62mph in 5.1 seconds using its 340 PS and 500 Nm resource, and tops out at an electronically limited 155mph. The 3.0 TDI with 286PS delivers similar performance (combined fuel economy 48.7mpg – 51.3mpg, combined CO 2 emissions 150 g/km - 142 g/km), with the help of an impressive 620 Nm torque peak.
All A6 models will be exclusively equipped with automatic transmission. The 3.0 TDI unit is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic and the 3.0 TFSI with a seven-speed S tronic, and both engines channel their outputs through quattro all-wheel drive as standard.
August 2018
2.0-litre 204PS 40 TDI engine added to range
Initially front-wheel-drive, a four-wheel-drive version follows later in 2018 that will employ the latest, ultra-efficient quattro on demand technology capable of channelling drive to the rear wheels in a split-second.
The A6 Saloon 40 TDI covers 0 to 62mph in 8.1 seconds with claimed economy of 62.8mpg. It includes a new mild hybrid drivetrain (MHEV) which is a standard feature of all models. Its key component is a belt alternator starter (BAS) connected to the crankshaft which, in this application, can recover up to 5 kW of power during deceleration periods and store it in a separate lithium-ion battery housed in the rear of the car.
|
Model |
Engine |
Power |
Transmission |
Price OTR |
|
A6 Saloon 40 TDI Sport |
2.0 TDI diesel |
204PS |
7-speed S tronic |
£38,640 |
|
A6 Saloon 40 TDI S line |
2.0 TDI diesel |
204PS |
7-speed S tronic |
£42,000 |
April 2019
Audi S6 announced with 3.0 TDI diesel engine
Audi has announced that its S6 Saloon, S6 Avant and S7 Sportback models will be offered with a diesel engine for the first time.
The 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine works with an electric compressor to provide instant torque and a 48-volt mild hybrid system to enable engine-off coasting and improve fuel economy.
With a hefty 700Nm of torque and 350PS combined with Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox, the S6 Saloon reaches 62mph in 5.0 seconds, while the S6 Avant and S7 Sportbrake take an extra tenth of a second. Top speed is limited to 155mph.
Prices will be confirmed ahead of the new S6 Saloon, S6 Avant and S7 Sportback going on sale in the UK in summer 2019.
October 2019
Audi A6 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid announced
The A6 55 TFSI e with 367PS and the scope to travel for up to 32 miles under purely electric power is the latest in plug-in hybrid Audi to be announced. Orders will open in November with deliveries expected from early 2020.
The new A6 joins A7, A8, Q5 and Q7 variants which also go by the name of TFSI e. Like all these Audi plug-in hybrid models, it combines two highly efficient drive systems, in this case a four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI petrol engine with 252PS and an electric motor integrated into the seven-speed S tronic with a peak output of 105kW.
Total system output is 270kW (367PS), and the full 500Nm of system torque is on tap from just 1,250rpm. The lithium-ion battery stores 14.1kWh of energy, and is positioned at the rear of the vehicle.
The A6 55 TFSI e quattro offers the advantage of quattro all-wheel drive as standard, and its steadfast control helps the car to smoothly accelerate from rest to 62mph in 5.6 seconds and go on to a top speed of 155mph. Under purely electric power, it is capable of a top speed of 83mph. Its electric range, measured according to the WLTP procedure, is up to 32 miles.
The drive concept of the Audi A6 55 TFSI e quattro is designed so that customers can do most of their daily driving electrically and therefore with zero local emissions and in near silence. They can choose between the three drive modes “EV” for all-electric driving, “Hybrid” for the efficient combination of both drive types and “Hold” to conserve the electrical energy available at any given time.
In “Hybrid” mode the predictive operating strategy ensures maximum efficiency and the maximum possible amount of electric driving. It controls the drivetrain so that the last stage of the journey before getting to the destination can be covered in all-electric mode and the battery is charged up beforehand via the combustion engine where necessary. Judicious journey planning is performed by the predictive efficiency assistant, which uses a large amount of information, including navigation, online traffic events, the driver’s style and the vehicle sensors such as the camera and radar. It plans the management of the drives and decides between freewheeling with the engine deactivated and coasting recuperation.
Customers can charge the Audi A6 55 TFSI e quattro at public charging stations up to an output of 7.4kW using the mode 3 cable supplied. This means it takes roughly two-and-a-half hours to recharge an empty high-voltage battery. Customers can use the MyAudi app to manage charging and pre-entry climate control even before they set off. The air conditioning system operates together with a highly efficient heat pump that uses the waste heat from the electrical drive components.
Styling highlights include lowered sport suspension, Matrix LED lighting, privacy glazing and a black styling package taking the S line sports specification as its basis.
June 2020
New plug-in hybrid A6 50 TFSI e Saloon priced from £52,790
The latest A6 plug-in hybrid combines a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine with an 105kW electric motor, for a total of 299PS. It covers 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds and has a maximum speed of 152mph. WLTP CO2 emissions of 35g/km mean it attracts a 10% BIK rate for company car drivers. It has an electric range of up to 34 miles and is available in a choice of Sport, S line, Black Edition and Vorpsrung trim levels.
