The Audi A6 is a very competitive alternative to a BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Together, these three models dominate the executive car sector in the UK and Europe. Other rivals to the Audi A6 include the stylish Volvo S90 and the beautiful Lexus ES.
In contrast to the sportiness of the BMW and the luxury of the Mercedes-Benz, Audi’s emphasis is on high-tech sophistication. The Audi A6 is a gadget-packed large car with a futuristic look and feel, whose all-round excellence makes it a popular choice in this exalted sector.
The latest Audi A6 is certainly an imposing car. Measuring more than 4.9 metres long, it’s more like a luxurious A8-style limo than a conventional executive car. Audi’s latest design cues, which are more charismatic than the previous-generation's ultra-smooth and sleek look, also help here.
Inside, it’s very futuristic. Digital displays dominate and have been built into the dashboard so they form part of the structure, rather than standing proud of it. With the engine off, it all looks smooth and dark. Only when the car is started do the trio of displays light up.
As a high-end executive car, Audi has tuned the Audi A6 to deliver a suitably upmarket drive. Refinement is superb – it’s almost whisper-quiet in there – and ride quality is smooth, particularly in range-topping Vorsprung models with adaptive air suspension.
There’s a well-configured choice of model lines, all with their own set of features to help them stand out. Most used buyers would be happy even with the standard Sport model, which is very well-equipped, although the extra visual pizzazz of S line will undoubtedly appeal to many – particularly with the ‘black pack’ makeover of Black Edition models.
The Audi A6 has a fuel-efficient array of engines. They’re all reasonably high output, with even the basic engines exceeding 200PS. If you want a high-performance Audi S6, you’ll find its power is delivered by a diesel engine – one that still averages over 40mpg. Meanwhile, there’s a plug-in hybrid Audi A6 that has a pure electric range of more than 30 miles, plus decent economy even when the batteries are exhausted.
The new Audi A6 is such a fine all-rounder, with such pronounced on-road presence, it really makes you wonder if you actually need to spend extra on an Audi A8. Even rear-seat legroom is abundant, and we’re sure that if you were going to a red carpet event, turning up in an Audi A6 wouldn't see you turned away.
It is a strong all-rounder whose efficiency makes it a compelling used car to buy. Even alongside fearsome rivals such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Audi A6 is able to hold its own.
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A big German saloon like the Audi A6 is a pretty conservative choice, and we think it's best to lean-in to the Audi's understated charm when it comes to buying one. That means a frugal engine, two-wheel drive, and a trim level that is generous but doesn't carry a premium in the used market.
For most buyers, the 40 TDI Sport will, therefore, be the pick of the range. It has all of the essentials covered. The engine is quick enough and is very refined, and this trim has Comfort suspension, so it's an excellent cruiser.
If you have an aversion to diesel, or are planning on doing fairly low mileage, then by that same token the 40 TFSI petrol is fast enough and refined enough, without breaking the bank with its fuel economy. However, for those willing to pay extra for the ultimate refinement, plus simply effortless performance, the six-cylinder 50 TFSI or 50 TDI are the ones to have.
If you have the ability to charge it regularly, the Audi A6 50 TFSI e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) could save you a lot in fuel. It's also very quick and comes with four-wheel drive as standard.
This Audi A6 has a focused range of engines, including 2.0-litre turbo petrol and diesel, a higher-performance V6 diesel and a petrol plug-in hybrid. Most have quattro all-wheel drive, and all Audi A6s come with an automatic transmission. Many of the regular engines feature 48V mild hybrid technology for extended engine stop-start functionality.
All Audi A6s have an executive-grade level of standard equipment. A novel part of the spec includes the twin-touchscren Audi MMI Navigation Plus infotainment system with haptic feedback. The trim lines are split between regular Audi A6 and high-performance S6.
The Audi A6’s exterior dimensions are:
The Audi A6’s boot space is:
Thanks to the Audi A6 50 TFSI e being classed as an alternative fuel vehicle because of its plug-in hybrid power, it gets a £10 reduction in road tax. This means you pay £170 per year for this model compared to the flat rate of £180 for other A5 models of this generation.
However, you also have to remember that most A6s will incur the £390 road tax surcharge that applies for the first five years of the car's life for those that cost more than £40,000 when new. As a result, that plug-in hybrid A6 model will pay £560 per year in duty to the tax man.
Insurance groups for the Audi A6 start at a premium-level group 32 (out of 50) for the 40 TFSI, or 35 for the 40 TDI quattro. S line versions are generally a group or two higher, and Vorsprung models see a surprising jump in car insurance, sometimes to nine groups higher than the base version with the same engine. Audi S6 insurance groups start from 43 and increase to group 47.
Read our full Audi A6 review
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