Audi A6

Understate Luxury

Once a rival to the Mercedes-Benz E-class and the BMW 5 series, the A6 has been repositioned by Audi to be only slightly costlier than the smaller C-class and 3 series, making it a bridge between the two segments. The A6 looks sharp, clean, premium, and offers comfort and performance synonymous to a segment above, while being priced aggressively. Does that make it an obvious choice for the budget? We’ll help you find out.

Audi A6 Pros and Cons

Audi A6 Exterior Design

The Audi A6’s exterior design is like a 3-piece suit — neat, clean, and sharp. However, to certain eyes, a 3-piece suit can also be something that’s mainstream and boring. Which side you are on is something you will have to figure out yourself, but regardless, there’s one thing the A6 is not — polarising. The A6’s front fascia is dominated by Audi's signature single-frame grille, which is adorned in chrome, establishing a striking first impression. This is complemented by full-LED headlamps with sharp DRLs, conveying a modern and sophisticated look. Sharp lines dominate the side which looks rather tame, with plain 5-spoke alloy wheels and not much drama. The rear continues this theme with large, intricately detailed LED tail lamps connected by a sleek chrome strip. Overall, with the A6's exterior design, Audi has played it safe, which will work for those who prefer their cars to have a clean, understated look.  

Audi A6 Interiors

The A6’s cabin sees lots of attention to detail, featuring layers of brushed aluminium, art-leather, and open-pore wood veneer. The design is bold and futuristic, with the new steering wheel and the “Virtual Cockpit” digital dials showcasing Audi's forward-thinking approach. Replacing physical controls for the air conditioning with a separate touchscreen has also added to the drama in the cabin, but it can be distracting on the go. Space inside is abundant, providing a comfortable environment for passengers. Overall, the A6’s interior is fitting for a luxurious and spacious limousine, rather than a sporty saloon.

Audi A6 Comfort

The A6 excels in providing a seating experience that's both luxurious and supportive. Front seats are power-adjustable, and while the absence of heated or ventilated seat options is noted, the overall seating comfort is exemplary. The rear seats have more space than the cars it competes against, but seat contouring and a large transmission tunnel means it’s best used by two. The cabin is wide enough though, so for short stints, the rear seat can accommodate three passengers. The rear seat back recline angle, however, is a tad too upright, and the A6 would’ve definitely benefited with adjustable recline for the rear seats. 

The real highlight, however, is the suspension setup. Despite the shift from adaptive air suspension to steel springs, Audi has tuned the A6's suspension to deliver a ride that balances comfort and stability, easily absorbing bumps and providing a smooth driving experience that rivals even those with more complex suspension systems. The system is helped with tall 55 profile tyres which excel at absorbing road imperfections, making this car a passenger’s delight.

Audi A6 Performance and Handling

Under the hood of the A6 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged TFSI engine, which offers a perfect blend of refinement and efficiency, delivering smooth acceleration and commendable power. While its dynamics may not be as aggressive as its competitors, there’s no denying the fact that the A6 is brisk. 100 km/h from standstill comes in just 6.7 seconds; keep it pinned to the floor — in safe environments — and the A6 will go as fast as 250 km/h. The focus of the A6 though is on comfort, and the gearbox is tuned for the same too, contributing to a relaxed drive that's ideal for the luxury sedan's character. Handling is enhanced by the new variable-ratio steering, allowing for precise and effortless manoeuvres, but the lack of an air suspension — which was present in the previous generation — means that you can’t change the suspension settings to be stiffer for a more dynamic ride. Driving modes do alter other aspects of the experience though, such as transmission, steering, and engine responses, which can make the A6 either super brisk and fun, or relaxed and comfortable, depending on your mood.

Audi A6 Key specifications

Audi A6 Safety Features

The Audi A6 gets a suite of safety features on offer, as you’d expect from a car in this segment. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, and a host of other electronic nannies are standard. You also get additional stuff like ISOFIX child seat mounts, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, and seat belt reminders for all seats. The pre-facelift Audi A6 was also tested by Euro NCAP, and the luxury sedan scored a full 5-star rating in the crash test, scoring 93% for adult occupant protection and 85% for child occupant protection, making it a proven, reliable choice on the safety front.

Audi A6 Technology and Infotainment

The A6 gets Audi's dual-touchscreen infotainment system, offering a sleek and intuitive interface that integrates seamlessly into the dashboard. The system is visually striking — thanks to a dual, vertically stacked setup packed with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But the absence of physical controls for air conditioning and other basic features presents a learning curve and necessitates more attention from the driver. The touchscreens do offer haptic feedback for better feel, but that just means you have to press the screens that much harder, which is counterintuitive. Nevertheless, the system's high-resolution graphics provide a modern and engaging user experience. Additionally, the A6 also gets a virtual cockpit display, which is Audi speak for a digital instrument cluster. The instrument cluster also offers a ton of functionality, including the ability to mirror the maps screen, which can come in handy when the driver wants to focus on the navigation but passengers want to fiddle with the music system or some other features. The luxurious cabin is further complemented by advanced amenities, including a wireless phone charger and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, setting a high standard for connectivity and entertainment.  

Is the Audi A6 for You?

Choosing the Audi A6 means selecting a vehicle that combines luxury, technology, and performance in a well-rounded package. Its competitive pricing, along with a host of cutting-edge features and a comfortable, spacious interior, make it a compelling option in the luxury sedan market. While it forgoes the bold looks seen in rivals, the A6's adherence to understated elegance could very well be its strongest selling point for the right kind of buyer. For those seeking a spacious and technologically advanced sedan that delivers a premium and comfortable experience, the Audi A6 emerges as a worthy contender.