Audi A6 review

Packaged in a stylish design, the A6 has lots of equipment and more than enough interior and boot space. It’s well built, very safe and won’t let you down. It’s also excellent over long journeys with a good driving position and all of the controls at your fingertips.

There’s a reasonably capable off-road Allroad version, as well as an incredibly fast RS6 and an estate version called the Avant. There’s also the Ultra which provides better efficiency. All options are extremely comfortable and exude an executive feel.
The previous, fourth-generation A6 was updated in 2014 which saw styling improvements and more technology. The latest generation, launched in 2018, looks even sharper. So there’s plenty to choose from depending on your needs.

The A6 has a simple interior design that creates a clean and uncluttered feel. It also makes things feel even more spacious. There’s an executive vibe and the quality of materials is excellent.

It has a very wide centre console containing Audi’s MMI (multimedia interface), which can access everything from the stereo to the sat nav. This can be controlled using touchscreen or the infotainment control dial which sits by the gearstick. You can also control many everyday features using the buttons on the steering wheel. You can also access a range of information in the digital speedometer or the infotainment screen, such as the climate controls and the stereo.

The A6 is about comfort and luxury, providing a relaxed drive whether you’re stuck in town traffic or heading into the country. Great for long-distance driving, it’s remarkably quiet, even in the diesels.
Both petrol and diesel engines are responsive and economical. If you’re after higher performance, then the sporty S6 and mighty RS6 Avant are pretty nippy options.
Unlike its rivals, most A6 models are front-wheel drive, although some have Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive which makes it good in poor weather or on poor road surfaces. All the diesels are responsive providing decent performance and economy. The 2.0 TDi has proved to be a popular choice.
The latest generation, launched in 2018, has mild hybrid technology which means it offers slightly better acceleration and efficiency.

The A6 depreciates significantly from new, so you can often find a great deal on a used one. Many of the lower-spec 2.0 TDi Ultra models may have higher mileages which can bring the price down further.

Running costs are good, mainly for the diesels, while insurance and road tax costs are similar to its executive rivals. More powerful versions are going to cost you more.

If you’re buying an A6 outside of its warranty, then it’s worth looking at Audi’s fixed servicing costs which can be reasonable.

The A6 is about average on reliability scores, with the only real issues being with some rattling interior trim parts and the occasional issue with the infotainment system.

It has a full five-star Euro NCAP rating and loads of safety items. Many versions will have driver assistance systems, such as active cruise control, which is useful if you do a lot of motorway driving.