The Audi A6 was little more than a refreshed, rebadged Audi 100 (Audi 5000 in the U.S.) when it came on the scene in 1994, but with its second generation, it started to become its own vehicle and a true contender in the midsize luxury car space, competing with the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
It balanced the practicality of a midsize luxury sedan and the performance of a sports sedan, and there were wagon variants as well as high-performance models. Plus, its use of Audi’s quattro system helped to push all-wheel drive into the mainstream (BMW didn’t even start offering its xDrive AWD system until 2003).
The A6 often served as a test mule for new technologies before rolling them out to the broader Audi lineup. The likes of the Multi Media Interface and mild-hybrid powertrains appeared in the A6 first and were refined before making their way to the likes of the A8 or the A4. That’s one to bear in mind, as used shoppers may want to avoid the first A6 model years of a generation that effectively bench-tested innovative technology.
Overall, the Audi A6 offers a keen blend of premium, yet understated, luxury and tech. Its conservative design also stands the test of time, as even early generations still look modern. Thus, buying a used Audi A6 gives you the feeling of luxury without looking dated or breaking the bank.
Audi A6: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Audi A6 Pros and Cons
- Audi A6 Generations
- Audi A6 Sixth Generation (2026–Present)
- Audi A6 Fifth Generation (2019–2025)
- Audi A6 Fourth Generation (2012–2018)
- Audi A6 Third Generation (2005–2011)
- Audi A6 Second Generation (1998–2004)
- Audi A6 First Generation (1994–1997)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Audi A6 years are the best?
Generally, the fourth generation is considered one of the best options if you’re looking for a used Audi A6. It has a well-designed interior as well as excellent ride and handling. Plus, Consumer Reports gives the 2013 and 2014 models better-than-average reliability ratings. If you want something a bit more modern, then the 2021 A6 in the fifth generation is also a good option, as it has higher-than-average reliability ratings.
What are the worst Audi A6 years?
Early examples from the third generation are arguably the worst years for the Audi A6. With early Multi Media Interface (MMI) failures and electrical gremlins, 2005 to 2006 models have a higher number of consumer complaints according to the NHTSA.gov website. Other years to avoid, according to CarComplaints.com, include 2019 for multiple reports of alternator failure and 2000 for engine problems.
Is a used Audi A6 a good deal?
We think a used Audi A6 can be a very good deal. The average transaction price for a 2021 example in good condition is more than half that of the original MSRP, so you’ll likely find one of these available for less than $30,000. Go back to 2013 or 2014, and there’s a very good chance of finding one for less than $10,000.
Audi A6 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Standard all-wheel drive
- High-end interior
- Comfortable but sporty ride and handling
Cons:
- Has a front-wheel-drive bias
- Disappointing fuel economy
- Conservative exterior styling
Audi A6 Generations
Audi A6 Sixth Generation (2026–Present)
The sixth generation of the Audi A6 launches in sedan form with a more driver-centric focus. It’s quicker, quieter, and longer than the previous generation. The exterior redesign includes sleeker lines, slimmer headlights, and a wider grille, while the interior gets simplified styling and a single screen that houses both the gauge cluster and the Multi Media Interface (MMI) touchscreen infotainment system.
The 2026 Audi A6 sedan has just one powertrain—a 362-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system is standard, and the only transmission available is a seven-speed, S tronic dual-clutch automatic, complete with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Trim levels comprise Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige.
Standard features include LED taillights with dynamic turn signals, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sport seats for the driver and the front passenger, a panoramic glass roof with electrochromic shading, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available features include a 360-degree camera, a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, head-up display, adaptive air suspension, digital OLED taillights, a 10.9-inch MMI passenger display, power soft-close doors, and an enhanced Bang & Olufsen sound system with front headrest speakers.
The new Audi A6 also offers an optional all-wheel steering and sport rear differential, which was previously reserved for S models.
At the time of writing, the 2026 Audi A6 was a completely new vehicle with no used models available. The base price was $65,395.
Audi A6 Fifth Generation (2019–2025)
The fifth-generation Audi A6 ushered in the luxury sedan’s modern era. It was longer and wider than the previous generation and gained about 250 pounds. It had a new aluminum and steel chassis related to the larger A8’s and made a huge leap forward in technology, with digital interfaces, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual screens, lots of connectivity, and semi-autonomous capability, while Audi’s quattro AWD system was standard across the lineup.
Though the exterior looked high-tech, it was more of an evolution than a radical redesign. At launch, it was available in five grades: 45 TFSI Premium, 45 TFSI Premium Plus, 55 TFSI Premium, 55 TFSI Premium Plus, and 55 TFSI Prestige.
The fifth-gen A6 initially had two powertrains, and both have a 48-volt mild hybrid system with a trunk-mounted battery. The base engine was a 248-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder, and there was also a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The 2019 A6 was well equipped as standard, with features such as LED headlights and taillights, S-line exterior styling, power sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Audi’s Pre Sense City automatic emergency braking. Available features included adaptive cruise control, Audi’s virtual cockpit, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a sport suspension, rear side airbags, adaptive suspension damping, all-wheel steering, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The S6 returned to the lineup in 2020 with a 444-hp, 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6. This year also marked the return of two wagon options—the RS 6 Avant and the A6 Allroad. The next few years saw small changes with more standard feature and infotainment upgrades. The fifth-generation A6 was refreshed, gaining standard Matrix-LED headlights across the lineup, a new grille, new wheel designs and available features such as noise-reducing dual-pane front side windows and remote start via the Audi Connect app.
If it’s modern amenities you crave, this is the generation you’ll want. You’re unlikely to find a bargain here, but you will find a wide selection of vehicles in good condition for less than $25,000—typically from earlier model years. If you have a higher tolerance for flaws and prior accidents, you may even find something for less than $20,000, but not less than $15,000.
Audi A6 Fourth Generation (2012–2018)
Even though this fourth-gen Audi A6 had a longer wheelbase and width increase, it was much lighter than its predecessor, using aluminum body panels and high-strength steel. This A6 shared its interior platform and powertrain (Modular Longitudinal Platform) with the Audi A7, and the Avant body style disappeared from the A6 lineup.
Along with a new generation, Audi introduced a new base 211-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four (the same unit used in the A4 and the Q5 of the time) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available with both FWD and quattro AWD. The supercharged V6 remained available—essentially a carryover from the previous generation with slightly different tuning—paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic and available only with AWD.
Standard features included leather seats, a sunroof, automatic headlights, memory seats, push-button start, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Available features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, night vision assist, a head-up display, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The S6 rejoined the lineup in 2013 with a 420-hp, 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. In 2014, the inline-four engine received a power boost to 240-hp, while a 3.0-liter TDI clean diesel engine was added to the lineup. The mid-cycle refresh for this generation happened in 2016, which included updated headlights and taillights, shaper styling, a faster MMI processor, improved driver assistance systems, and a power boost for the turbocharged inline four and the 3.0-liter turbo V6.
Though there were just two years between the refresh and the end of the generation, there were a few significant changes. The TDI was dropped from the lineup in 2017, and a new 3.0T Competition trim was introduced with a 340-hp Supercharged V6 and a quattro sport differential. This was also the year that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were introduced for some models. Standard MMI navigation was added in the final year of this generation, along with more trim levels with LED headlights, and a new top-view camera.
You shouldn’t have to travel far to find a used model from this generation. We found nearly 1,000 fourth-gen A6s for sale ranging from $2,000 for vehicles with prior accidents to about $33,000 for low-mileage models in excellent condition. If you’re looking for a low-mileage, accident-free example, you’ll find a lot of good options for less than $15,000.
Audi A6 Third Generation (2005–2011)
The A6 got longer in its third generation, adding more rear-seat and trunk space, and adopted Audi’s new single-frame grille. Though the Avant was ditched for the U.S. market in the first model year, the sedan body style remained, offering both FWD and quattro AWD system. This generation also made a major technological leap with its Multi Media Interface (MMI), which controlled the in-car entertainment, navigation, climate controls, and various other settings through a central dial.
The third-gen A6 launched with two naturally aspirated engine—a 255-hp, a 3.2-liter V6, and a 335-hp 4.2-liter V8. At this point, most of the A6 lineup transitioned to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission in the U.S. market.
In addition to the MMI, other tech advances included adaptive cruise control, passive entry, push-button start, and advanced safety systems. Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) direct injection technology was introduced into the engines for the first time.
The A6 Avant body style returned to the U.S. lineup in 2006, and the performance-oriented S6, with a 435-hp, 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10, returned in 2007. Other updates for 2007 included a power bump to 350 hp for the V8, a new driver cluster, and some new interior features. The A6 received a mid-cycle refresh in 2009 comprising revised front and rear fascias, available LED headlights, and improved MMI software. At this time, a new 300-hp, supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection (TFSI) was also introduced as a quattro-only model, and a 580-hp RS6 was offered in a limited run for this model year only. As the A6 coasted to the end of the third generation, the 3.2-liter got more power in 2010, then essentially entered 2011 as a carryover.
This generation is readily available on used-car websites, with prices ranging from about $3,000 to $11,000. If you want one with fewer than 100,000 miles, you’ll likely pay around $8,000.
Audi A6 Second Generation (1998–2004)
In its second generation, the Audi A6 started to come into its own as more of a luxury sports sedan rather than a rebadged 5000. It received a ground-up redesign on the new C5 platform that took direct aim at the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. At launch, it was offered in the sedan body style, with the wagon (or Avant in Audi speak) returning a year later.
This generation introduced the conservative and austere design language that became a hallmark for the brand, with clean surfaces and a highly aerodynamic design. Many would say this version of the A6 helped to change Audi’s image in the U.S., making it a true competitor in the luxury space. The second-gen A6 introduced early versions of a navigation system, offered an available Bose audio system, and had Xenon headlights.
The 2.8-liter engine carried over into this new generation with a horsepower boost; both a five-speed manual and an automatic transmission were available. FWD was still standard and the quattro AWD was available. In 2000, the A6 dropped the 2.8 and got a pair of new engines—a 250-hp 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 and a 300-hp 4.2-liter V8. The former offered a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission and was available with FWD or quattro AWD. The latter only offered a five-speed automatic and was AWD only.
In 2002, the second-gen A6 got a refresh that included revised headlights and taillights, an updated grille, new bumpers, more reliable electronics, and more standard safety features. At this time, the A6 also introduced another new engine—a 220-hp, 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V6, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
There was also a high-powered S6 variant with a modified version of the 4.2-liter V8 and a limited-run RS 6 toward the end of the generation.
Availability of this generation is limited, and we saw 19 listings with prices ranging from about $2,000 to $10,000. While we did see a couple of wagons, most were sedans and equipped with the 2.7-liter turbo engine.
Audi A6 First Generation (1994–1997)
The first-generation Audi A6 was a facelift to the Audi 100, or 5000 as it was known in the United States, and the name reflected the German automaker’s new alphanumeric naming structure. It got a new grille, new bumpers, and new headlights and was offered in both sedan and wagon body styles.
The A6 launched with a base 172-hp, 2.8-liter V6 engine paired with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. It was standard with FWD and available with Audi’s quattro AWD system. A 227-hp, 2.2-liter inline five-cylinder engine was available with S6 models, which came with AWD as standard and was only equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. The S6 got a luxury upgrade in 1996 and added a 290-hp, 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8. While this model still had AWD, it was only equipped with the four-speed automatic.
Since this was essentially a facelifted model from the get-go, the first-gen A6 didn’t receive any significant updates or upgrades in its short life.
You’ll be hard pressed to find a first-generation A6, and you’ll likely have to travel to get it. We saw three sedans for sale ranging from $7,000 to $10,000, and they all had the 2.8-liter engine with AWD.
