After its redesign in 1998, the 1998 Audi A6 offered no changes to its sedan. However, the wagon finally got its makeover and upgrade to the 2.8-liter, DOHC, 200-hp V6 with 5-speed Tiptronic auto/manual transmission Both sedan and wagon were available in either front-wheel drive or AWD quattro with standard ABS brakes and improved traction control

More rounded on the outside, with a gently sloping rear window, the elegant sedan was equally luxurious on the inside. The 1998 A6 offered three "atmospheres" for interior styling, depending on whatever lifestyle wanted to live out in your car. The red-lit gauges made it easier to read the dash at night, and ergonomic features were both convenient and unobstrusive. Different weather packages added leather upholstery, power sunroof, memory power driver's seats, and heated seats.

The quattro engineering remained top-notch in the 1998 Audi A6, seamlessly distributing power where most needed, and many owners claim it performed better than an SUV in bad weather conditions. Tight handling and cornering continued to be Audi trademarks, and owners felt pampered and spoiled by the roomy, luxurious interior. A large trunk for cargo made the Audi A6 equal parts family sedan and high-end cruiser. It still suffered from being slow off the line, though cruised nicely once it hit highway speeds. Reliability was so-so, with many owners disappointed about the number of repairs needed. Some complaints about road noise and scraping the front bumper are also noted.