Audi A6 vs Lexus IS

The 2026 Audi A6, while not visually striking, maintained a handsome appearance reminiscent of the smaller A5. Its design featured a lower, more pronounced "singleframe" grille and fender flares inspired by the iconic Quattro rally car. The sides were defined by a pronounced rib in the lower door skins, though this detail was subtle unless viewed from a specific angle. Compared to its competitors, the A6 didn't make as bold an impression as the Cadillac CT5, nor was it as ostentatious as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. However, it avoided the ungainly look of the BMW 5 Series. The A6 had its own lighting innovation with pixelated LED headlights offering programmable signatures, and taillights repositioned to accommodate programmable icons. Despite these features, the symbols were often confusingly similar, and the hazard lights drew more attention than intended.

The 2026 Lexus IS presented a simplified lineup, available only as the IS 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and options for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The design was subjective, with some criticism directed at the L-E-X-U-S lettering across the trunk, which seemed more fitting for a pickup truck. The front end, however, was seen as an aesthetic improvement, exuding an appropriate level of aggression for a sports sedan, albeit with a hint of Toyota influence. Despite its underlying design dating back to 2014, the IS looked modern, with a redesigned interior featuring a new dashboard, center console, and dual 12.3-inch displays. The interior quality was high, with NuLuxe artificial leather mimicking real leather effectively, and a variety of color options available for customization.

The 2026 Audi A6 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard quattro all-wheel drive. This engine, shared with the S5 sedan, offered a significant power increase over the previous model year, making the A6 feel energetic and sporty. Despite its size, the A6 managed a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, outperforming base models of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. However, the transmission exhibited hesitation under heavy throttle, though shifts were smooth once up to speed. The A6's handling was enhanced by brake-based torque vectoring and an optional sport rear differential, though the latter only made a noticeable difference under aggressive driving. The Sport Plus Package lowered the ride height and included rear-axle steering, but the resulting ride quality was less comfortable than models with adaptive air suspension. The A6 excelled on highways but was less suited for dynamic driving on twisty roads, with noticeable tire noise on rough surfaces.

The 2026 Lexus IS 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel-drive models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel-drive versions had a six-speed automatic. The IS 350 achieved a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, offering a quick but not blistering performance. The engine was smooth and refined, with a pleasing sound when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, though manual shifting via paddles introduced delays and rougher shifts. The IS 350's adaptive suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, maintaining composure in corners without punishing occupants. On highways, road noise was noticeable on concrete surfaces, but the car was quiet on blacktop. In mountainous terrain, the IS 350 demonstrated its sports sedan credentials, with the Sport S+ mode enhancing throttle response, transmission behavior, and steering weight. Despite some roll and float on uneven surfaces, the IS delivered a satisfying driving experience.

The 2026 Audi A6 grew 2.4 inches longer than its predecessor, though the wheelbase remained unchanged, resulting in no additional passenger space. Front-seat headroom increased by two inches due to the new panoramic glass roof, which featured six dimmable panels. Rear-seat headroom and legroom remained similar to the previous model, comparable to the BMW 5 Series. Rear passengers enjoyed climate controls and USB-C ports, with heated rear seats available on higher trims. The A6's trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less than before but more than the Cadillac CT5 and Mercedes E-Class, though less than the BMW 5 Series.

The 2026 Lexus IS, as a low-slung sports sedan, required some effort to enter and exit, with a snug fit overall. The F Sport's bolstered seats were comfortable, with NuLuxe upholstery providing a satisfying feel. Front seats included heating and ventilation, allowing for long drives without discomfort. Storage space was reasonable, with large cupholders, a center armrest bin, and wide door pockets. The rear seat offered adequate space for adults, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for added convenience. The trunk was small at 10.8 cubic feet, but the 60/40-split folding rear seat allowed for expanded cargo space when needed.

The 2026 Audi A6 featured the Digital Stage setup, with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. An optional 10.9-inch front-passenger touchscreen was available. The MMI infotainment system, while improved in voice recognition, had oversimplified layouts that were difficult to interpret. Audi planned a mid-year interface upgrade, adding an integrated dashcam and a new steering wheel. The optional Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system included headrest speakers for navigation directions.

The 2026 Lexus IS boasted dual 12.3-inch displays, with the driver display offering improved configurability. The infotainment system was easy to navigate, though it only displayed one menu at a time. Voice recognition performed well, though some clarifications were needed. Five connected service plans offered various features, including navigation, remote engine start, and emergency assistance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Audi A6 came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Premium Plus and Prestige trims added park-assist, adaptive cruise assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The lane-centering feature allowed some lane wobble, but robust driver monitoring was included. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of writing.

The 2026 Lexus IS upgraded to Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Additional options included a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. Proactive Driving Assist was new, though some found it intrusive. Safety ratings were incomplete, with the IIHS providing mixed results in various categories.