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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Audi A6

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Overview

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2013 Audi A6 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.7

Audi is on a tear, with striking new models generating record sales. The 2013 Audi A6 sedan, redesigned last year, exemplifies Audi's strategy of going after BMW and Mercedes-Benz by confidently sticking to its own path. While the BMW 5 Series has long been the obvious choice for enthusiasts, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the preferred ride for those seeking more traditional luxury, Audi's A6 strikes a unique balance: technology and design, performance and efficiency. Its engines – a 2.0 turbocharged four and a 3.0 supercharged six – are strong and efficient, its sheetmetal is crisp and distinctive, and its interior is as good as modern automotive cabins get. For a stronger bias toward speed, the family also includes the 420-horsepower S6 sports sedan.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you find the Mercedes-Benz E-Class too stodgy and the BMW 5 Series too sterile, you might fall in love with the 2013 Audi A6. Its design is rich but contemporary, tech options are category-leading and it strikes an impressive balance of around-town ease and at-the-limits poise.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The 2013 Audi A6 sedan is not an easy sell for hard-core performance fans. While a base BMW 5 Series offers an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, the entry-level A6 features front-wheel drive (FWD) with a "gearless" continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.7
Driving Dynamics

7.3
Comfort & Convenience

8.2
Design: Interior & Exterior

9.2
Value

5.6
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#2

out of 21

MPG

#18

out of 20

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.0 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

All-new last year, the Audi A6 is little changed for 2013. Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) is now available with the base 2.0 turbo engine, an economizing stop/start feature is added to the 3.0 supercharged engine and top- and corner-view cameras are available for the parking-assist system.

Driving the A6

Driving Impressions The 2013 Audi A6 requires a lighter touch around town than a BMW 5 Series sedan. At the same time, it feels more athletic than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. But more...

than a meet-in-the-middle compromise, the Audi A6 satisfies on both the comfort and performance fronts. The available supercharged 3.0-liter engine is delightfully responsive throughout its rev range. The 8-speed automatic transmission is smooth and flexible. The rear-biased quattro AWD system effortlessly puts power to pavement. No matter the situation, driving the A6 is an exercise in ease. Wheeling into a tight parking space or charging a favorite onramp, this Audi never asks too much and always returns much more. If we could change one thing, we'd like better road feel and response from the fuel-saving but quirky electric power steering. Obviously, the sport-oriented S6 changes the equilibrium, with its lusty 420-horsepower turbo V8 and firmer suspension.

Favorite Features

DEDICATED INTERNET ACCESS
For $25-$30 per month through T-Mobile, the 2013 Audi A6 gets its own connection to the Internet, providing access to Google maps and location data, traffic and weather information, and the ability to connect up to eight Wi-Fi devices, like computers, iPads and smartphones.

STOP & GO CRUISE CONTROL
Using video cameras plus short- and long-distance radar sensors, the 2013 Audi A6 will gas and brake itself along in stop-and-go traffic. All you have to do is stay awake and steer.

2013 Audi A6 Details

2013 Audi A6 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2013 Audi A6 boasts not only our favorite interior in the segment, but one of the finest passenger cabins money can buy: an unmatched mix of contemporary design, high-quality materials and impeccable build quality. The A6 is also the choice in the segment for tech-lovers, offering dedicated Internet access that enables Google-powered maps and location information, and turns the car into a Wi-Fi hot spot for up to eight personal devices. The center console-mounted volume knob, placed conveniently adjacent to the main MMI (Multi Media Interface) control, remains a favorite small touch.

Exterior

The sheetmetal of the Audi A6 sedan, completely redesigned last year, is clean and restrained, and very familiarly Audi. The profile of the car is remarkably similar to that of its predecessor and its A4 and A8 stablemates, but it still looks fresh, athletic and purposeful. Bright, crisp LED lighting options perfectly complement the modern aesthetic. Audi claims a remarkably low 0.26 drag coefficient for the A6, which helps the car slide through the air efficiently. Befitting its brawny, sporting role, the powerful S6 has identifying lower-body aero aids and a distinctive face.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Although the 2013 A6 2.0T Premium boasts one of the lowest starting prices in the category, there's not a single glaring omission from its standard-equipment set. It includes all the luxuries you'd expect in the segment – leather, sunroof, automatic headlights, seat memory, etc. – plus many of the newer niceties like keyless start (but not keyless entry), Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity and iPod/iPhone integration. Outstanding EPA fuel-economy ratings (25/33 mpg city/highway with front-drive) make the entry-priced A6 one of the best values going in the luxury class.

Optional Equipment

The 2013 Audi A6 offers an impressive array of comfort, convenience and safety technologies. In addition to all the benefits of dedicated Internet access, the A6 offers adaptive cruise control that can stop-and-go the sedan through a traffic jam. Audi Night Vision Assistant can detect nearby pedestrians on dark roads. A color head-up display projects speed and navigation information onto the windshield, close to your field of vision. Audi Pre Sense Plus monitors the road ahead and can warn of a potential collision. For this year, the parking assist system gets new top- and corner-view cameras.

Under the Hood

Audi's supercharged 3.0 V6 is one of our favorite engines. With 310 horsepower and the 8-speed Tiptronic automatic in the A6, Audi says it runs 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The 2.0T standard engine delivers flexible thrust that will satisfy most drivers, though obviously, it's working harder in this car than it does in the smaller A4. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) attached to the 2.0 in FWD applications remains an acquired taste: functional and calibrated for good fuel efficiency but not the stuff of enthusiasts' dreams. The 8-speed Tiptronic automatic accompanies all quattro AWD applications, with both engines. Speaking of dreams, the 420-horspower 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 in the S6 launches the 4400-pound car to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
211 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 3,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/33 mpg (CVT automatic, FWD), 20/30 mpg (8-speed automatic, AWD)

3.0-liter supercharged V6
310 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 2,900-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 mpg

4.0-liter turbocharged V8
420 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
406 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/27 mpg

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Audi A6 starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $43,095 and tops out near $75,000 when fully loaded. The S6 sports sedan runs from about $73,000 to over $90,000. The Audi A6 has a starting price advantage compared to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans, but when comparably equipped they're all playing in the same ballpark. If you want more features for your money, check out Asian competitors like the Acura TL, Infiniti M and Hyundai Genesis sedans. Before going to a dealer, be sure to arm yourself with Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price, which reflects what others are paying. As for resale value, we expect the 2013 Audi A6 to perform on par with the category average.

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2013 Audi A6 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 11 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.5/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.3/10

Fantastic car, better than all competitors.

By Jungleer (VA) on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 19,800

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Corners like a ducati"

Cons: "No automatic truck closure like the A8"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my first sedan in 15 years so I drove them all, the A6 is the clear winner for me. Zero recalls so far and only regular scheduled maintenance visits. The MMI takes a few days to get used to but all the options are great. The system instantly recognizes new devices whether its a phone or ipod etc."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Wow!

By dls (UT) on Saturday, June 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Sporty, smooth, responsive, top-rate interior"

Cons: "Front cup holders pretty small"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I did extensive research before purchasing my Audi A6 a month ago. My previous car was a Toyota Avalon, which I had owned for 10 years. It was a nice, dependable car, but not "sporty" at all - pretty bland, actually. I finally landed on the A6 3.0 Premium Plus with the 20" Sport Package and Bose sound system - and all I can say is what an impressive car! The exterior is the definition of sporty and everyone comments on it. When driving, the car is so smooth and responds like nothing I've ever driven - I look for winding roads to drive on just for the fun of it! About the only negative thing I can say about it is that the front cup holders are so small. But that doesn't stop it from being an amazing ride!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great car. - Forget BWW, Mercedes and Jags

By NJ Driver (NJ) on Friday, April 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Great car. i have owned all the other german cars and many USA but this one takes the cake. Quality, MPG, looks and inerior are above expectations. The car is quick for a 4 banger and extreamly quiet. The only thing that i belive should be included in the Preium package is a power stearing column. Lots of Value here."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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nice but some issues

By troubled (FL) on Tuesday, February 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,500

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "typically well appointed Audi"

Cons: "transmission"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Bought new A6 3.0 in Dec'12. Have had it to dealer to evaluate jerking when decelerating from 3rd to 2nd. Usually around 20 mph. Duplicated problem during test drive but they could not fix the problem. Now beginning to hesitate on acceleration. Beginning to wonder about new 8speed trans. Going back to dealer for further evaluation. Otherwise like the car."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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My First Audi and loved every minute driving it!

By NavyGuy (CA) on Tuesday, November 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,764

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great ride, Fun drive, Outstanding Interior."

Cons: "Maintence Program, MPG but I knew that going in."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I just have to say this is the first Audi I have owned but it will not be the last. 3.0T PP+ (Should have sprung the extra $5k and got the Prestige) Pros: The interior is nice and clean everything is laid out where it should be. Great on long drives. I'm 6'4" and I fit in the back seat! just did it once to see what it was like :) V6 feels like a V8 Cons: Lack of a maintence program. MPG but I knew that going in I only avg 23mpg with 75% highway driving (its hard to keep it under 80) Overall I have loved every minute driving this car."

11 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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The nicest car I've ever owned

By tbackinthemix (MD) on Monday, October 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,750

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great on long drives. Love those LED headlights."

Cons: "No "OnStar" feature like my wife's BMW X5."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Took delivery on my 2012 Audi A6 3.0T Prestige eight months ago. I ordered it with every option offered. Phantom Black Pearl Effect exterior and Mocha Brown interior, with 20" sport rims. I love the plush interior and the Bang and Olufsen sound system. The ride is tight, smooth and quiet and best of all, it handles like a dream and is so quick. I really have to pay attention to the speedometer at all times."

8 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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See all 11 reviews