Used 2023 Audi A6

In a space shared with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, among others, the A6 delivers a pleasant experience for the driver and passengers alike. Not quite as opulent as the E-Class or as sporty as the 5 Series, the A6 brings comfort, safety, solid performance, and technology together in a sedan perfectly sized for five adults.

For enthusiasts who prize more performance, Audi offers the S6. Then, there is the RS 6 Avant for those who want something truly unique provided by this high-performance wagon. All in all, the A6 delivers the lifestyle owners in this price point desire and deserve.

Yes, the A6 does lean more toward the Mercedes E-Class with its comfy ride than the more performance-inclined BMW 5 Series. Yet, it’s no slouch on twisty mountain roads. We find it engaging and responsive.

Since Audi provides a choice of two engines for the A6, we’d pony up the extra $3,900 for the more powerful turbo V6. We do think the turbo 4-cylinder in the 45 models is more than adequate for cruising; however, we prefer the extra punch the V6 provides in the 55 models.

Of course, if you want to dial up the handling and the performance, we say the S6 delivers the goods. It’s more precise and delivers decidedly more power than the A6. We praise rear-wheel steering wherever we find it, and it’s available for the S6.

With a top speed of 190 miles per hour and a 0-to-60 time of 3.5 seconds, the RS 6 Avant is truly an enthusiast’s wagon.

We have spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the Audi A6 and the mid-tier luxury sedans with which it competes.

We would argue that Audi crafts perhaps the most elegant interiors in the affordable-luxury class. The quality of the materials, the sumptuous styling, and the level of craftsmanship conspire to provide an elegant, comfortable environment.

Impressively roomy, the A6 cabin delivers more rear-seat legroom than either the Mercedes E-Class or the BMW 5 Series. The trunk capacity is about average for this group of competitors. If more cargo room is your passion, the six-figure RS 6 Avant is a station wagon, after all.

Where sedans are concerned, if your thoughts tend toward less is more, the A6 will have great appeal. Although many consider its exterior elegant, it is at the same time rather simple and plain. Parked in a sea of Benzes and BMWs, the A6 will blend right in. However, Audi has resisted the big-grille trend sweeping across the luxury landscape. We give it props for that.

Bang & Olufsen audio systems
A standout among mobile audio systems, B&O drops a 16-speaker, 705-watt system option into the A6 while it provides a 19-speaker, 1,820-watt setup for the S6 and RS 6 Avant.

Matrix-designed LED headlights
These flexible units contain many small LEDs that can be activated or disengaged to deliver as much illumination as possible, while keeping glare to a minimum for oncoming traffic.

Remote park assist
You can enter or exit a parking space from inside or outside the A6 remotely using a mobile app and your smartphone.

All-wheel steering
Included in the S Sport Package available for the S6, all-wheel steering turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds and in the same direction at high speeds. This helps the A6 feel smaller in tight spots and improves high-speed maneuvering.

Sport adaptive air suspension
Standard in the S6, this adaptive suspension reacts in a blink of an eye to changing surface and driving conditions.

4-zone automatic climate control
Dividing the passenger space into four sectors, this is a set-it-and-forget-it climate system that automatically maintains the preset temperatures in all four areas.

Audi employs four different engines to power the assorted models detailed here. All four are aided by a mild-hybrid (MHEV) system that runs the engine’s stop-start system and other equipment. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission delivers engine output to all four wheels in the A6. Moving up to the two more expensive and higher performance models gains a more traditional, more robust 8-speed automatic transmission.

Although two of the four engines listed below are reserved for the S6 and the RS 6 Avant, the other two A6 mills are well suited to the people hauling duties for which the A6 is engineered. We prefer the turbo V6 but find that even the turbo-4 does a decent job of motivating this midsize sedan. Both the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series deliver a bit more oomph than the A6; however, if you want more gusto, you can always step up to the S6.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (45 TFSI)
261 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA combined fuel economy: 27 mpg (24 city, 31 highway)

3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (55 TFSI)
335 horsepower @ 5,000-6,400 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,370-4,500 rpm
EPA combined fuel economy: 24 mpg (21 city, 30 highway)

2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (S6)
444 horsepower @ 5,900 rpm
442 lb-ft of torque @ 2,700 rpm
EPA combined fuel economy: 22 mpg (19 city, 26 highway)

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (RS 6 Avant)
591 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
590 lb-ft of torque @ 2,050 rpm
EPA combined fuel economy: 17 mpg (14 city, 21 highway)

More A6/S6/RS 6 Avant fuel economy information is available at the EPA’s website.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The 2023 Audi A6 is protected by the automaker’s 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty that also covers the powertrain. This is the same coverage Mercedes-Benz and BMW issue, which means it’s about average for the segment. The Lexus ES and Genesis G80 provide longer powertrain coverage.