2026 Audi A6

This new A6 is proof that luxury sedans can withstand an onslaught of SUVs. It joins a small class, yet each member is strong in all the right ways — including style, comfort, tech, prestige, and driving enjoyment.

We also noticed Audi seems to have already ditched its naming system where cars with even numbers in their names were all-electric (like the Q4 e-tron), while cars with odd numbers (like the A3) would use gasoline power. The new A6 has a turbocharged V6, while dispensing with any 4-cylinder engines the outgoing A6 offered.

It’s the timing we find most interesting, however. In the past, generations of the A6 have been out of sync with chief rivals — the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. So when new models of those made their debut, the A6 was halfway through a cycle and could only offer a refresh in response. This time around, both rivals only debuted their latest iterations two model years ago, making this A6 much more competitive.

This is an all-new generation of Audi’s highly regarded midsize luxury sedan.

On-Sale Date

Audi says the new 2026 A6 sedan goes on sale in the second half of 2025.

We expect the 2026 Audi A6 to start at around $63,000.

Premium Plus has been a popular choice with the outgoing A6. Rivals like the BMW 5 Series, Genesis G80, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class all begin in that low-to-mid-$60K bracket.

Before buying a new A6 midsize luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values of the previous-generation A6 have been a little above average for the class. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

There’s only one engine in the 2026 A6 (so far), a turbocharged V6 making 362 horsepower — up from the previous generation’s 355 hp. That should make it quicker in the run from standstill to 60 mph by about half a second, so we’re expecting a time close to 4.5 seconds.

For comparison, the 375-hp BMW 540i xDrive hits 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and the Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic has the same power as the BMW while reaching 60 mph 0.1 of a second sooner.

All-wheel drive is standard in the 2026 A6, and an adaptive air suspension — with the ability to go from comfortable to sporty — is an option. Even more intriguing, this feature is controllable through voice commands, so drivers can raise or lower ride height just by saying so. Rear-wheel steering is another option, enhancing maneuverability and making the car feel smaller than it really is. It’s also available in the 5 Series and E-Class.

Audi also adds that the engine and transmission mounts in the new A6 have been developed for a smoother, quieter ride. The last time we drove an A6, we loved its fluidity and its mix of comfort and control. If this one is even smoother, that’s great, but it was hardly a problem area.

Fuel Economy

The outgoing V6-powered A6 achieves 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This new version should be in the same ballpark, which is already populated by the Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic. The BMW 540i xDrive manages 28 mpg combined.

New technology in the latest A6 means the now almost-obligatory single-unit display with more than one screen. In Audi-land, this is known as the Digital Stage, with an instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and an optional third display for the front passenger. We’d be inclined to say that Audi has caught up with current interior design trends but hasn’t really moved them along. Even so, we think the new A6 looks great inside.

It should be remarkably quiet as well, since sound insulation is improved by 30% over the outgoing model, which no one accused of being noisy. Trunk space measures 17.8 cubic feet, big enough for two large suitcases to fit side by side. Even so, the 5 Series and E-Class both have slightly larger trunks.

Audi says its new A6 sedan is the most aerodynamic combustion-powered vehicle it has ever produced, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.23 (that’s good — the current Toyota Prius comes in at 0.27). Those typically clean Audi lines and well-judged proportions aren’t merely stylish.

The standard alloy wheel size is 19 inches, with 20-inch and 21-inch rims among the options. We also think it’s kind of cool how the 4-ring badge at the front straddles the leading edge of the hood and the top of the grille.

Digital Stage
This unit consists of an 11.9-inch instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. A 10.9-inch display is also optional for the front passenger, who can help with navigation or just amuse themselves with streamed content without distracting the driver.

Bang & Olufsen audio
A highly respected audiophile brand and a particular favorite of ours, the top B&O system offered in the new A6 is an 810-watt/20-speaker setup, with speakers in the front headrests to create a personal surround-sound effect.

Panoramic glass roof
The new A6 midsize luxury sedan comes with a roof that’s virtually all glass. Not only that, it can go from transparent to opaque through six electronically controlled levels.

The 2026 A6 employs a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 making 362 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. This goes to a standard all-wheel-drive system through a 7-speed automatic transmission.

There’s an all-electric A6 Sportback e-tron we review separately. We’re also expecting a sportier variant of this sedan, the 2026 S6, which we will cover in its own review.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical among European luxury car manufacturers. Roadside assistance is also included.

Safety

Standard safety features in the new A6 include automatic emergency braking, cross-traffic alert, and evasive steering assistance.