fbpx

Independent, impartial advice for car buyers and car owners

Find an Expert Rating: 
Expert Rating

Audi A6 (2011 to 2018)

Our unique Expert Rating Index combines scores from 35 of the top UK motoring websites to give you a definitive rating on every new car

Expert Rating

Audi A6 (2011 to 2018)

Not a current model

    Summary


    The Audi A6 is a large executive vehicle available in saloon and estate (called Avant) body styles. This is the fourth-generation model, which first arrived in 2011. After a mid-life facelift in 2015, this A6 iteration was replaced by the current model in 2018.

    In usual Audi fashion, top-spec performance versions of the A6 saloon and estate were called the S6. There was also the A6 allroad quattro model, which had a beefed-up estate body and improved ground clearance for off-road driving. Finally, the performance-focused RS 6 Avant completed the range, but that’s not covered on this page.

    Available with a choice of several petrol and diesel engines, the fourth-generation A6 consistently received good to very good scores from the UK media during its time on sale – praised by Top Gear for its “unarguably lovely” interior which was both practical and sophisticated, and commended by Auto Trader for its “refined and really economical engines”.

    While Audi S6 models also garnered praise for their straight-line speed and driving dynamics, the performance of the standard A6 models did not excite reviewers to the same extent, as a few motoring outlets suggested that the A6 wasn’t as engaging as some of its upmarket saloon rivals.

    “If you’re in the market for an economical, spacious and quietly gratifying car then the Audi A6 is highly recommended”, concluded Autocar‘s Matt Saunders. “Those seeking a more engaging and rewarding drive should perhaps opt for the equivalent BMW 5 Series.”

    No longer on sale, the fourth-gen Audi A6 holds an Expert Rating of 73%, based on 64 reviews published by the British automotive media.

    A6 highlights

    • Well-built upmarket interior
    • Plenty of safety features
    • Refined and economical engines

    A6 lowlights

    • Mercedes-Benz E-Class had more boot space
    • Larger wheel options hinder ride comfort
    • Not as engaging as some rivals

    Key specifications


    Body style: Large saloon and estate
    Engines:
    petrol, diesel
    Price when new:
    From £30,985 on-road

    Launched: Autumn 2011
    Last updated: Spring 2015
    Replaced: Summer 2018


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    Auto Express

    +

    Auto Trader

    +

    Autocar

    +

    Business Car

    +

    Car

    +

    Car Keys

    +

    Carbuyer

    +

    Carwow

    +

    Evo

    +

    Fleetworld

    +

    Green Car Guide

    +

    Heycar

    +

    Honest John

    +

    Motoring Research

    +

    Motors.co.uk

    +

    Parkers

    +

    The Sun

    +

    The Sunday Times

    +

    The Telegraph

    +

    Top Gear

    +

    What Car?

    +

    Which?

    +

    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 5 stars
    Date tested: August 2011
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 91%
    Child protection: 83%
    Vulnerable road users: 41%
    Safety assist: 86%

    Notes on safety rating

    The fourth-generation Audi A6 was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 2011 and awarded a five-star safety rating. However, this rating expired in January 2017 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for this rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

    However, if you are comparing a used Audi A6 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

    Eco rating


    No eco rating

    The fourth-generation Audi A6 was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life as it pre-dated the organisation.

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

    As of October 2022, the Audi A6 has a poor reliability score of just 27%, according to exclusive warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers this fourth-generation model as well as both newer (2018 onwards) and previous (pre-2011) versions.

    The most common problems with the A6 to date relate to its electrical system, with an average repair bill of more than £450. Engine problems are very expensive, with an average repair bill of more than £3,000, and are worryingly common. Gearbox repair bills are also hugely expensive, while other repair bills are all on the expensive side as well.

    If you’re looking at a used Audi A6, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi A6 has received

    2016

    • Company Car of the Year Awards – Best in Upper Mid-size Class

    2015

    • Auto Express Awards – Best Executive Car
    • Fleet World Awards – Best Executive Car

    2014

    • Auto Express Awards – Best Executive Car

    2020

    • Parkers Awards – Best Premium Executive Car
    • Red Dot Awards – Red Dot Design Award

    2011

    • Golden Steering Wheel Award

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the Audi A6, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    Audi A7 Sportback | BMW 5 Series | DS 9 | Genesis G80 | Jaguar XF | Lexus ES | Maserati Ghibli | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Tesla Model S | Volvo S90 | Volvo V90

    Buy a used Audi A6


    If you’re looking to buy an Audi A6, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car

    Cazoo 600x300

    Buy a car online from your sofa.
    We’ll deliver it. Find out more

    Motors 600x300

    Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more

    Carwow logo 600x300

    Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more

    Auto Trader logo 600x300

    Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more

    Car subscriptions


    If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

    Mycardirect subscriptions – 600x300

    Car subscriptions from Mycardirect.
    Find out more

    Wagonex logo 2022

    Car subscriptions from Wagonex.
    Find out more

    Elmo logo 2022

    Electric car subscriptions from Elmo.
    Find out more

    Used car finance

    Looking for an alternative to dealer finance? The Car Expert's partners can help
    We Finance Any Car 400x200

    Used car finance from We Finance Any Car.
    Find out more

    Blue Motor Finance

    Used car finance from Blue Motor Finance.
    Find out more

    Happy Motor Finance 600x300

    Used car finance from Happy Motor Finance.
    Find out more

    Quick Car Finance logo 800x400

    Used car finance from Quick Car Finance.
    Find out more

    Sell your car

    Do you have a car to sell? The Car Expert's partners can offer you a great price
    Motorway 600x300

    Get a free valuation in seconds from Motorway.
    Find out more

    Cazoo 600x300

    Get a free and instant offer for your car from Cazoo.
    Find out more

    Carwow logo 600x300

    The free, easy way to get 3,000+ dealers all over the UK bidding on your car.
    Find out more

    Auto Trader logo 600x300

    Get a cash offer for your car in minutes from Auto Trader.
    Find out more

    This page last updated:

    This page contains links to some of our commercial partners. If you click on any of those links, we may receive a commission.

    Best car rankings

    The top cars in every category

    The Car Expert has the ultimate ranking of the best and worst new cars on sale, based on scores from 30 of the top UK motoring websites. We're adding more cars and more lists all the time, so keep checking back for the latest results.

    Best car rankings

    The top cars in every category

    The Car Expert has the ultimate ranking of the best and worst new cars on sale, based on scores from 30 of the top UK motoring websites. We'll be adding more cars and more lists all the time, so keep checking back for the latest results.

    The fourth-generation Audi A6 was a refined saloon and estate with a upmarket interior, but its rivals were more fun on the road.Audi A6 (2011 to 2018)