Summary
The Audi A6 is a large executive vehicle available in saloon and estate (called Avant) body styles. This is the fourth-generation model
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
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Avant (2011-18)
Score: 8 / 10
“Not the most engaging to drive, but the Audi A6 Avant is one of the biggest and most efficient premium estates.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“In the battle for supremacy in the corporate car park, the Audi A6 is a great choice. Its understated style, classy interior and host of tech on board make it a saloon car to aspire to.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Audi A6 Avant is a large executive estate car with great performance and practicality, along with surprising economy.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI Ultra
Score: 8 / 10
“Driven carefully, this unassuming Audi A6 estate is potentially a real efficiency hero, and should appeal to cost-conscious private buyers and fleet managers alike.”
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Model reviewed: S6
Score: 6 / 10
“The Audi S6 looks classy, sounds great and is a likeable car despite not having the most impressive chassis in its class.”
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Model reviewed: Avant Ultra
Score: 10 / 10
“Eco makeover transforms Audi A6 Avant Ultra estate, making it better than ever.”
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Model reviewed: S Line
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi A6 S line adds sporty looks and plenty of equipment, but stiff suspension is no good.”
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Model reviewed: Ultra (2014)
Score: 8 / 10
“Flagship Audi A6 Ultra saloon sets bar high with quality build and impressive drive.”
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Model reviewed: Ultra
“The Audi A6 Ultra is a solid, refined, luxury car.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi’s executive saloon is better than it has ever been, and is set to take the market by storm.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0 TDI S-line
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi’s all-new A6 is quicker, more agile and better quality than ever before.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A6 saloon is more comfortable than the BMW 5 Series, but less fun to drive. It’s packed with impressive technology, including in-car Wi-Fi.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Audi A6 is an excellent executive car – supremely refined, very spacious and available with some really economical engines that make it very appealing to company car drivers.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: S6
Score: 8 / 10
“Outstanding all-season ability and impressive everyday practicality, but lacking intimacy on challenging roads and beginning to show its age in certain areas.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A6 rises higher than any model before it and is now a real contender in the mid-size exec market.”
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Model reviewed: Avant 2.0 TDI Ultra
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re in the market for an economical, spacious and quietly gratifying car then this variant of the Audi A6 is highly recommended.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI Avant
“The new Audi A6 Avant doesn’t have quite the load-carrying ability of rivals, but it’s a frugal, decent drive.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0 TDI quattro 2011
“The Audi A6 has much to recommend for quality, value and economy – it just lacks dynamic polish.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: 3.0 TDI SE Quattro S-tronic
Score: 8 / 10
“The quattro version of the A6 driven here is the best example of how far Audi, and the car industry, has come in the past seven years.”
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Car
Model reviewed: S6 Avant
Score: 8 / 10
“No massive changes then, but the S6 Avant remains a rapid, refined and very likable superwagon.”
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Model reviewed: S6 (2015)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi S6 remains a very likable car. Interior quality is still deeply impressive and that engine is really quite special.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI Ultra (2015)
Score: 8 / 10
“A subtle round of updates for a subtle car but all of them well worthwhile, keeping the Audi A6 fighting fit against its 5-series nemesis.”
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Model reviewed: Ultra
Score: 6 / 10
“The Audi A6 Ultra has an impressive set of numbers, from its list price, mpg, C02 and spec; but it’s not particularly fun or satisfying to drive.”
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Model reviewed: Allroad (2012)
Score: 8 / 10
“It might be a bit flashier than the previous two generations, but the Allroad is a superb all-rounder for those rich country types, and less gauche than an SUV.”
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Model reviewed: S6 Avant (2012)
Score: 8 / 10
“In terms of pure fun, the S6 is easily beaten, but as an all-weather performance workhorse, few cars can compete.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The A6 is Audi’s lavish saloon cruiser that mixes interior luxury with intriguing power and driving dynamics.”
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Model reviewed: Avant
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A6 Avant is an attractive, practical and sophisticated car with lots of space and some impressive diesel engines.”
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Model reviewed: S6 4.0 TFSI quattro
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi S6 Quattro is a carefully worked-out car for people who carefully work things out.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: S Line
“The Audi A6 S line is the best trim to go for in the range. Its diesel engines are all economical and it costs less than similarly equipped rivals.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“It may be getting on a bit, but the Audi A6’s interior quality is top notch, with squidgy plastics and expensive trim pieces on show everywhere you care to cast your eyes – it feels and looks expensive.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: S6
Score: 7 / 10
“The new Audi S6 swaps its predecessor’s thirsty V10 engine for a 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that combines strong performance with decent fuel economy – but can it deliver thrills?”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A6 offers a beautiful interior, mighty turbodiesels, comfort, refinement and space.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 3.0 TFSI Quattro
Score: 7 / 10
“Big petrols are a very minority taste in mid-sized execs like the A6 these days, but the V6 TFSI motor is a gem thanks to its combination of stodgy, diesel-like low-down torque and an appetite for revs that would make any older TDI driver feel nostalgic.”
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Fleetworld
Model reviewed: S line 2.0 TDI ultra
“With low running costs and no sacrifices for the end user, the A6 ultra means even executive-level employees can contribute to carbon reductions without giving up creature comforts.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: Avant 2.0 TDI (2016)
Score: 9 / 10
“If you’re looking for a large, stylish, and economical executive estate, then the Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDI, capable of 56.5 mpg, should fit the bill.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Avant
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi A6 Avant is a strong contender in the large estate car market. It’s a bit more stylish than some rivals, has a sophisticated image, a brilliant interior and a competitive diesel engine.”
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Model reviewed: Allroad (2012-18)
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi has always pitched the A6 Allroad – its all-terrain version of the A6 Avant – as an alternative to a full size 4×4. And it certainly looks the part.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi A6 is a bit more stylish than some of its rivals, has an upmarket image, a classy interior and a competitive diesel engine.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: S6
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi S6 offers a refined ride for a performance car and effortless performance from the 4.0-litre V8 engine.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The A6 Avant isn’t an overly exciting car to drive – enthusiasts will prefer the BMW 5 Series Touring – but it is a thoroughly capable and confident one.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Impressive cabin with a straightforward layout. Very quiet and refined on the move.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: S6 (2015)
“Ultimately, the S6 just lacks the drama you’d want after blowing a heap of cash on a powerful V8 super saloon.”
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Model reviewed: (2015)
“The 2015 Audi A6 may not look much different, but it’s more efficient and faster than before, making it more competitive against the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.”
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Motors.co.uk
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Brought to the market in 2011, the Mk IV A6 came with a longer wheelbase, an even sleeker design and a raft of safety systems that has helped move the A6 to the forefront of the executive saloon sector.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi S6 comes with a rather boisterous 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 450hp and, while this is smaller than the 5.2-litre V10 engine found in the previous S6 car, it’s actually more powerful – producing 18hp more.”
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Model reviewed: Avant
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Top quality premium Audi A6 Avant estate offers high mpg or huge performance.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The A6 is similar to the A4 and the A8 and although it’s not ugly, it’s not going to wow you as a design classic.”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Avant Ultra S Line
“The biggest compliment you can pay this Ultra is that it doesn’t feel much different to the standard engines. It might be a four-cylinder but you still think you’re driving a 3litre V6.”
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Model reviewed: Avant
“The Audi A6 Avant boasts outstanding fuel economy and best-in-class company car benefits.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Allroad 3.0 TDI quattro
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi 6 Allroad is the Lara Croft of load-luggers.”
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Model reviewed: Allroad Quattro
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A6 Allroad Quattro is an immensely likeable estate car with ‘lite’ off-road ability.”
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Model reviewed: S6 (2012)
Score: 8 / 10
“The S6 is a good, well-judged car that would make a great deal of sense in Italy. Here in Britain, however, it will be bought and driven extremely badly by people you wouldn’t want round for dinner.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“At last, an Audi A6 that’s as good as a BMW or a Merc.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Handsomely styled and beautifully built, it also promises very low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions if you go for the Ultra model.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi A6 is a very capable and competent executive car choice. Spacious, comfortable and classy, it’s also very affordable to run if you choose the Ultra model.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: S6 Avant
Score: 7 / 10
“The S6 Avant is supremely fast, very comfortable, clean and relatively efficient.”
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Model reviewed: S6 TFSI Quattro 4dr S Tronic
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi makes a great case for itself if you want comfortable, crushing pace with a bombproof interior.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI Ultra S Line 4dr
Score: 7 / 10
“The mildly facelifted Audi A6 comes with a highly economical four-cylinder diesel engine and front-wheel drive.”
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Model reviewed: S6
“The Audi S6 is an unarguably lovely product, and the materials and cabin tech have upped the everyday-premium game to new levels of luxury.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Ultra 2.0 TDI (2014)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A6 has always trailed the BMW 5 Series in dynamic ability, but this new Ultra engine is incredibly smooth and refined for a four-cylinder diesel.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A6 has always been a stylish and luxurious executive car, and this 2011 version does not buck that trend. Moreover, it substantially improves on previous models by being lighter and therefore better to drive and to ride in, plus it’s more efficient and easier on the pocket.”
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Model reviewed: S6
“Given the Audi S6’s impressive refinement, brutal pace and sumptuous interior, you’re hardly settling for something that doesn’t feel worth the money.”
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Model reviewed: Avant Ultra
“The A6 Avant Ultra is one of the most accomplished cars that Audi makes – and that’s some achievement when you consider that the A6 is now more than three years old. “
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Which?
Model reviewed:
“An elegantly styled, beautifully crafted luxury choice, the Audi A6 has a lot of appeal.”
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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.
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 data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 237
Average repair cost: £1432.85
Last updated: October 2022
Reliability score
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
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