Overview

It might have been around a while, and has been joined by the new all-electric A6 E-Tron, but the original soldiers on, having received a light facelift early in 2024. For many Audi fans, this is still the go-to executive car for those who need to cover massive distances effortlessly and discreetly – and as it heads towards its highlight years, the option of picking up a super-competitive finance deal increases by the day,

It’s a handsome-looking saloon car that isn’t too in-your-face with neat proportions that hide an interior packed with technology and near impeccable build quality. If you think that the A6 looks similar to other models in the Audi range, don’t worry, there’s no need to get your eyes tested. It’s a deliberate strategy of familiarity.

Rivals on the saloon side of things include the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Genesis G80 and run-out Jaguar XF. Although if you truly want something large and luxurious there are SUVs on the agenda too. The Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE will also be on many people’s shopping lists.

If you don’t want the four-door saloon, there’s also an A6 Avant estate for those looking for a halfway house between an estate and an SUV. It has been around since 2018 and has changed very little in that time. This means it’s beginning to feel a bit old compared with its rivals, but it is more readily available. Plus leasing companies often have them on offer.

Choosing one is easy enough. There are only three trim levels, Sport being the cheapest, S Line sitting in the middle and Black Edition the most expensive. Both diesel and petrol buyers are catered for, plus there’s a plug-in hybrid model aimed at company car drivers and people who do a lot of short journeys.

All models are well equipped, coming with Audi Drive Select, matrix LED headlights, electrically-adjustable leather sports seats, MMI Navigation and Touch with 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen, and 7.0-inch digital driver’s display. It’s an online, connected system with automated map updates and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It’s a safe car, too, with the A6 being awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating. All models receive Audi Pre-sense, which warns the driver of potential collision hazards before evasive action when necessary. In addition, there’s lane departure warning, cruise control system with speed limiter (adaptive in S Line and Black Edition models), rear-view camera to assist parking, and side airbags front and rear with head airbag system.

Should you opt for one? Keeping reading over the next few pages to find out whether Audi A6 still has what it takes. In this review, we’ll assess its practicality, interior quality, technology, driving experience and running costs before offering our final verdict. If you’d like to learn more about how we reached our conclusion, check out our how we test cars explainer page.