2024 Audi A6 Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
In Audi's lineup, the smaller A4 might be more popular and the larger A8 more grandiose, but the A6 midsize sedan combines desirable aspects of luxury, design, tech, and performance. This generation of A6 was introduced for 2019, with Quattro AWD standard across the range. For 2024, the A6 gets a refresh that brings slightly updated looks and features. Competitors to the 2024 Audi A6 include the BMW 5 Series, Genesis G80, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
What's New
- Subscription-based navigation, music, parking, and other tech features
- Updated grille finish
- Premium LED headlights become standard
- Fresh color, trim, and wheel offerings
- Performance package for RS6 Avant
- Limited-run RS6 Avant Bronze Edition with gold 22-inch wheels, bronze interior stitching
What We Think
While some luxury sedans skew toward performance and others go for a more comfort-oriented demeanor, the Audi A6 finds an appealing middle ground. It delivers a smooth and relaxed feel along with driver engagement and contemporary design. Although it's not Audi's EV sedan of the future, the A6 is hardly behind the times.
Regardless of what powertrain is chosen, the A6 covers ground with authority and composure thanks to its adept chassis tuning and standard AWD. Its interior boasts superb quality and materials. Although the digital displays impress, basic controls are perhaps too reliant on touchscreen taps. Furthermore, it's frustrating that entry-level models lack popular driver aids, and the functionality of those isn't always great even when they are equipped.
In its core sedan format, the A6 is solid, if a bit staid. Fortunately, Audi enlivens the range with enthusiast-oriented models—the A6 Allroad and RS6 Avant wagons are practical and great to drive. There's little doubt the upcoming Audi A6 E-Tron will be great, but right now, the A6 remains a top competitor in the luxury midsize sedan space.
Performance and MPGs
Regardless of whether it's equipped with a four-, six-, or eight-cylinder engine, every A6 variant comes with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
2024 Audi A6 45 TFSI
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4
- Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Horsepower/Torque: 248 hp/273 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 24/31 mpg (est)
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.8 seconds (est)
2024 Audi A6 55 TFSI / A6 Allroad
- Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6
- Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Horsepower/Torque: 335 hp/369 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 21/30 mpg (est)
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.0-5.1 seconds
2024 Audi S6
- Engine: 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Horsepower/Torque: 444 hp/443 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 19/26 mpg (est)
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.1 seconds (est)
2024 Audi RS6 Avant Performance
- Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Horsepower/Torque: 621 hp/627 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 14/21 mpg (est)
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 2.9 seconds (est)
Audi A6 E-Tron: Not If, When
In Audi's all-electric transition, an A6 EV will be an important part of its strategy. Wouldn't you know it: The automaker showed off the shapely A6 E-Tron concept car, along with an even more stylish A6 Avant E-Tron concept. These vehicles likely preview what to expect from the production A6 E-Tron, likely to arrive for model year 2025.
Audi S6 vs. RS6 Avant: Quick vs. Quicker
Audi builds two performance-oriented versions of the A6: the S6 and RS6 Avant. The S6 is appreciably sharpened from the A6, featuring adaptive air suspension, upgraded brakes, and the twin-turbo V-6 engine also found in the RS5. An available sport rear differential enhances the S6's control.
The RS6, however, is on an entirely different level. Available exclusively in Avant station wagon body style, the RS6 packs a twin-turbo V-8, carbon-ceramic brakes, and all-wheel steering. For 2024, the RS6 Avant comes equipped with a Performance package, which benefits from increased power and torque, weight savings, and recalibrated chassis controls. Available lightweight wheels aid handling while looking fantastic. It's the type of wagon that calls into question why anyone would ever buy a sporty SUV—Audi RS Q8, watch out. Act quickly, and you might be able to score an allocation for the even more aggressive and extremely limited RS6 Avant GT.
A6 Allroad: The Secret Audi SUV?
There's no shortage of SUVs in Audi's lineup, but one vehicle provides crossover practicality along with elegant car-like driving manners and an adventurous spirit. The A6 Allroad is a high-riding and mildly ruggedized station wagon, perhaps something akin to a luxurious Subaru Outback from Germany. Although the A6 Allroad won't suit drivers who need an SUV with three rows of seats or true off-road capability, it could be an interesting and stylish alternative to a Q5.
Safety Ratings and Features
As standard, the 2024 A6 comes equipped with front automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beams. Optional on the entry-level trim and included on higher-end trims are side and rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
For 2023, the A6 earned a five-star overall crash safety rating from the NHTSA, and Top Safety Pick+ status from the IIHS, each the highest possible accolade from those respective organizations. Expect similar scores from the 2024 A6.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Space inside the A6 is about average for the segment, such that taller passengers should be able to get comfortable. Even so, the A6 can't match the large trunk of the new BMW 5 Series.
Technology
Every A6 variant comes equipped with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is loaded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Below that, an 8.6-inch touchscreen serves to adjust various climate and comfort settings. In addition to a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge display, a head-up display is also available. Other premium tech features include a 360-degree camera, semi-autonomous parking capability, and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio setup.
For 2024, Audi switches to a subscription-based model for navigation, music and video streaming, productivity and weather apps, and other features. The A6 comes with a six-month trial subscription, after which owners must pay to use those features.
Recommended Trim
A6 and S6 sedans are available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Our recommendation in the 2024 A6 range is any other than the base Premium trim. Unfortunately, the Premium trim does not include adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, which in our view are must-have features for a modern car and furthermore are included as standard on much cheaper vehicles. Thus, we'd go for at least the A6 Premium Plus, which starts at about $62,000 with the 45 TFSI powertrain. In addition to those driver assist features, the Premium Plus trim also has a premium audio system, 360-degree camera, and wireless device charging pad.
