Audi A6 (2011 to 2018)

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 2011Last updated: Spring 2015
Replaced: Summer 2018

Image gallery

A6 (2011 – 2015)

A6 Avant (2011 – 2015)

A6 Allroad Quattro

A6 (2015 – 2018)

A6 Avant (2015 – 2018)

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 UltraScore: 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: S6Score: 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 UltraScore: 10 / 10“Eco makeover transforms Audi A6 Avant Ultra estate, making it better than ever.”
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Model reviewed: S LineScore: 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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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: S6Score: 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 UltraScore: 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-tronicScore: 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 AvantScore: 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: UltraScore: 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: AvantScore: 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 quattroScore: 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: S6Score: 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.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0 TFSI QuattroScore: 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: AvantScore: 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: S6Score: 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: AvantScore: 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 quattroScore: 8 / 10“The Audi 6 Allroad is the Lara Croft of load-luggers.”
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Model reviewed: Allroad QuattroScore: 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 AvantScore: 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 TronicScore: 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 4drScore: 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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Safety rating

No safety rating

The fourth-generation Audi A6 was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2011 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2017 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating.

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

The Audi A6 has a low reliability score, according to exclusive warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. Please note that this score covers the current-generation A6, this fourth-generation model and the previous (pre-2011) versions.

Over a quarter of all reported problems with the A6 relate to its electrical system, with an average repair bill of more than £450. Engine problems are (unsurprisingly) expensive, and are fortunately not too common, costing around £3,000. Petrol and diesel engines in the A6 are all used in many other Audi and Volkswagen Group (VW, SEAT, Skoda) models, so they are well proven.

The most expensive warranty claims made relate to the car’s gearbox, with an average cost of over £3,100. 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

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Keyword: Audi A6 (2011 to 2018)