Audi A6 for sale

Why buy a A6?Back to top

The Audi A6 range is spacious, luxurious and refined.

Although the first Audi A6 was first brought onto the market in 1994, it was in fact a rebadged Audi 100, and so has its original roots in 1968. Launched to satisfy the need for a mid-sized executive vehicle, it signalled the start of Audi's success in the modern era.

Like BMW's 5 Series and the Mercedes' E Class, the A6 is a sizeable and luxurious car which offers a refined ride and comfortable cabin. As in many Audis, the latter of these traits stands out as class leading, bringing sophistication and luxury to their cars. Cabin space is surprisingly vast, matching (and in many cases surpassing), that of its competitors. Opt for the Avant estate trim and you are gifted with 565 litres of boot space with the seats up, and 1,680 folded down. Quality finishings and good equipment add to the sense of luxury in the cabin, while the Audi MMI system makes it both technologically modern as well as classically comfortable.

Predictably, the 2.0 diesel is the top seller, matching performance and economy for the best results within the A6 range, yet not quite matching the market leaders. But, where previous Audis might have never hoped to match the BMW's or Mercedes' performance, the most recent A6 comes very close. In the 2011, fourth generation car, 0-60 takes 8.9 seconds, but upgrading to the 3.0 litre BiTDi V6 diesel brings this down to a quick 5.1 seconds.

Returns are especially good for a car of its size, and is at its most efficient in the 2.0 TDi - the official figures promise 57.6mpg and 129g/km CO2 emissions. While impressive, these still fall slightly behind the class leaders, such as the Efficient Dynamic fitted BMW 5 Series.

Ride and handling are both good, especially the former, which with a revised suspension system in the newest generation puts it at the very top of its class. Being part of a market with such importance placed on being able to drive comfortably for long periods of time, having one of the best rides in its class is no mean feat. Luckily there is still a good level of grip, balance and spirit which gives it a lively drive, should you want to put a bit more in.

A strong performer in all categories, the Audi A6 is a competent mid-sized executive, which does well to compete with its rivals, yet doesn't always match up to them. The newest generation is a considerable step up in terms of quality and comfort however, and while A6s have always been good to look at, they are now, more than ever, good to drive too.