The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Many versions
- Strong powertrains
- Classy cabin
- Impressive safety record
- Two wagon choices
Dislikes
- Unremarkable styling in sedan form
- Maybe too much tech
- What about the A7?
- Small trunk
Buying tip
From mild-mannered 4-cylinder sedan through fire-breathing RS 6 Avant wagon, the mid-size 2023 Audi A6 lineup has something for everyone.
What kind of vehicle is the 2023 Audi A6? What does it compare to?
Audi’s mid-size luxury sedan (and wagon) compete against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series, not to mention the Genesis G80.
Is the 2023 Audi A6 a good car?
There’s no bad model in the broad lineup of Audi A6 versions, which includes S6, RS6, and Allroad models. We rate the range at TK out of 10 thanks to their impressive technology and driving dynamics. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2023 Audi A6?
For the most part, these cars are unchanged. S6 versions are now offered with a special gray paint, while even the base A6 can now be fitted with adaptive cruise control.
The A6 comes as a sedan, with S6 sedan and RS 6 wagon versions adding considerably more power. The A6 Allroad is Audi’s upscale answer to the Subaru Outback: a wagon with cladding and a raised ride height, while the RS6 is a hot rod with considerable practicality. It’s massive money, but also massively cool.
Base models make use of Audi’s (and parent company VW’s) ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbo-4, while two different boosted V-6 engines offer between 335 and 444 hp. RS 6 wagons boast nearly 600 hp from a twin-turbo V-6. All-wheel drive comes standard across the range, adding surefootedness in inclement weather. All A6 cars use automatic gearboxes, including a 7-speed dual-clutch setup with the 4-cylinder and an 8-speed automatic otherwise.
Fuel economy ranges from a downright impressive 27 mpg for the base sedan to just 17 mpg combined for the RS 6.
A6 sedans have a big interior with good room for passengers. Their small trunks are offset by the huge cargo area found in the A6 Allroad and RS 6. All models boast beautiful materials and standard leather upholstery.
The 8.8-inch touchscreen includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Top safety ratings are bolstered by a good array of standard and optional crash-avoidance and driver-assistance features, too.
How much does the 2023 Audi A6 cost?
The A6 sedan starts just south of $58,000; budget just under $61,000 for one with metallic paint and a package that includes adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and a heated steering wheel.
Allroads run $12,000 or so more, while an RS 6 Avant can top $120,000.
Where is the 2023 Audi A6 made?
In Germany.
2023 Audi A6 Styling
The 2023 Audi A6 range wears conservative lines.
Is the Audi A6 a good-looking car?
That depends on who you’re asking. While no A6 is as svelte as the lineup’s sleek A7 siblings, these sedans and wagons have a clean, conservative look that should age well. We rate them at 7 out of 10, with a point above average allocated for their exteriors and interiors.
Base A6 sedans are almost anonymous, though they have nice details and attractive wheels. Better yet are the A6 Allroads and RS 6 Avants, which have squat, long-roof proportions. Where the Allroad is buffed up with unpainted plastic, the RS 6 goes racy with all sorts of vents and intakes paired with a low-slung stance.
Inside, look for subdued lines and no shortage of screens. Standard leather seats give every version of the A6 a leg up compared to most rivals, though.
2023 Audi A6 Performance
Suave and sophisticated in any form, these mid-size Audis can be downright racy with 6-cylinder power.
Even base 4-cylinder versions of the 2023 Audi A6 lineup are pleasantly quick, but it takes stepping up to the 6-cylinder engine to unlock serious performance. Our 7 out of 10 rating comes courtesy of decent power in base form and a terrific ride. RS 6 models would net a much higher rating if evaluated alone.
Is the Audi A6 4WD?
Yes, though not all A6s are created equally. Models with 45 TFSI and 55 TFSI engines (more on those shortly) can disconnect the rear axle to eke out better fuel economy. Other models have a permanently engaged system.
How fast is the Audi A6?
Base sedans feature a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 248 hp, which Audi calls 45 TFSI. They’re plenty peppy, but we prefer the 55 TFSI. Translated from Audi-speak, that means they use a twin-turbo V-6 rated at 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is good for a 0-60 sprint of just 5.1 seconds. That engine is mandatory with the A6 Allroad.
Both 45 and 55 models use a slick 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The S6 makes use of a different V-6 that cranks out a hefty 444 hp, which is paired with a conventional 8-speed automatic gearbox. That combination delivers a mid-four-second sprint to 60 mph.
Topping the lineup is the ferocious RS 6 Avant, which comes only in wagon form and features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 rated at 591 hp. With all four wheels scrabbling for traction, it vaults to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and can run up to 190 mph if given (legal) roadspace.
Base cars ride somewhat softly, but other versions have a suspension that’s firm in Teutonic tradition.
Striking an admirable balance between high-speed stability, corner-carving ability, and daily driver comfort, the S6 is the lineup’s proper Q-ship sedan. Even RS 6 Avants aren’t that stiff, though, thanks to available adaptive dampers that take the edge off of performance-oriented rubber with itty-bitty sidewalls.
2023 Audi A6 Comfort & Quality
The 2023 Audi A6’s cabin easily accommodates four passengers in luxurious comfort.
Audi fits one of its finest—if least-expressive—cabins to the A6 lineup. Starting from a 5 average, we add points for front- and rear-seat comfort. Wagon versions would net an extra point if evaluated independently thanks to their big cargo areas, but sedans have surprisingly small trunks.
All models come with standard leather upholstery. The base front seats have good support for a wide range of passengers, and they include both power adjustment and heating elements as standard fare. Step up to the S6 and the front buckets become a bit more confining, though, so try before you buy.
The rear seat has good head and leg room. The 13.7 cubic-foot trunk is small for a sedan this long and wide, though. Wagons offer about 30 cubic feet with the rear seat.
While not as stylish as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class inside, the A6 goes head-to-head with rivals in terms of materials.
2023 Audi A6 Safety
Top crash-test results and widespread availability of active safety tech work in the Audi A6’s favor.
How safe is the Audi A6?
We think it’s a very safe choice. The A6 scored a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, plus it includes standard automatic emergency braking.
Those assets add up to an 8 out of 10 rating on the TCC scale.
Adaptive cruise control is optional on most trim levels.
Base Premium trims have headlights that rate “Acceptable” according to the IIHS; other models rate “Good.”
2023 Audi A6 Features
The 2023 Audi A6 can be a good value if you’re careful with options.
While Audi doesn’t offer quite the level of customization you’ll find in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the automaker’s A6 range can be a decent value for a luxury sedan.
We derive our 8 out of 10 rating from its generous standard equipment, a crystal clear 8.8-inch touchscreen, and standard active safety tech.
Audi’s 4-year/50,000-mile warranty is typical for a luxury brand.
Base sedans run $57,995 to start. The 6-cylinder engine is a reasonable $2,900 more, too.
The Premium Plus trim level ups the ante by another $2,900, bringing with it upgraded LED headlights, Bang & Olufsen audio, a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a wireless charging pad.
Which Audi A6 should I buy?
While the sedan will be fine for many, we’d spend up for the A6 Allroad. It starts at $68,995 in Premium Plus trim, which means it’s about $3,200 more than a sedan. Oddly, Audi bundles adaptive cruise control in a $3,250 package that also includes cooled front seats, four-zone climate control, and a few other niceties.
If you’re OK with a small trunk, the S6 offers a lot of power for $74,795 to start. It’s outfitted about like a base A6 Allroad
How much is a fully loaded Audi A6?
The RS 6 Avant starts at $122,995. Adding adaptive dampers, adaptive cruise control, extended leather, a head-up display, massaging front seats, and a few other niceties pushes it to $130,000. You could also keep going with carbon ceramic brakes, blacked-out exterior trim, night vision, and a 19-speaker audio system for a grand total of nearly $160,000.
2023 Audi A6 Fuel Economy
The A6 can be a frugal luxury sedan, so long as you resist the temptation to add more power.
Is the Audi A6 good on gas?
Base A6 sedans with the 4-cylinder are the basis for our 3 out of 10 rating thanks to their impressive EPA estimates of 24 mpg city, 31 highway, 27 combined.
Allroads use a 6-cylinder engine that’s rated at 21/30/24 mpg. The sporty S6 is thirstier yet at 19/26/22 mpg.
Guzzling the most fuel is the RS 6 wagon at just 14/21/17 mpg.
Premium fuel is required across the range.
