2024 Audi A6 Review: Understated Luxury

The Audi A6 suddenly finds itself on the back foot in the mid-size luxury sedan segment. The problem for the Audi is that its two chief rivals - the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class - have been replaced by all-new models for 2024, each bringing fresh designs and jaw-dropping technologies to the class. That doesn't mean the Audi A6 is a bad car; judged on its own merits, the A6 remains a stellar sedan. It features a beautifully finished interior and smooth ride - two non-negotiables for a larger luxury sedan. The available V6 engine option in the Audi A6 makes 335 horsepower and delivers quick acceleration, but in other aspects, the sedan fades into the background. It won't be the first choice for keeping its driver entertained, and the exterior design is classy but a touch bland. With newer rivals here, the Audi will likely remain the sedan of choice for the executive who prefers a more discreet approach.

New for 2024

For this model year, the Audi A6 has a lightly refreshed design with a new grille, rear diffuser, and wheel designs. Matrix-design LED headlights are now standard, and there are a few new exterior colors replacing older hues. Arkona White replaces Ibis White, Grenadier Red replaces Tango Red, and Madeira Brown replaces Soho Brown. Inside, customers can choose from two new inlays.

Remote start is now accessible in the Audi connect app, and there is a new adaptive cruise assist display via the optional Convenience Package on Premium models; this display is standard on Premium Plus and Prestige models. Regardless of the model, the A6 comes with a six-month trial subscription to Audi connect NAV & PLUS with the Audi app store, with easy integration of music, video, gaming, and more.

Premium Plus models and above now come with a contoured multi-colored ambient LED interior lighting package as standard, while the Executive Package - standard on the Prestige and optional on the Premium Plus - now includes traffic sign recognition and dual-pane acoustic glass.

2024 Audi A6 Price: Which One to Buy

The starting price of the Audi A6 for the 2024 model year is $57,300 for the Premium with the less powerful 45 TSFI powertrain, just $400 more than last year. With the V6-powered 55 TFSI powertrain, the Premium will cost $61,800. The Premium Plus costs $60,800 for the 45 TFSI or $65,300 for the 55 TFSI. Finally, the Prestige - only available with the TFSI 55 powertrain - goes for $70,900. These MSRPs all exclude the $1,095 destination charge in the USA.

Which model to buy depends on your budget and needs, but we'd strongly consider the cheapest V6 model for the added refinement and power that feel appropriate in a mid-size sedan. Besides, even the Premium is well-equipped. On this trim, you can add the Convenience Package for access to adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera while enjoying a saving over the V6 in Premium Plus guise.

Interior and Features

Audi interiors rarely miss the mark, and the A6 is no different with its many features, crisp digital displays, and superlative quality.

Audi's revered attention to detail is on full display in the smart A6 interior. Quality is flawless, interior space is generous, and the available tech remains competitive. Best of all, this impression of quality is present in even the cheapest iteration of the sedan, which enjoys soft leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, and multiple digital interfaces. All models have a responsive touchscreen interface and haptic feedback partially atones for the absence of tactile physical controls. The top A6 model boasts a head-up display and power soft-closing doors.

Space

The five-seater Audi A6 can comfortably accommodate six-footers, even in the second row, with generous legroom and headroom afforded by the 115.1-inch wheelbase. Once inside, passengers wil find that the seats are comfortable and supportive, and they have electric adjustment in the front row. More widely adjustable front seats are available higher up in the range. Ingress and egress pose no issues, and visibility from the driver's seat is good.

Cargo

The trunk space in the A6 measures 13.7 cubic feet, a figure that's comprehensively beaten by the 18.4 cubic-foot trunk in the new BMW 5 Series. Fortunately, the A6's trunk is well-shaped and can accommodate two sets of golf clubs or six carry-on suitcases. With a 40/20/40 folding function, the rear seats can be tumbled to make space for longer, bulkier items. A powered trunk lid release is standard across the range.

Inside, small items can be stored in the center compartment or well-sized door pockets. There are dual covered cupholders for those in front and a folding rear armrest with another two cupholders. The glovebox is small, but this does provide some extra storage for smaller valuables.

Materials and Colors

Soft-touch materials and smooth upholstery dominate the classy, expensive-feeling A6's cabin. The base model comes with leather upholstery in three interior colors: Pearl Beige with Agate Gray stitching, black with Rock Gray stitching, or Okapi Brown with Steel Gray stitching. Leatherette with contrast stitching covers the dashboard, and both the steering wheel and gear shifter have leather coverings.

The Prestige can be upgraded with the Luxury Package. This replaces the standard leather with Valcona/Milano leather, while genuine leather covers the dash, armrests, and center console. It also adds the option of Sarder Brown seats with Steel Gray stitching.

Features and Infotainment

Starting with the Premium, the A6 comes with three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, a powered steering column, ambient interior lighting, push-button ignition with keyless entry, a power panoramic sunroof, and a separate 8.6-inch touch display for the climate control settings. Further up in the range, the A6 gets massaging and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a head-up display, a more advanced contoured ambient lighting system, four-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, remote start, and wireless phone charging.

The standard infotainment setup consists of a central 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen interface and the Audi virtual cockpit plus, the latter being the brand's digital gauge cluster that measures 12.3 inches in size. Not much is missing from this setup, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-month trial subscription for Audi connect PLUS. This subscription includes access to a full-speed Wi-Fi hotspot, traffic light information, satellite imagery, Amazon Alexa, and online/hybrid radio. Sound is delivered via a ten-speaker sound system, but the 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D premium system on the top two trims is the one to have.

Performance

Clearly prioritizing luxury over engagement, both A6 models accelerate quickly enough, but the V6 suits the large sedan better.

Outside of the high-performance S6 and RS6 Avant, the Audi A6 sedan is a fair performer in this class, but it excels more at isolating occupants than leaving them on an adrenaline high. Base 45 TFSI models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine making 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Linked to a seven-speed automatic S tronic transmission and the quattro AWD system that often delivers drama-free launches, this version of the Audi A6 accomplishes the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.8 seconds, exactly matching the new BMW 530i xDrive. Overall, it's a highly refined drivetrain.

The 55 TFSI has a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 making 335 hp and 369 lb-ft, completing the 0-60 run in 5.1 seconds; the new BMW 540 xDrive is quicker (0-60 in 4.5 seconds) and more powerful (375 hp). Both A6 models have a limited top speed of 130 mph, but no towing capacity is indicated by Audi, so you'd be better off with a Q5 or Q7 if you need to tow.

To drive, the A6 is more of a downsized A8 than a sports sedan. Noise levels are very low, the suspension irons out bumps, and it feels reassuringly stable on the highway. Although the car stays flat through corners and the steering is accurate, it doesn't do much to involve the driver in the action, but that's fine if a luxurious, relaxing commute is top of your agenda.

Fuel Efficiency

Another reason to go for the V6-engined Audi A6 is its mpg rating, which is not far behind the four-cylinder model. The A6 55 TFSI returns 22/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined, compared to 23/33/26 mpg for the 45 TFSI variant. The new BMW 5 Series gets better gas mileage, managing 30 mpg combined in 530i guise.

With a 19.3-gallon fuel tank capacity, the A6 can travel between 482 and 502 miles between refills.

Safety

The Audi A6 has attained excellent safety scores and it comes with ten airbags as standard, although the best driver-assistance features aren't standard.

The most recent safety review data for the Audi A6 from the IIHS is good. The 2023 model achieved only Good scores in every crashworthiness test, while the 2022 model received a Top Safety Pick+ award. For 2023, the base model's headlights were only rated Acceptable, with Good ratings for the top two trims. This rating could improve once 2024 results are released now that every A6 has standard Matrix-design LED headlights. The 2024 A6 has a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

These excellent safety scores are bolstered by the A6's standard ten airbags. It also has lane departure warning, parking sensors, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, a rearview camera, and cruise control. The top two trims have adaptive cruise control with lane guidance and a top-view camera system. Finally, the Prestige enjoys a head-up display, intersection assist, traffic sign recognition, and remote park assist plus.

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Reliability

There have been no recalls for the Audi A6 in 2023 or 2024, indicating good reliability. The 2022 model year wasn't as perfect, though, with four recalls for a control module shutdown that can reduce engine power, an inoperative rearview camera display, an engine control unit short-circuit that could cause a stall, and a fuel gauge that may read inaccurately. While JD Power has not rated the 2024 A6, the 2023 model only managed 63 out of 100 for quality and reliability, far below rivals like the 5 Series.

The 2024 Audi A6 has a four-year/50,000-mile limited and powertrain warranty but no complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Warranty

Design

You'll have to look closely to spot the latest changes made to the new Audi A6 sedan for the 2024 model year. It has a new front grille, a redesigned rear diffuser, four new wheel designs, and standard Matrix-design LED headlights. In a dark shade, the A6 has a particularly stealthy appearance, although the overall design is still quite conservative. It's also too easy to confuse the A6 with the A4 at a glance. The sedan comes with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, although the 20-inch five-V-spoke wheels that form part of the Black Optic Sport Package are much snazzier. A powered trunk lid and power panoramic sunroof are standard, as are LED taillights with dynamic turn signals. Of the new colors for 2024, Grenadier Red metallic is the most eye-catching.

Verdict: Is The 2024 Audi A6 A Good Car?

The A6 is still one of the most polished contenders in this segment, even though it lacks the technologies and edgier styling of its newer rivals. Like many Audi sedans, the A6 doesn't feel like it's trying too hard in any area. The ride comfort is sublime, the engines hushed and just powerful enough, and the understated design won't draw any disapproving glances. We can forgive the A6 for its sanitized driving experience, too, since it isn't a sporty RS model. Above all, it needs to make commuting as effortless as possible, and in that regard, it's still one of the best.