2016 Audi A6 Review
2016 Audi A6 Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+168
Used A6 for sale
Appraise This CarAudi A6 model years
Audi A6 types
- Sedan
- Diesel
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy interior finished in high-quality materials and trim
- powerful engines that also achieve good fuel economy
- reflexes like an athlete
- top crash-test scores.
Cons
- Sporty performance character makes the ride too firm and bumpy for some drivers, although skipping some of the sportier add-ons alleviates this
- some tech and navigation features can be a little too clever, to the point of distraction.
What’s new
For 2016, the Audi A6 gets slightly refreshed styling in the front and rear as well as more powerful engine choices. Although they were already respectable performers, the four- and six-cylinder gasoline engines boast considerable increases in output. The front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder A6 also gets a new automated manual transmission (S tronic) that replaces the previous continuously variable transmission (CVT). Inside, Audi has updated the infotainment system with a faster processor, new 3D animated graphics, USB connectivity (except on the base 2.0T Premium) and 4G LTE connectivity for the in-car WiFi functionality (previously 3G).
Edmunds says
With some of the sharpest lines in the business, the 2016 Audi A6 could get by on looks alone. But dig deeper and you'll find a midsize luxury sedan that excels at almost everything. The interior feels like an upscale hotel lounge, the entertainment and safety tech is cutting-edge and it's a blast to drive hard when the road gets tight and winding. The A6 is among the best in the class. Read on to see why.
Notably, we picked the 2016 Audi A6 as one of Edmunds' Best Used Cars, Trucks and SUVs.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2016 Audi A6 2.0T Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$198/mo for A6 2.0T Premium
A6 2.0T Premium
vs
$224/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
If the 2016 Audi A6 were a baseball player, it would be a player in the mold of a young Derek Jeter, the sort of celebrity athlete who does everything except sell the hot dogs and beer to adoring fans. Indeed, with its finely crafted cabin, roomy accommodations, athletic handling and strong yet fuel-efficient engine lineup, this Audi treats its occupants very well, and like Jeter, looks pretty dang sharp while doing so.
The 2016 Audi A6 is one of our top recommended midsize luxury sedans.
An overall sense of refinement is perhaps the 2016 Audi A6's most notable trait. Underway, the engines are smooth and provide performance that seems stronger than even their solid output numbers would suggest. The diesel-fueled TDI version in particular strikes us as one of the best "have your cake and eat it, too" cars in the automotive universe given its ability to propel this substantial luxury sedan to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds while still earning an EPA combined fuel economy estimate of 29 mpg. Little wonder that the A6 earned an Edmunds "A" rating. But regardless of what's under the hood, the Audi A6 impresses with its upscale ambience, high-tech features and agile handling.
Although the 2016 Audi A6 is obviously one of our favorites in this segment, there is no shortage of other strong choices. The BMW 5 Series isn't as sporty as the A6, but its engines, features and build quality stack up very well. Much the same can be said of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though its available diesel engine is not as powerful as those offered by Audi and BMW. The distinctive style and sports-car handling of the Cadillac CTS make it a worthy alternative to the Germans, while the Lexus GS 350 and the hybrid-powered Lexus GS 450h offer impressive driving dynamics and interior decor of their own. For a midsize luxury sedan that's good at everything, though, it's hard to beat the 2016 Audi A6.
Performance & mpg
The 2016 Audi A6 2.0T is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive and a seven-speed automated manual transmission are standard, but you're more likely to encounter the "Quattro" all-wheel-drive version, which comes with an eight-speed conventional automatic. The EPA says you can expect 28 mpg combined (24 city/35 highway) with front-wheel drive and 26 mpg combined (22/32) with all-wheel drive.
Audi offers the A6 with one of three available engines. The diesel-fueled TDI is our favorite
The Audi A6 3.0T gets a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard, as is automatic engine stop-start technology. EPA fuel economy estimates come in at 24 mpg combined (20 city/30 highway). In Edmunds.com testing, a 2016 A6 3.0T sprinted from zero to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.
The A6 TDI has a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 that cranks out 240 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. It is also teamed up with the eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive. At our test track, the A6 TDI hit 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. Yet fuel economy is a stellar 29 mpg combined (24/38), ranking right up there with frugal compact sedans. In an Edmunds test covering more than 400 miles with varying driving conditions, we averaged 27.8 mpg.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Audi A6 includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Rear side airbags, rearview and top-view cameras, front and rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot warning system and a night-vision camera system are optional.
The standard Audi Pre-Sense system can warn the driver, tension the seatbelts and close the windows if a potential collision is detected, while Pre-Sense Rear flashes the brake lights as a warning to rearward traffic if you're in danger of being rear-ended. The optional Pre-Sense Plus system (available via the Driver Assistance package) can do all that, plus fully tighten the seatbelts and automatically apply the brakes full force to avoid a seemingly impending forward collision or mitigate crash damage if one is unavoidable.
In Edmunds brake testing, an A6 3.0T with the Sport package's summer performance tires came to a stop from 60 mph in 111 feet, while an A6 TDI Sport with summer tires did it in 114 feet. These are average distances among comparably equipped midsize luxury sedans. Expect longer distances from A6s with all-season tires.
In government crash tests, the 2016 Audi A6 received five out of five stars overall, with five stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side-impact protection. The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the A6 its highest rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, small-overlap frontal-offset, side impact and roof-strength tests, while the A6's seat and head restraint design was also rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Driving
The 2016 Audi A6 is a fun car to drive, especially considering its size and heft. It changes directions eagerly, with plenty of grip from all four corners. Not many midsize luxury sedans forge such a gratifying connection with the driver. One demerit is overly light and numb steering under normal circumstances, but we've found that the effort level tends to firm up as your enthusiasm increases so it's still relatively sporty.
The 2.0T and 3.0T provide spirited acceleration as well as quick and unobtrusive shifts from either the eight-speed automatic or new automated manual in the front-drive 2.0T. Cost no object, the TDI is the pick of the litter, as it provides a mountain of torque and by far the best fuel economy.
Although the A6 has a composed ride that's never harsh, it's definitely firm, and there are sometimes more jolts than we'd like on rough pavement. For this reason, we recommend skipping the Sport package with its stiffer suspension tuning, especially if you're eyeing the 20-inch wheels. The regular A6 handles just fine, and it rides noticeably better and more quietly with the standard 18-inch wheels and tires.
Interior
The 2016 Audi A6 has one of the best cabins in its class, with an attractive dash layout, excellent materials quality and solid fit and finish. The familiar MMI infotainment system controls a dizzying array of functions, utilizing a dash-mounted pop-up screen and a knob and buttons on the center console. The system boasts logical menus and crisp graphics, and the "MMI navigation plus" upgrade (standard on all except the base 2.0T Premium) includes USB integration and a touchpad that can recognize fingertip scrawls. It's sophisticated, but we still prefer BMW's iDrive or Mercedes' COMAND for overall ease of use.
The upgraded MMI system can also serve as a 4G LTE mobile WiFi hotspot for up to eight devices, and it adds Google Earth data to the navigation system while providing a simplified Google search for POIs. The Google Earth feature is essentially form over function, however, as it can make the map more difficult to comprehend at a glance.
An upgraded MMI interface is one of the upgrades to the 2016 Audi A6.
The A6's front seats are supportive and comfortable, remaining so even on long trips. The spacious backseat offers more real-world legroom than most rivals. The A6's 14.1-cubic-foot trunk is slightly below average for the segment, but we've found it generous in real-world testing, and the rear seatbacks fold and offer a pass-through when more space is needed.
2016 Audi A6 models
The 2016 Audi A6 is a midsize luxury sedan available in six trim levels: 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Prestige, TDI Premium Plus and TDI Prestige. The 2.0T, 3.0T and TDI designations denote the engine fitted (a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6, respectively). The high-performance S6 variant is reviewed separately.
Standard equipment for the 2.0T Premium includes 18-inch wheels, Audi Drive Select (providing adjustable modes for steering, gas pedal and transmission response), automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights and taillights, automatic wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, a sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated eight-way power front seats (includes driver four-way lumbar adjustments), driver memory settings, leather upholstery, Bluetooth phone connectivity, Audi's MMI electronics interface, a 6.5-inch display screen and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and Audi's proprietary digital music interface. Also standard is Audi's Pre-Sense Basic safety system.
The 2.0T Premium Plus adds front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a blind spot monitoring system, Pre-Sense Rear, power-folding exterior mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, an 8-inch display screen, a voice-activated navigation system, Bluetooth audio connectivity, an upgraded version of MMI with an enhanced controller, USB connectivity and Audi Connect (featuring Google Earth integration, Google-powered search functions, smartphone app integration and AT&T-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot capability).
The 3.0T Premium Plus is equipped similarly to the 2.0T Premium Plus but adds chrome exterior accents (window frames, exhaust outlet), a fuel-saving engine stop-start system and a power-adjustable steering wheel.
Going with the 3.0T Prestige gets you adaptive LED headlights, ambient LED cabin lighting, power trunk opening and closing, a head-up display, ventilated front seats, power lumbar support for the front passenger seat, a 14-speaker Bose audio system and the Warm Weather package (including four-zone climate control, a power rear sunshade and manual rear side window sunshades).
The TDI Premium Plus is equipped similarly to the 3.0T Premium Plus, while the TDI Prestige has the same equipment as the 3.0T Prestige.
Optional packages, depending on trim, include the Warm Weather package (see above), the Cold Weather package (heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel), the Sport package (19- or 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and a three-spoke sport steering wheel with shift paddles), the Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlight control, a top-view camera system with front and rear corner views, lane-keeping assist and Pre-Sense Plus collision mitigation with automatic braking) and the Black Optic package (high-gloss black trim and unique 20-inch wheels with summer tires).
Some of the higher trims' standard features are optional on lower trims, such as the Prestige's Bose audio system and LED headlights. Other notable options include rear side airbags and three items that are limited to the Prestige: a night-vision camera system with pedestrian detection, multicontour front seats and upgraded rear seats, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Also available by special order through the "Audi Exclusive" program is a large array of custom exterior colors and finishes as well as interior colors and materials. Note that these special orders can add two months or more to the normal post-ordering delivery time.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#28 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Audi A6 from 2008-2022.$667/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).2.45x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).13.9%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 Audi A6.
5 star(75%)
4 star(6%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(8%)
1 star(2%)
44 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Still a dream car after a 18 months....
audinorcal, 07/23/2015
2016 Audi A6 3.0T Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
Still loving it after all these months....18 to be exact, and still this A6 is a dream to drive, own and remains trouble free. Even after the first year and half, the car has all of the exuberance of new car ownership. All that has changed is that I "know" it and its capabilities and amenities better and driving out the driveway each morning is perhaps a little less thrilling and is … now more of a long time, settled-in, best friend car-owner relationship. I have only one issue, and that is at times the Audi connect service (which enables you to go into many of the internet options, including navigation points entered from your home computer) sometimes requires me to re-enter my PIN and is every now and then slower than I would like (but these are minor and few and far between occurrences.) The only other thing that I have learned from time is that the front under-bumper spoiler IS LOW, and you have to be very careful about parking up against concrete parking stops. I had a major run-in with one, and it caused enough under bumper damage for me to take it to the body shop for (a not in-expensive) repair/replace. (This is user error, but users be aware.) The car sails on smoothly, responsively and with the same youthful eagerness that it did when I first drove it off the dealer's lot. I will most likely be keeping this 2016 A6 for several years, and my next car will be another Audi, probably an A6, with autonomous (self-driving) capabilities! The sad part of that will be missing out on the wonderful human driving experience that this current A6 provides.
5 out of 5 stars
First Audi, added another already.
Luckyme, 12/26/2015
2016 Audi A6 3.0T Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
I've been in the automotive manufacturing sector ( worked for a major transplant automotive manufacturer in the 80's and owned a supply company for 27 years ) so I've always had a love affair for great automobiles. I've admired the Audi's for a few years, so once I retired and not now tied to a major customer auto brand, I traded my Lexus LS for the A6. I was impressed with the style, … handling, driving dynamics, quality of manufacturing, interior materials, fit and finish, fuel economy, and layout. After 10,000 miles, I'm still as pleased as with day 1. This car is a pleasure to drive, has a conservative style, lots of power from the 3.0, quiet and fun to drive. You must get used to watching your speed. You can find yourself approaching triple digits on the highway without realizing it.
At first, I hated the pop-up info display, but have warmed up to it nicely. Once your all set with climate control, music, etc., you can allow it to disappear, and the looks of the dash is so streamlined compared to the huge screens on most other luxury vehicles. Good sized rear seating, and trunk for a car of this size. Really like the Google Maps on the huge screen. Slick to see Google Earth exactly where you are driving, the buildings, landmarks, and interesting things just beyond your street view as you drive down a highway. The wifi is a nice addition for the passenger to enjoy as well. The choices found in the on screen system for adjusting the lighting, door locking, driving dynamics, Climate Control, entertainment, etc. is great.
My wife liked my A6 so much, she got the A8L.
Update, 7/18: while we have traded the Audi’s for other vehicles , the A6 is still my favorite car I’ve ever owned. Reason for trading is I went back to work part time, and needed a less “flashy” car for my work. If times change, and Audi A6 will be back in my sights.
5 out of 5 stars
Still in the honeymoon phase
Robert Howard, 07/08/2016
2016 Audi A6 2.0T Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
So far really enjoying the A6. It's the right size, looks terrific, a comfortable cruiser and the materials inside and out are top notch. It's really too early to comment about things like reliability, maintenance costs etc., but both my wife (the primary driver) and I feel good about the purchase. The A6 replaces a Q5 which was our first Audi and the ownership experience was … stellar.
After 6 months we're still enjoying the A6. No issues at all. A very solid car. The ride might be a little firm for some, as ours has the sport suspension, but I enjoy the sharp steering and handling that comes with it. One niggle is the placement of the HVAC controls. They sit very low on the center stack and are difficult to see and adjust while driving. Something used so frequently should be in a better location. One option is to set the system to AUTO and forget about it - But at times things need to be tweaked. Overall, a great car and deserving of the praise that's it's received.
After 1 year we're still enjoying the A6. No issues at all as well as not creaks or rattles. We've taken two long road trips and got 30+ mpg's depending to the speed, terrain etc. It's a keeper.
In June my 2016 A6 passed the 2 year mark. The car continues to impress. We've had zero issues with it with just routine service needed. The car doesn't have any creaks or rattles and still feels very solid. With the sport suspension and the ride being on the firm side I keep the tire pressures at the minimum recommended and it is a good balance between ride and handling. Overall a great car and a positive ownership experience. I'll take a look at the new gen 2019 when it comes out, although there are a couple of other cars on my radar as possible replacements.
5 out of 5 stars
The best luxury sedan
imran saeed, 12/23/2015
2016 Audi A6 3.0T Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
If you are looking for a sports sedan, than this is it. I have test driven all the German sedans (mid size) and the CTs, and this is by far the best. Fit and finish is exemplary. Ride is excellent and the transmission some how knows what you are thinking. I can go on and on, but really, if you are looking to purchase or lease one, you will not be sorry.
Update after 41k … miles....still zero issues and drives fantastic. Tires are showing their age but I think I should get another 8 or 9 k miles out of them. Brakes are little soft now but still no issues. Completely satisfied with the car.
Update at 59,658 miles. Put new tires around 10k miles ago. Had to replace brake pads all around, still factory rotors. Returning car back after 36 months. Zero mechanical issues. Will be picking up newer A6 soon.
2016 A6 Highlights
Sedan
2.0T Premium
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $46,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $198/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the A6 include:
- Back-up camera
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Pre-collision safety system
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
People who viewed this also viewed
Starting at $71,200 |
Starting at $41,200 |
Starting at $57,900 |
Related Used 2016 Audi A6 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Audi 100 2022
- Used Volkswagen Passat 2021
- Used Volkswagen Jetta 2016
- Used Toyota Land Cruiser 2013
- Used Cadillac CTS Coupe 2013
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Audi A6 2015
- Used Audi 100 2010
- Used Audi 100 2021
- Used Audi 100 2014
- Used Audi A6 2013
- Used Audi A6 2012
- Used Audi 100 2017
- Used Audi A6 2011
- Used Audi 100 2020 For Sale
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- BMW 330 I
- 2023 Ford Escape
- Subaru BRZ
- Audi Q 5
- Hyundai Kona
- BMW I7
- 04 Jeep Cherokee
- 2024 Mustang
- Lexus Is 350
- 2024 BMW X5
Research other models of Audi
- Audi S6 For Sale
- 2023 Audi A5
- 2023 Audi SQ5
- Audi RSQ7
- 2023 RS 3
- 2023 Audi S3
- Audi RS E Tron GT
- 2023 e-tron GT
- Audi Q4 Sportback E Tron
- Audi RS 5 2023
Research similar vehicles
- 2023 AMG GT
- 2024 TLX
- Cadillac CT5 2024
- Audi S3 Car
- 2024 BMW 2 Series
- Audi A3
- 2024 Camaro
- BMW 5 Series
- 2024 Hyundai Elantra N
- 2023 Toyota Crown
Other models
- Used Honda Cr-V-Hybrid in Fort Washington, MD
- Used Chevrolet Malibu-Hybrid in Seguin, TX
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-1500-Classic in Bangor, ME
- Used Mercedes-Benz Sl-Class in Poland, IN
- New Lexus LX for Sale in San Francisco, CA
- Used Lexus NX in Selma, AL
- Used Ferrari FF in South Bend, IN
- New Audi E-Tron-Gt for Sale in San Pedro, CA
- New Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class for Sale in Thomasville, GA
- New BMW XM for Sale in Auburn, WA