2021 Audi A6 Review

Name: 2021 Audi A6 Review
Brand: Audi
Price: 31721 USD

2020 Audi A6 Prestige 55 TFSI quattro Sedan Exterior Shown

+134

The Audi A6 provides excellent performance and plenty of the latest technology features. Comfort suffers ever so slightly when you go with the big optional wheels and sport suspension, but the upside is a vehicle that's classy to look at and very fun to drive. It's one of the best models available in the midsize luxury sedan class.

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2021 Audi A6 Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

Strong overall performance
Attractive and refined interior
Abundant comfort
Lots of high-tech features

Cons

Infotainment interface can be challenging and distracting to use
Not as much trunk space as competitors

What's new

45 TFSI engine makes 261 horsepower, a gain of 13 hp from last year
Minor changes to various options and packages
Part of the fifth A6 generation introduced for 2019

Overview

Audi enthusiasts might be familiar with the company's long-running global slogan of "Vorsprung durch Technik." Loosely translated, it means "advancement through technology." We mention this because the A6 is an ideal example of this design philosophy. Inside, there's a dual touchscreen setup along with an available fully digital instrument panel that gives the A6 one of the most tech-forward looks in the midsize sedan class.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi A6 Sport Premium 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$209/mo

$219/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

For power, the A6 offers two engines. Both have mild hybrid electric assist systems that help smooth out power delivery and increase fuel efficiency. Naturally, the A6 has standard all-wheel drive too. The result is a subtle yet thoroughly modern sedan.

Only two years after its redesign, Audi hasn't changed much for the 2021 A6. It's given the base engine more horsepower and tweaked the standard features a bit in a bid to remain at the sharp end of what is a fairly Germanic class of cars. Competitors including the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class offer more traditional luxury with similar levels of cutting-edge technology, but the A6 remains a great choice for the discerning luxury sedan buyer. Will it meet your standards? Read our Expert Review below to learn more.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Great

8.2

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

9.0/10

How does the A6 drive? Because it's available with summer tires, the A6 can produce impressive grip and, when equipped with the turbocharged V6, rapid acceleration. Our test A6 sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, which is among the quickest in the segment.

Precise controls are one of the A6's hallmarks. Our test car delivered linear braking response and stopped from 60 mph in only 103 feet. The A6 has astonishingly high handling limits for such a big car, especially considering it's the A6, not the S6. At high speeds, there's ample capability to get you around long sweeping corners. It copes well with quick changes of direction too.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the A6? While the A6 is certainly comfortable, our test car made some compromises for performance. The lowered sport-tuned suspension and 21-inch wheels gave it a fairly stiff ride and introduced some road noise.

Otherwise, the front seats are extremely comfortable and the climate controls work quickly. Small bumps that would normally be shrugged off made their way into the cabin, even though they weren't entirely harsh. Comfort levels are acceptable, but we'd recommend skipping the sport suspension and 21-inch wheels if comfort is a priority

Interior

8.0/10

How’s the interior? The sheer number of screens in this cabin can be overwhelming, but the controls are intuitive after just a short time. Everything is at arm's length, with a few redundant controls for high-priority tasks. The ability to assign tasks to virtual buttons is a nice addition.

While the driver's seat can feel a bit low, the driving position gives you good access to all the relevant controls. The steering wheel adjustment range is plentiful, as is the adjustment from the Individual Contour front seats. Depending on the driver's height, it can take some effort to get out, but the door openings are wide in both front and back.

Technology

9.0/10

How’s the tech? The dual-screen infotainment and climate system can seem daunting at first, but tech-savvy users willing to adjust to the lack of physical buttons will get the hang of it after a few days. Once that happens, everything inside the cabin becomes easy to use.

The available Virtual Cockpit configurable instrument cluster gives the A6 a futuristic look and is genuinely useful in putting maps as well as vehicle and engine speed data right where they're needed. It's augmented by the head-up display, which duplicates some of that information in the driver's field of view. Overall, the A6 looks and feels like the future.

Storage

7.0/10

How’s the storage? The A6 gets average scores when it comes to utility. It's useful enough for a group of four adults or a small family, but the trunk is on the small side and interior storage is limited. Most car seats will fit in the rear without issue.

Small-item storage in the center console and door bins is limited, but that's typical for the class. With just 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, the A6 trails most competitors. The trunk is relatively deep, so long boxes or items should fit OK. A low liftover height helps when you're loading heavy items.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates fuel economy at 26 mpg combined, an above-average figure for the midsize luxury sedan class. But our test A6 posted significantly lower fuel economy during our testing.

Value

8.0/10

Is the A6 a good value? One of the Audi's most attractive character traits is its build quality. Interior surfaces are excellent to the eye and to the touch, and exterior panel gaps are consistent. Even up against rivals from BMW and Mercedes, the Audi feels top-notch. As for pricing, the A6 can end up being a pretty expensive car when you order the Prestige trim or a bunch of options. With that said, BMWs and Benzes in this class can be priced just as high depending on options. Audi's warranties are average for the class.

Wildcard

9.0/10

The A6 feels sophisticated and elegant during daily driving, with plenty of power and a comfortable ride. But if you get the itch to tackle some high-speed corners, it's sporty and engaging. It's not loud or boisterous in any way, and from the driver's seat, it's an excellent experience.

The A6 is sleek and understated, giving it a feeling of sophistication. From the outside, it looks luxurious without being gaudy, but on the inside it feels truly refined. Its sharp driving characteristics give it a bit of an edge as well.

Which A6 does Edmunds recommend?

We think the A6 is best represented in its Premium Plus trim with the 55 TFSI engine. This midgrade trim level includes more advanced driver aids, an upgraded audio system, wireless charging and upgraded headlights. The larger 55 TFSI engine also moves the A6 with more authority than the smaller 45 TFSI engine.

2021 Audi A6 models

The 2021 Audi A6 is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Two engines are available:

Turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine (261 horsepower, 273 lb-ft), labeled the 45 TFSI
Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (335 hp, 369 lb-ft), labeled the 55 TFSI

The four-cylinder is standard on Premium and Premium Plus trim levels, while the six-cylinder is available on those trims and standard on the Prestige. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Premium
Is well equipped with features such as:

19-inch wheels
LED exterior lighting
Gloss black exterior trim
Leather upholstery
Three-zone climate control
Power-adjustable, heated front seats
8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Navigation
Panoramic sunroof
10-speaker audio system
Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

Optional for the Premium trim is the Convenience package, which adds:

Wireless charging pad
Heated steering wheel
Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse)
Rear passenger safe-exit system (can prevent a rear passenger from opening a door into traffic approaching from behind)
Digital instrument panel (Audi's Virtual Cockpit)
Larger 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the A6 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Premium Plus
Builds on the Premium with:

All the features in the Convenience package
Upgraded LED headlights
16-speaker audio system
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)

The optional Executive package for the Premium Plus trim bundles:

Four-zone climate control
Ventilated front seats
Four-way power lumbar adjustment for the front passenger seat
Heated rear seats
Multicolor LED ambient interior lighting
Power-operated trunk

Prestige
Tops the range with:

Contents of the Executive package
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
12-way power-adjustable front seats
Upgraded HD matrix headlights
Dual-pane acoustic glass
Four-wheel steering

Finally, you can add the Luxury package to the Prestige to get:

Upgraded leather upholstery
Massaging front seats
Memory settings for front passenger seat

Other options for the A6 include:
Black Optic Sport package

Sport suspension with a lower ride height
Special 20-inch wheels
Gloss black exterior trim when equipped with the 55 TFSI engine

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

2.5/5Average

#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

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

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

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 2021 Audi A6.

5 (62%)

4 (14%)

3 (7%)

2 (10%)

1 (7%)

4.1

42 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 42 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

2019 A6 is fun to drive: 1 year update

Mr. Mike, 04/14/2019

2019 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 7AM)

I wanted to update the review of my 2019 A6 premium plus with the 3.0L engine, sports suspension and adaptive cruise technology. The car remains the most fun to drive vehicle I’ve ever owned. The new MMI that appeared radical a year ago is now so familiar. I love the ability to toggle and change info on the screens. I couldn’t imagine going back to the old push knob that seems archaic …

I know luxury

Dave G, 01/25/2021

2021 Audi A6 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM)

We wanted the Prestige but had to settle for Premuim Plus with Executive package. Not many available was my only complaint. I have owned Mercedes and Jag and my wife and I shopped for a year. We test drove the BMW 5 the new Mercedes E. We liked both but when we drove the A6 we just looked at each other and smiled. When you combine smoothness ,power,style ,quality of build and …

Luxury and Balance

scz, 07/25/2019

2019 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM)

I am a long term AUDI owner of multiple vehicles and traded in a 2018 A5 Sportback for a new, Prestige Edition of the 2019 A6. I can honestly say that I am now the lap of true luxury. I had been prior A6 owner 5 yrs. ago and this new car, totally redesigned, is not only more beautiful and striking on the outside, but gorgeous in regards to it's interior and fit and finish. The new …

Sweet ride

John, 01/12/2020

2019 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 7AM)

I traded my 2016 A6 premium plus 2.0 engine for the 2019 A6 premium plus 3.0 engine. After having had an E class Benz and 5 series BMW I have to say this is the finest car I have owned. Responsive, elegant, comfortable, and simply a fine ride.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Audi A6, so we've included reviews for other years of the A6 since its last redesign.

See all 42 reviews of the Audi A6

Write a vehicle review

2021 A6 Highlights

Trim:

Sport Premium

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$54,900
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$209/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the A6 models:

Audi Pre Sense Front: Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.
Intersection Assistant: Detects if a side or oncoming vehicle collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.
Vehicle Exit Warning: Alerts the driver if a vehicle or cyclist is approaching from behind as a door is opened into traffic.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover8.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Audi A6 Review

2021 Audi A6 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which A6 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Audi A6 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

2019 A6 is fun to drive: 1 year update

I know luxury

Luxury and Balance

Sweet ride

2021 A6 Highlights

Safety

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