2021 Audi A6 Review

Name: 2021 Audi A6
Brand: Audi

Price Range: $21,394 - $37,990

2020 Audi A6 Prestige 55 TFSI quattro Sedan Exterior Shown

Great

8.2

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2021 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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Average price: $27,364

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Appraise My 2021 Audi A6

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

Written by automotive expert Kurt Niebuhr

1/29/2021

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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

26 listings

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2021 Audi A6
Premium Sedan w/45 TFSI
$17,853
great price
$1,496 below market
- 105,941 miles
- 23 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- 187 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Somerville, NJ
This 2021 Audi A6 2.0T Premium quattro combines refined German engineering with practical performance for the discerning driver seeking a dependable l...
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
WAUD8AF23MN041902
Stock:
041902
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
06-30-2026
Price Drop
2021 Audi A6
Premium Plus Sedan w/55 TFSI
$28,796
fair price
$335 below market
- 46,180 miles
- 22 City / 29 Hwy MPG
- 19 mi away
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Rockville, MD
Price excludes required taxes, tag, other governmental fees but includes a dealer processing charge of $799.We have taken reasonable efforts to ensure...
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
WAUL2AF22MN059904
Stock:
TMN059904
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
07-01-2026

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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

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Great

8.2

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Audi A6 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

9/10

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

8/10

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

9/10

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

7/10

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

8/10

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

9/10

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.

2021 Audi A6 trim level differences

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

Which A6 trim 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.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$225/mo

$252/mo

Avg. Large Car

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Reliability

The 2021 Audi A6 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 12 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, ranks it #33 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average

#33 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

$773/yr

vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car

Frequency

2.4x/yr

vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car

Severity

14.6%

vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car

Recalls

12 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V900000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 90TV
Manufactured from:: 2021-03-26 to
Number of vehicles affected:: 356649
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.

Recall Number:: 25V201000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 90VC
Number of vehicles affected:: 44387
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Defect Consequence:: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.

Recall Number:: 23V601000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 47T9
Number of vehicles affected:: 7499
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, RS7, RS6 Avant, A6 Allroad, 2019-2021 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. An incorrectly labeled brake fluid cap may have been installed, which can result in the use of the wrong type of brake fluid.
Defect Consequence:: Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.

Recall Number:: 22V861000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 90V2
Number of vehicles affected:: 50883
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
Defect Consequence:: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.

Recall Number:: 22V806000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 91Ei
Number of vehicles affected:: 6076
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.

Recall Number:: 22V742000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 91DZ
Number of vehicles affected:: 170296
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

Recall Number:: 22V155000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 20DN
Number of vehicles affected:: 47238
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.
Defect Consequence:: An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will install a new sensor in the tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DN.

Recall Number:: 22V034000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 42L5
Number of vehicles affected:: 31058
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Defect Consequence:: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

Recall Number:: 21V606000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 69CR, 69CS
Number of vehicles affected:: 45496
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

Recall Number:: 21V295000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 42L1
Number of vehicles affected:: 40993
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Defect Consequence:: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

Recall Number:: 21V159000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 70i2
Number of vehicles affected:: 3388
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
Defect Consequence:: An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70i2.

Recall Number:: 20V749000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 69BM
Number of vehicles affected:: 166
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.
Defect Consequence:: A detached connector can delay the activation of the restraint systems, including the side air bag, curtain air bag and/or seat-belt pretensioners during a side impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the crash sensors in both front doors, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BM.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles

Audi A6 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

48 reviews

5(61%)

4(17%)

3(8%)

2(8%)

1(6%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2021 A6 Features & Specs

Trim:

Sport Premium

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$54,900
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$225/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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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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