2024 Audi A6

From the outside, the 2024 Audi A6 plays the role of the stoic German sedan perfectly. Its subtle but attractive form blends seamlessly with traffic and won't raise an eyebrow at the country club. But from the inside, the midsize Audi is anything but subtle. Its tech-rich cabin is punctuated by two large screens, perfectly stitched leather and precise secondary controls. Opulence and exacting finishes demonstrate a commitment to luxury not present in a comparable BMW 5 Series. And to top it off, it drives well.

For 2024 Audi renewed the A6's styling with a new front grille and a revised rear diffuser, but unless you're among the Ingolstadt cognoscenti, you won't notice. One change that will matter are the Matrix-design LED headlights (standard on higher trims) that provide greater visibility without blinding oncoming drivers. But several years ago Audi did away with the A6's optional 21-inch wheels and summer tires. Without the assistance of that rolling stock, the A6 lost the performance edge it once had over some competitors. But most people don't buy a car in this class to race up their local mountain road, and the A6 still excels at being a superbly rewarding place to spend time whether you're driving it around town or on a multi-day road trip.

The most obvious competitors are the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which have their crosshairs on the same buyers as the A6 and match its performance, comfort or price, but probably not all three simultaneously. Alternatively, you can spend less and get less with Acura's TLX.