The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Big lineup
- No slowpoke in the bunch
- Pretty cabin
- Plenty of tech and safety features
Dislikes
- Sedan a bit dull in base form
- Too many screens?
- A7 is prettier
- Set to sunset after 2025
Buying tip
features & specs
The 2025 Audi A6 lineup offers fine handling, acceleration, and style, but it's set to be replaced by an all-electric range soon.
What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Audi A6? What does it compare to?
Audi uses the number 6 to denote its midsize cars, including the A6 sedan, the faster S6 sedan, the A6 Allroad off-roady wagon, and the performance-oriented RS 6 Avant wagon. They compare well to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series, plus some versions of the Volvo 90-Series cars.
Is the 2025 Audi A6 a good car?
These are fine sedans and wagons, with just enough personality to make them interesting without being overwhelming. They’re in what’s likely to be their final model year before going electric, though, so buy soon. The A6 is a 6.7 out of 10 on the TCC scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2025 Audi A6?
After a subtle revamp last year, the A6 lineup receives more standard features this year. The A6 Allroad wagon now has four-zone automatic climate control, heated rear seats, and acoustic glass. All versions of the A6 include traffic-sign recognition.
Additionally, the RS 6 Avant wagon will be offered in a limited-run model with special styling, an over-the-top graphics package honoring Audi’s impressive 1989 IMSA racing effort, and a tweaked suspension with adjustable dampers and bigger anti-roll bars.
The current A6 range is set to be discontinued after 2025, when new electric models with the same name hit dealers. To find a midsize, gas-fueled Audi, you’ll need to wait for the next-generation A7 lineup.
The A6 range comes in four basic setups: a relatively mild 4- or 6-cylinder A6 sedan, the sporty S6 sedan, the vaguely off-roady A6 Allroad wagon, and the high-performance RS 6 wagon. All share conservative basic styling themes and a screen-intense cabin.
The base 261-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 in the A6 sedan is fine, but the twin-turbocharged 335-hp V-6 is worth the spend in the A6 sedan. That engine comes standard in the A6 Allroad. S6 sedans have a firmer—but not too brutal—suspension and a 444-hp turbocharged V-6 that’s unrelated to the unit used in A6 models. The RS 6 Avant stands on its own with its 621-hp V-8, a monster of an engine in a car with blistered fender flares and plenty of wagon swagger. It’s the ultimate IYKYK car.
No A6 version is a dullard to drive, though performance is predictably more interesting with more power underhood. All but the A6 models use a smooth conventional 8-speed automatic; the A6s have a snappy 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Every A6 comes with all-wheel drive.
Note that this review covers the gas-fueled models. We’ve yet to drive the upcoming, all-electric A6 E-tron, which shares little more than a name and basic proportions with the gas versions.
Fuel consumption runs the gamut, peaking at 26 mpg combined in the base A6 sedan and inching its way down to a predictably gluttonous 17 mpg combined for the RS 6.
These cars have a lavish, well-equipped interior with materials in line with hefty price tags. The A6 upstages nearly all rivals with its standard leather trim, while softer hides and swankier dash bits are on the options list. Comfy front seats and decent rear-seat legroom are assets. Sedans lack good trunk space, though wagons are true SUV alternatives for those who don’t require a high seating position.
All A6s have plenty of crash-avoidance and driver-assistance tech, plus solid crash-test scores. However, Audi doesn’t offer any hands-free driving tech for this lineup.
How much does the 2025 Audi A6 cost?
The base A6 sedan costs $59,395 to start, while the V-6 engine is an extra $4,500.
The A6 Allroad wagon costs $71,795. At the top of the lineup, the RS 6 Avant wagon is $127,895.
Where is the 2025 Audi A6 made?
In Germany.
2025 Audi A6 Styling
The 2025 Audi A6 is a conservatively and elegantly styled choice.
Is the Audi A6 a good-looking car?
It’s pleasant but innocuous, at least in sedan form. The 2025 A6 wears timeless lines that should age well, especially since it’s likely to be the last gas-fueled model to wear the badge. We score the range a 7 out of 10 thanks to good interior and exterior styling.
The A6 models come in two basic shapes: sedan and long-roof wagon, the latter of which is only available as an A6 Allroad or the sporty RS 6 Avant. A6 and S6 sedans almost look the same, with only slight differentiation, such as unique bumpers and wheels setting the more powerful version apart.
The Allroad looks great with its long roof, though the tacked-on plastic cladding may be a bit much for some shoppers. The RS 6 Avant is the same basic thing, but with a Hot Wheels-level of bolt-on bits that give it a borderline sinister appearance. It’s wild; don’t order yours in a dull color.
The A6 is full of screens inside regardless of version, though there’s little excitement once you’re past all those touchpads and displays. Audi offers a decent amount of upholstery options, though, which helps spruce things up a bit.
2025 Audi A6 Performance
The 2025 Audi A6 range boasts terrific performance in all forms, and the RS 6 is on another planet entirely.
Every version of the 2025 Audi A6 lineup is turbocharged, though just how much power you get depends on the number on the back—and the body style. All of them ride and handle well, too, earning the range a 7. But we’d give RS 6 models another point or two if rated separately. They’re not track stars, but they are astounding on a twisty road.
Is the Audi A6 AWD?
Yes. Most models have an all-wheel-drive system that can disconnect the rear axle for front-wheel-drive traction in typical driving situations to save fuel.
How fast is the Audi A6?
The base sedans are called 45 TFSI. They make use of a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 261 hp and paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. This is no slouch of a powertrain, but the jump to the 55 TFSI’s 335-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 is worthwhile. It’s the mandatory engine on the A6 Allroad, too. This setup is smooth, quick, and not that much thirstier, either.
The S6 uses a different V-6 good for a hefty 444 hp, which delivers a mid-four-second run to 60 mph. That’s as fast as some true sports cars, but the the S6 is mild-mannered. It’s a winner for those looking to go quick but blend in, and its 48-volt mild-hybrid tech powers a separate electric supercharger for even more scoot.
And then there’s the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that puts out 621 hp in the RS 6. It’s spectacularly fast and can top out at nearly 200 mph (on a closed course, mind).
Base sedans ride somewhat softly, while nearly every other model dials things in with an ever-firmer ride quality until you reach the RS 6. That model is firm, but not truly punishing, though we’ve yet to test the limited-run GT with its unique suspension setup. Separately, the A6 Allroad has a comparatively springy ride since its suspension has more travel for limited off-road use.
Then there’s the S6, which in some ways is the Goldilocks of this lineup. Optional rear-wheel steering makes the S6 sedan feel more nimble in corners and more stable in a straight line. It’s a true wolf in sheep’s clothing. If only there were an S6 Avant for our market.
2025 Audi A6 Comfort & Quality
The 2025 Audi A6 range has a comfortable cabin. Wagons are downright practical, too.
All versions of the 2025 Audi A6 have beautiful interior trim and comfortable seats. We rate sedans a 7, but wagons would net an extra point if rated separately due to their big cargo areas.
Audi fits comfortable front seats to all models, though you may want to try out an S6 or RS 6 before buying one if you’re turned off by chunky bolsters.
Rear-seat riders have good legroom and headroom. Three abreast is realistic, at least for shorter distances.
Audi includes leather seats and wood trim on even the cheapest A6, a relative rarity for the segment. Softer hides are included as you work your way up the lineup.
While Avants have a hefty 30 cubic feet of cargo space, sedans have less than half that much room. Their trunks are a bit small, even by midsize luxury sedan standards.
2025 Audi A6 Safety
The 2025 Audi A6 has done well in crash tests.
How safe is the Audi A6?
It’s a winner, netting an 8 here thanks to its five-star score courtesy the NHTSA, standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and plentiful standard crash-avoidance tech, though adaptive cruise control isn’t standard on the base Premium trim. It also has good IIHS scores but not enough results for a Top Safety Pick award, so it misses out on another point here. Note that we base these results on the very similar 2024 model as 2025 results have not been published.
Every A6 has automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control. Don’t look for a hands-off system here, though. Audi doesn’t offer one on its midsize model.
2025 Audi A6 Features
Some versions of the 2025 Audi A6 range can be a decent value by luxury standards.
The A6 range is sort of like a choose-your-own-adventure book. First, you’ll need to decide which body style. Then you’ll need to decide just how much personality you need. Overall, the range scores an 8 here thanks to good standard equipment in base form, a high-quality infotainment system with a just-right 8.8-inch touchscreen for infotainment, and the sheer number of configurations available. While Audi doesn’t offer a la carte customization, there are still many ways you can slice this range.
The A6 Premium sedan starts at $59,395 this year, though the $4,500 upcharge for the more powerful V-6 engine seems worthwhile. You’ll find leather seats with power adjustments and heating up front, 19-inch alloy wheels, navigation, a sunroof, a digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at that price.
Which Audi A6 should I buy?
Aside from the 55 TFSI engine, we also recommend spending for a $2,300-or-so package with adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, a wireless charging pad, and a heated steering wheel. That’s a terrific value.
Or you could go for the A6 Allroad, which comes with the more powerful engine and starts at $71,795. It skips the base Premium trim for Premium Plus, which in Audi-speak means the aforementioned option package plus improved LED headlights as well as a Bang & Olufsen audio system. You can also add massaging and cooled front seats to this trim.
How much is a fully loaded Audi A6?
The RS 6 Avant now costs $127,895 to start, and that’s if you can get on the waiting list for one. The top-end Avant GT package may tack on as much as $75,000 more.
2025 Audi A6 Fuel Economy
Many versions of the A6 are fairly thrifty; the RS 6 is not.
Is the Audi A6 good on gas?
Depending on what version you select, the A6 can be fairly frugal. The A6 sedan is estimated as high as 23 mpg city, 33 highway, 26 combined, while those with the 3.0-liter V-6 check in at a still-impressive 22/30/25 mpg. That’s a 3 on the TCC scale, and it’s a decent score for the segment. These scores are based on the 2024 model as the 2025 ratings, which should be unchanged, aren't out yet.
The S6 is estimated at 19/26/22 mpg, which is still reasonable given its power output. At 14/22/17 mpg, the RS 6 Avant is quite thirsty, but what did you expect?