2010 Audi A6
- 2009 Audi A6
- Used Audi A6
Based on analysis of 59 A6 reviews and test drives.
Audi A6 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Audi A6 ranks 9 out of 13 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 59 published reviews and test drives of the Audi A6, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Audi A6 combines exceptional performance with one of the finest interiors offered in the Large Luxury Car class.
The Audi A6 tends to trail behind the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class in terms of sales -- but that could be a sign that Americans are missing out on a very capable car.
The Audi A6 has one of the nicest interiors available, even at its price. It's also a fine performer.
The A6 received a design refresh for 2009, so little has changed for 2010.
The key to the A6's appeal is the optional Quattro All-Wheel-Drive Sstem. Reviewers say that, without Quattro, it doesn't handle as well as some competitors; but with Quattro, it's the almost the equal of the canyon-carving BMW 5-Series. The A6 also outclasses the BMW, and many other rivals, with its well-designed passenger cabin (reviewers love the available cocoa leather).
Just as the optional AWD system makes a dramatic difference in the car's performance, a buyer's choice of engine can radically change the character of this car. Reviewers are particularly impressed with the available 3.0-liter supercharged V6, which offers smooth power delivery and accelerates like a V8, but offers the fuel economy of a V6.
If you're almost sold on the A6, however, we might point you in an unusual direction for an alternative -- this car's smaller sibling, the Audi A4. The A4 is so large that it barely qualifies for the midsize car class, but it shares much of this car's equipment, and the same design philosophy. A6 shoppers might save thousands by looking one class down.
The A6 comes in 3.0, 3.2 or 4.2 trim, each named for its engine. The famed Quattro all-wheel drive system is available on 3.2 models and standard on 4.2 and 3.0 supercharged models. A wagon model, the A6 Avant, is offered, but only with the 3.0-liter engine and Quattro system.
- "Too weak with the 3.1-liter V-6 and extremely expensive with the V-8, the A6 now has a just-right engine choice that should help it shrug off its also-ran status in the U.S. market." -- Car and Driver
- "A6 is tough to top for craftsmanship, and it offers all-weather AWD capability, great overall refinement, and cool sophistication. It's a must-see for any luxury-car shopper." -- Consumer Guide
- "On the whole, we're pretty fond of the A6. Although not as fun as the BMW 5 Series and not as prestigious as the Mercedes E-Class, the 2008 Audi A6 is an excellent example of a car that does almost everything right." -- Edmunds
- "An appealing alternative to more expensive offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with an incredibly detailed cabin, a choice of two strong engines and good crash-test scores." -- Cars.com
- "The Audi A6 continues a legacy of dynamic excellence and exceptional comfort. The A6 is packed with technology, enhancing convenience and driving dynamics. The attention to detail inside and out is impressive." -- New Car Test Drive
A6 Performance - 8.6 (Very Good)
Reviewers rave about Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. "Standard AWD on the 3.0T, 4.2, and S6 puts this Audi near the top of the class for agility, grip, and poise," says Consumer Guide. Many testers say the engine of choice in the A6 is the supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Read More
A6 Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The automotive press likes the look of the 2010 A6. Elegant touches like a line of LED lights above the headlights give it a polished, tailored look. Its huge, trapezoidal grille earns many comments as well. Read More
A6 Interior - 8.7 (Very Good)
The passenger cabin of the 2010 Audi A6 is exceptional, with sumptuous materials and thoughtful ergonomics. However, Audi's MMI multi-media interface, which controls all climate and entertainment functions, earns mixed reviews. Some say it's one of the easier interfaces to learn in the large luxury car class. Others say it complicates what should be simple adjustment. Read More
A6 Safety - NA
The federal government has not performed crash tests on the 2010 Audi A6. Neither has the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but the mechanically-similar 2009 model earned a "Top Safety Pick" designation in the large car category for its good performance in crash tests and its standard stability control. Read More
A6 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Audi A6 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Audi covers its cars with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which includes roadside assistance. Read More
