Audi A6 (2011-2017) Review and Prices
The Audi A6 is an executive saloon that is starting to look a little past it when parked next to the shiny new Mercedes E-Class and Volvo S90. It can be had in a variety of flavours including the Avant estate and the rugged Allroad.
- Cash
- £54,531
- Monthly
- £795*
- Used
- £12,932
What's good
What's not so good
Find out more about the Audi A6 (2011-2017)
Is the Audi A6 (2011-2017) a good car?
It may be getting on a bit, but the A6’s interior quality is top notch, with squidgy plastics and expensive trim pieces on show everywhere you care to cast your eyes – it feels and looks expensive. What it doesn’t offer, though, is the technology of newer models, which feature ever-bigger infotainment screens in place of conventional buttons.
The driving experience could also do with a freshen up. The A6 has never been the most enthralling steer – unless you opt for the foaming-mouthed RS6 model, of course – but it also falls behind rivals when it comes to ride quality.
Another disadvantage is the lack of a basic petrol engine – just the high-power S6 and RS6 are petrol powered. As a result, the diesel range is a better option for most people – they’re cheap to run and offer plenty of performance. The 2.0-litre Ultra is phenomenally fuel efficient for this size of car, while the six-cylinder 3.0-litre bi-turbo diesel has all the performance you could really need.
Equipment levels are very generous and every A6 comes with sat-nav, climate control, xenon headlights, a leather interior and a powerful stereo. However, most buyers go for the S line trim that gives the car sportier, more distinctive looks and a contemporary interior finish.
The A6 is like a model work colleague – great at its job, but no fun to hang around with
A replacement Audi A6 is set to go on sale in the middle of 2018, but you see how this current model compares to its closest rivals in our Mercedes E-Class vs BMW 5 Series vs Audi A6 group test review.
With a new A6 about to arrive, some might question the idea of buying the current model, and they would have a point – the newer Mercedes E-Class and Volvo S90 are fundamentally better cars. However, in many ways, the A6 still feels competitive and if you want to see a more in-depth review of the Audi, read our review below. Finally, with a new model on the way, there’s the opportunity to make some impressive savings buying a current model via our A6 deals page.
How much is the Audi A6 (2011-2017)?
The Audi A6 (2011-2017) has a RRP range of £31,255 to £73,520. However, on Carwow prices for a new Audi A6 (2011-2017) start at £54,531 if paying cash or £795 if paying monthly. The price of a used Audi A6 (2011-2017) on Carwow starts at £12,932.
How practical is it?
The Audi A6 has a tremendous amount of room inside for four passengers, and the boot is large and easy to load, although it is a little smaller than in the Mercedes E-Class
The A6 is about as practical as saloons get, with a nice, wide boot opening and three-way split-folding rear seats to extend the boot space
What's it like to drive?
One thing that the A6 has never offered is an enthralling drive – if that’s what you’re looking for then the BMW 5 Series or Jaguar XF remain the go-to choices. Thrown into a corner with gusto, the front-wheel drive Audi loses grip long before the rear-wheel drive BMW or Jaguar, although the quick steering makes it feel reasonably enthusiastic up until that point.
I've said it before and I'll say it again – if you want a fun executive buy a BMW
What's it like inside?
It’s genuinely hard to believe that the Audi A6’s interior is a six-year-old design because it still oozes sophistication and is extremely easy to use. The standard leather interior helps here – it’s real unlike the man-made material fitted to a Mercedes E-Class – and you also get quad-zone climate control that gives all four passengers their own ventilation controls.
Audi A6 (2011-2017) colours
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- Cash
- £54,531
- Monthly
- £795*
- Used
- £12,932
Popular Audi A6 colours
*Please contact the dealer for a personalised quote, including terms and conditions. Quote is subject to dealer requirements, including status and availability. Illustrations are based on personal contract hire, 9 month upfront fee, 48 month term and 8000 miles annually, VAT included.