2021 Audi A6 review
Audi A6 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Quick acceleration with optional V6
- Upscale cabin materials
- Comfortable ride and sporty handling
Cons
- Two-touchscreen interface can be hard to learn and distracting
- Less trunk space than competition
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 29 highway, 24 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2021 Audi A6 is a technological marvel
The 2021 Audi A6 is a midsize luxury sedan that excels in a number of key areas. The A6 is loaded with standard features—including a dual-screen infotainment system, tri-zone climate control, and advanced driving aids—and offers a variety of upscale interior trim treatments and color combinations. The A6's four-cylinder engine is also more powerful in the 2021 model.
All Audi A6 years
What is new for the 2021 Audi A6?
- The A6 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Sport Premium and Sport Premium Plus.
- Adjustable Suspension features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Premium Plus trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment.
2021 Audi A6 trims
Premium:
19-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, LED exterior lighting, parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, heated front seats, dual infotainment touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, 10-speaker audio system, and more. This trim also unlocks the available Convenience package, which adds such features as the Audi Virtual Cockpit feature, a surround-view camera system, and more.
Premium Plus:
Adds upgraded LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot intervention, 16-speaker audio system, wireless charging pad, heated steering wheel, rear cross-traffic alert, larger infotainment screen, and more. The Premium Plus trim also unlocks the Executive package, which adds a selection of interior comfort upgrades.
Prestige:
Adds HD matrix headlights, dual-pane acoustic glass, four-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, multicolor LED ambient interior lighting, head-up display, and more. The Prestige trim has an available Luxury package, which adds upgraded leather upholstery, massaging front seats, and memory settings for the front passenger seat.
Audi A6 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Audi A6
1. Available packages
The 2021 Audi A6 has a number of trims to suit your lifestyle but if you want to take the tech and convenience features to the next level, look out for the available packages. On Premium models, you might find the Convenience Package, which adds wireless charging for compatible devices, a hands-free trunk lid, surround-view parking, and many other features that make life that little bit easier. The Executive Package is available on the Premium Plus trim and features comfortable additions such as heated rear seats. The Prestige trim unlocks the Luxury Package with massaging front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, and more.
2. High-end style
If you want to arrive in style, the 2021 Audi A6 is the one for you. The cabin oozes luxury and depending on which trim you choose, you'll be treated to high-end touches such as ventilated front seats, Audi's Virtual Cockpit display, and quad-zone automatic climate control. But this is also a car you'll want to look back at as you walk to your next meeting or leave the valet stand. The sleek lines nod to a subtle sportiness that's reflected in this sedan's engine options and standard AWD.
3. Mild hybrid electric assist system
Both the standard 2.0L four-cylinder and optional 3.0L V6 engines are mild-hybrid systems to improve both power and fuel economy. This means the 2.0L engine will get an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined while the V6 gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined.
4. Quattro® All-Wheel drive
The 2021 Audi A6 might look good but it's capable on the road, too. The standard all-wheel drive gives you extra grip on winding roads or in wintry weather. This kind of handling is a joy if you love a spirited drive or just want added peace of mind when the weather begins to turn. If a large SUV isn't your style but AWD is a must, the Audi A6 gives you the best of both worlds.
5. Cockpit conveniences
You can't miss the futuristic feel of the 2021 Audi A6. If you're coming from a slightly older vehicle then the sheer number of screens might be a shock at first, but you'll soon get used to the intuitive controls. The available Audi Virtual Cockpit ups the ante a little by adding a digital instrument cluster. This configurable display allows you to put the most important information right in front of you using the heads-up display.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Audi A6, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Think of Volvo and adjectives like steady, practical, and serene might come to mind. When it comes to the 2017–2019 Volvo S90—which was brought back to the market after a nearly 20-year hiatus—you might also think of words like innovative and stylish, too. Smoothed out around the edges since 1998, the S90 has a beautiful interior that may inspire relaxation, allowing you to complete those long trips in comfort. Base T5 models from 2017–2019 are powered by a turbocharged 250 hp 2.0L four-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is an option. Heading out for a winter vacation for two? The flexible 60/40 configuration has room for your skis.
All 2017–2019 Volvo S90s come with:
Rearview camera
Leather upholstery and leather-wrapped steering wheel
10-speaker audio system
Power-folding rear headrests
A full-size luxury car with bold styling inside and out, the 2017–2020 BMW M series makes a statement whenever it goes. Power comes from either a turbocharged 248-hp four-cylinder engine or a twin-turbocharged 335-hp six-cylinder engine. In addition, BMW xDrive AWD is standard on all models, sending all that power to the tires with the most traction. Finally, natural wood trim and soft leather seating create a comfortable and welcoming interior.
Standard features in the 2017–2019 BMW 5 Series include:
Automatic climate control
Adaptive LED headlights
In-car navigation with real-time updates
Apparently, the “E" is for extravagance. From an exterior that looks like it shines even on the dullest days to an opulent interior, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class appears to have it all. You'll get smart 4MATIC® all-wheel drive, optional double 12.3-inch screens (one for driver gauges and another for center infotainment), and sublime seat comfort. A variety of body styles, including a wagon, coupe, sedan, and convertible, round out the options on the 2018 E-Class.
Look to the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class for the following standard features:
FrontBass® audio system with Bluetooth connectivity
Power front seats with memory
64-color LED ambient lighting
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Audi A6 an overall reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Audi A6 28th out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi A6Audi A6 features and specs
Premium Plus 4WD/AWD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Satellite Radio Ready
Drive Wheels
All Wheel (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
248
Torque (ft-lbs)
273
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
19.3
Wheelbase
115.1"
Overall length
194.4"
Width
74.3"
Height
57.4"
Leg room
F 41.3"/R 37.4"
Head room
F 38"/R 38.1"
Front tires
P245/45HR19
Rear tires
P245/45HR19
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Audi A6 FAQ
Yes—The 2021 A6 continues on the fifth generation (2019–present) of this luxury sedan, with only minor changes from the 2020 model.
The 2021 A6 received an above average RepairPal reliability rating of 3.5/5, and has a four-year/50k mile warranty that covers basic coverage and drivetrain (the balance of this warranty may still apply on some used models). RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 9/1/2021. Learn more.
With standard features like leather upholstery, dual touchscreens, and three-zone climate control, the 2021 A6 offers luxury as standard.
According to the manufacturer, the A6 is considered a "luxury sports sedan.” This makes sense, given its sleek design and standard turbocharged engines across all 2021 trims.
Meanwhile, those who want an even sportier A6 may want to look for a used 2021 model that has been equipped (when sold new) with the optional Black Optic Sport package. This package adds features such as:
- a gloss-black exterior trim
- upgraded 20-inch wheels
- a sport suspension
- lower ride height
While the Audi A6 has not been discontinued, Audi CEO Markus Duesmann reported in January of 2021 that several Audi models (including the A6) will be temporarily paused for a redesign/refresh.
Specifically, a new version of the A6 will be launched in 2023; this new generation of Audi vehicles will be more focused on electric engines rather than traditional combustion engines, although it is believed that a combustion engine will still be offered for at least the 2023 model year.
More about the 2021 Audi A6
Exterior colors:
Avalon Green Metallic
Brilliant Black
Carat Beige Metallic
Firmament Blue Metallic
Florett Silver Metallic
Glacier White Metallic
Ibis White
Mythos Black Metallic
Seville Red Metallic
Soho Brown Metallic
Typhoon Gray Metallic
Vesuvius Gray Metallic
Interior colors:
Black
Okapi Brown
Pearl Beige
Interior details
You get space inside for five people as well as a respectable 13.7 cu-ft of cargo space in the trunk. Passengers will love the standard leather upholstery while you'll make great use of the heated, eight-way adjustable front seats. If you need more up-front comfort, look at the Luxury package on the Prestige trim as this adds a massaging function.
Child seat details
The 2021 Audi A6 is equipped with two full sets of LATCH anchors (upper and lower) on the rear-row outboard seats, with an upper tether only, for the rear middle seat. LATCH anchors are easy to find. The middle seat is narrower than the outboard seats, limiting space for a third seat to fit comfortably.
Performance
The 2021 Audi A6 is no slouch, that's for sure. With both engines backed up by a mild-hybrid system, you get some pleasing figures across the board. The standard 2.0L engine will race from zero to 60 in just 5.6 seconds (when new) but will still achieve an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined.
Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2021 Audi A6 base trim model with the 2.0L turbocharged engine, and running on premium gasoline, has tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 341 grams per mile. The AWD 2021 Audi A6 with 3.0L turbocharged engine, has tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 364 grams per mile.
Year comparisons
2012–2018 Audi A6 (Fourth Generation)
The fourth generation A6 increased in size from its previous incarnations and added features and styling that also feature on the larger A7 and A8 models. An A6 hybrid model appeared briefly from 2012–2014. A mid-gen facelift in 2015 introduced some exterior style and tech upgrades, and a more responsive infotainment system. For the final year of the fourth generation (2018), the A6 gained navigation as a standard feature.
2019–Present Audi A6 (Fifth Generation)
The fifth generation A6 arrived with a full refresh and a new lineup of engines that benefit from mild-hybrid technology. Seven brand new exterior colors were added as well as new dual infotainment screens upfront. From 2019, all Audi A6s have standard Quattro all-wheel drive. Two additional body variants are also available from the 2020 model year, the sport styled S6 and the RS6 Avant, a sporty station wagon.
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