2020 Audi A6

The all-new 2020 Audi A6 is now longer, wider and more spacious than its predecessor. The chrome styling from the huge front grille continues across the bodywork ending with a bright chrome strip through the rear taillights, and not to mention the fake exhaust vents that are nothing but some aesthetic gimmicks.

Having said that, the A6 starts at $59,895, comes with a surprisingly powerful 335 hp V6 engine mated to a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission, and is loaded with some class-leading technology. In a segment ruled by some of the less expensive vehicles such as Volvo S90, Genesis G80, Mercedes E300, and Lexus GS350, can the A6 explain its extra premium over them? Let's move ahead and find out.

With three trims offered for the A6 sedan, you get the Audi signature all-wheel-drive Quattro system as standard. The MMI touch panel gets larger as you move up the trims, so are the creature comforts like a premium sound system, 12-way adjustable seats and Heads up display. The Premium Plus trim feels like the best value-for-money trim in the A6 lineup.

In case you want some more oomph factor to your cabin with no change in driving mechanics, then the Prestige is what you should have a look at. It is nothing but the Audi A8L, just smaller and slightly less powerful. With some best-in-class features such as a four-zone climate control system and powered soft-close doors, it's tech-list is endless, almost as if it were a mini-palace on wheels. That said, there is another, more expensive and powerful version of the A6 - The Audi S6, but it is yet to make its way from the European shores to America, however, it is speculated that it will be here by 2020.

Model	A6 Premium	A6 Premium Plus	A6 Prestige
MSRP	$58,900	$62,700	$67,100
Key Features	Quattro all-wheel drive	Audi virtual cockpit	Head-up display with navigation information
	MMI Navigation plus (8.8" multimedia screen) with Audi connect	Matrix-design LED headlights with high-beam assistant	12-way front ventilated seats
	S-line exterior package	Bang & Olufsen® Premium 3D Sound System	HD Matrix-design LED headlights with dynamic DRLs and animation
	LED headlights with LED daytime running lights	Top view camera system with Virtual 360 view	Four-zone automatic climate control
	Contrast stitching on dashboard and seats	MMI Navigation plus (10.1" upper screen) with Audi connect	Power soft closing doors
			Ambient interior lighting package plus

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Choose "Premium Plus" for utmost bang-for-your-buck because the base trim, Premium, offers just the fundamental features. The Audi virtual cockpit is a must-have in the A6 sedan, which enhances the overall user experience. Furthermore, the Bang and Olufsen speaker system fills the cabin with rich surround sound - a worthy upgrade over the basic setup.

With the same 3.0-liter powerplant from the new A7 and A8, making 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque thanks to a single turbocharger nestled in the cylinder valley in a hot-V setup. - Car and Driver

The stunning yet understated 4-door luxury sedan comes with a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine producing 335 horsepower. However, be prepared to flex your ankles because you’ll be revving the motor plenty, as the torque curve is quite flattened out. This motor is further backed by a mild-hybrid system that works in conjunction with the 6-cylinder powerplant to bump up the EPA economy and power the internals while idling.

Another highlight you’d appreciate is the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, as Audi has stopped making manuals for all its vehicles, except the A4 lineup. The precise upshifts hit like a snare at the end of a 4/4 rock beat. Combine that with the flamboyant lead singer - the Quattro Ultra All-wheel drive system - and you got yourself a band ready to tour the country. However, with the muted exhaust note that accompanies the engine, the bassist is a novice as it seems.

Models	Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan	Jaguar XF Sedan	Maserati Ghibli	BMW 530i sedan	Lexus GS 350 sedan	2018 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan	2018 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan	2018 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
MSRP	$59,895	$50,960	$74,980	$54,395	$52,020	$42,745	$49,095	$53,945
Engine	3.0L V6	2.0L i4	3.0L V6	2.0L i4	3.5L V6	3.8L V6	2.0L i4	2.0L i4
Transmission	7 Speed DCT automatic	8 Speed automatic	8 Speed automatic	8 Speed automatic	8 Speed automatic	8 Speed automatic	8 Speed automatic	9 Speed automatic
Horsepower	335 hp@ 5000rpm	247 hp@ 5500rpm	345 hp@ 5250 rpm	248 hp@ 5200rpm	311 hp@ 6400rpm	311 hp@ 6000rpm	250 hp@ 5500rpm	241 hp@ 5550rpm
Torque	369 ft-lbs@ 1370 rpm	269 ft-lbs@ 1200rpm	369 ft-lbs@ 1750 rpm	258 ft-lbs@ 1450 rpm	280 ft-lbs@ 4800rpm	293 ft-lbs@ 5000rpm	258 ft-lbs@ 1500rpm	273 ft-lbs@ 1300rpm

In the battle for supremacy, the Maserati is the only one to challenge the Audi A6’s reign, with 345 hp engine which, however, comes at a steep premium. The nemeses BMW 5-series and the Mercedes E-class sedans have been surpassed by the four-rings with almost 100 hp, give or take a few. The more expensive,  Maserati Ghibli is also the most powerful one of the lot. The Genesis and the Lexus offer the same power figures despite the former's engine being the largest of the lot. Both of them stack up for the third position just behind the A6.

Acceleration

Instant torque from the A6's V6 motor is tremendous for pickup, but it fades as the revs climb. The sedan reaches 60 miles an hour in a brisk 4.4 seconds and onwards through the quarter-mile in 13 seconds flat. Might we remind you, Audi's intentions with the A6 were pretty clear and it was pure luxury. A 4.4-second, 0-60 timing is pretty impressive according to those standards.

That said, the accelerator pedal is pretty big and wide. It is slightly on the heavier side and features an organ-type style. The throttle response is snatchy sometimes, courtesy of its low-set peak torque, but you will get used to it with time. 

Models	Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan	Jaguar XF 25t premium Sedan	Maserati Ghibli	BMW 530i sedan	Lexus GS 350 sedan	2018 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan	2018 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan	2018 Mercedes E300 sport sedan
0-60 MPH	4.4 sec	N/A	5 sec	N/A	N/A	6.4 sec	6.5 sec	6.2 sec
Quarter mile	13.0 sec	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	14.7 sec	15.3 sec	14.3 sec
Engine	3.0L V6	2.0L i4	3.0L V6	2.0L i4	3.5L V6	3.8L V6	2.0L i4	2.0L i4
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	8.0	6.5	7.1

There’s not much to compare here, the Audi is the biggest and the baddest. The sedans rivaling the A6 play catch up in the sprint to 60. The closest one to the race leader is the Maserati Ghibli, which is still more than half a second behind. The Genesis G80, despite its largest engine, is a slouch. However, most cars from 2020 are yet to be tested in the 60 mph sprint which is why there is not much to say here.

Ride and Handling

On a mid-length sedan like the Audi A6, the Quattro is a must-have if you’re driving in icy conditions, but this time it also has a new special feature. It disengages the rear wheels when cruising to improve fuel economy. Apart from that, the AWD sedan has great handling through the corners, able to handle massive G-forces without breaking a sweat. The steering feedback might not be the best in the segment as the BMW 530i's steering feels much better connected to the road. The Audi's steering feedback isn't too disappointing either, we just feel it is too light on low speeds. Come to high speeds and the feedback improves pretty significantly.

Not for its spirited driving abilities, the A6's reputed for is its luxurious cabin ride quality. Take the passenger seat and you'll get to experience its different side. On calm and composed treatment, the A6 remains subtle, planted and restricts the mild-undulations of the road out of the cabin. The external noises are pretty well restricted too and the V6 unit has a slight rumble which isn't very disturbing inside the cabin. What's disturbing is the tire noises that creep inside the cabin at high speeds. It could get tiresome if prolonged.

Maneuvering this faux-limo sedan may seem like a challenge, but it’s not. Audi’s rear-wheel steering system turns the rear axle in the opposite direction to reduce the turning distance for tight corners at low speeds. Meanwhile, at higher speeds, the rear wheels move with the front wheels to improve stability while changing lanes.

Braking

The A6 sedan is a heavyweight, weighing in at 4200+ lbs. Stopping this mammoth takes a considerable brake force. With the 13.6 discs upfront and 13’s at the rear, the brakes on the Audi work splendidly.

The brake modulation from the pedal is smooth, effortless, and instills confidence when handling the sedan, even on slopes. The bite gradually increases as the pedal is pressed hard, there are no suprise jerks or whatsoever.

Model	Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan	Jaguar XF Sedan	Maserati Ghibli	BMW 530i sedan	Lexus GS 350 sedan	2018 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan	2018 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan	2018 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
Brake Front (in.)	13.6	13.8	N/A	N/A	N/A	13.6	13.6	12.7
Brake Rear (in.)	13	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	12.4	12.6	11.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4266	3590	3990	3790	3726	4195	3870	3792
60-0 MPH (ft.)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	109	120	106

Though we do not have the data for most of the rivals, the Mercedes E300 shines the brightest out of the ones that we have. With a stopping distance of 106 ft from 60-0, the Merc has the best brakes in the segment. On the other hand, the Volvo S90 takes 120 ft to do the same - not so safe for a Volvo.

The 48-volt mild hybrid system has brought the fuel economy number up by 2 mpg when compared to the 2018 Audi A6. The 2020 A6 now returns 30 miles to the gallon on highways and a slightly disappointing figure of 21 MPG in the city. However, the lesser fuel economy in consequence to more power is totally acceptable. Having said that, the A6 is still not the worst in this regard, some of its rivals like the Genesis G80 and the Lexus GS 350 offer way less economy than the Audi.

Model	Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan	Jaguar XF Sedan	Maserati Ghibli	BMW 530i sedan	Lexus GS 350 sedan	2018 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan	2018 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan	2018 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
MPG (city)	21	25	17	24	20	19	25	22
MPG (highway)	30	34	24	34	28	27	34	30
MPG (combined)	24	28	19	27	23	22	27	25

The economy you get from the Audi is much better than the Maserati Ghibli and the Genesis G80. However, the class leaders are the Jaguar XF and the Volvo S90, which exhibit a mileage of up to 34 mpg on highways. The closest rival to the A6, the BMW 530i surpasses it with a combined mileage of 27 as compared to Audi’s meager figure of 24.

The A6 is impressively spacious. The amount of lateral space makes it feel more like a slightly smaller A8 than a midsize sedan. The rear outboard seats have plenty of legroom and headroom for 6-foot passengers - Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The 2020 A6 suits up in smooth leather and wood inserts across the dash, which give the sedan a dapper and classy look, including the piano black plastic on the centre console. Excuse the base trim, the other two trims feature premium leather-wrapped seats at the front also bearing heating and ventilating functions. Their wide-adjustability traits further assist you in finding an optimal driving position. There is no shortage of room on them and you wouldn't mind spending hours here. The bolsters are big and wide and do a fine job of holding you in one place even under spirited driving character.

Unlike the sloping roofline in the A7, the A6’s traditional sedan-like shape gives you plenty of room in the rear, even for the vertically privileged passengers. Cabin noise is sufficiently damped and prevents any road and engine noises from sneaking through. The steering controls are intuitive to use and the shape feels great while cruising around. The bench is wide and there is ample of thigh support. Mimicking the front seats really well, the rear seats of the A6 have been blessed with loads of legroom too. In fact, it is much more than what its arch-rival, the BMW 530i, offers. There is a transmission tunnel going through the middle of the cabin which hinders with the comfort of the middle passenger at the rear. Other than this small compromise, we think Audi has aced the rear seating comfort factor of the cabin.

Model	Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan	Jaguar XF Sedan	Maserati Ghibli	BMW 530i sedan	Lexus GS 350 sedan	2018 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan	2018 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan	2018 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.0/57.8/41.3	N/A	N/A	38.8/58.7/41.4	38.0/57.3/42.3	41.1/58.3/45.7	37.8/57.5/42.2	41.4/57.8/41.7
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.1/56.5/37.4	N/A	N/A	37.5/55.9/36.5	37.8/55.7/36.8	38.2/57.1/35.0	37.8/55.4/40.4	38.2/57.1/36.3

It's the Genesis G80 that overpowers everyone here. It has the maximum passenger volume, be it in the front or at the rear. The Volvo S90 offers the least space in the front but is slightly better than all the Germans. The Audi A6 isn't very impressive with its numbers either. It also tails the Volvo closely for the last position.

Cargo Capacity

The 2020 Audi A6's 194 inches of length not just add to the looks of the vehicle but also translate to a good capacity inside. Which is why it carries a volume of 13.7 cu.ft in the trunk. While it may not be very affirming to you considering the rivals offer much better space, this much space is still enough to serve your needs for a weekend getaway. However, if you just have one companion with you, the A6 also has the provision to fold the rear seats down-flat to unveil a massive flat-bed.

Not only does the tailgate lift high and wide, but also the low-set lip of the trunk further encourages easier loading/unloading. Adding more points to its luxury and convenience scorecard, the Audi A6 also features a powered tailgate wherein you can close the boot with the touch of a button. 

Model	Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan	Jaguar XF Sedan	Maserati Ghibli	BMW 530i sedan	Lexus GS 350 sedan	2018 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan	2018 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan	2018 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	13.7	17.8	17.7	N/A	14.3	15.3	13.5	13.1

The A6's meager 13.7 cu.ft of volume is nowhere near what the Jaguar XF and the Maserati Ghibli offer. Both of them offer way over 17.cu.ft in the comparison. Almost all, except the Merc and Volvo, have more volume for cargo in their trunk, so if you carry a lot of luggage frequently, you’d prefer the Jag over anything.

Infotainment System

Like the manual transmission, it seems like Audi is done with making physical buttons and knobs as well. Almost all controls now can be accessed through the dual-touchscreen infotainment system. The 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment has haptic feedback for ease-of-use but using it while driving means risky business as you need to take your eyes away from the road frequently. The way around this is the voice command system, although it takes some time to get used to. The infotainment is not perfect, it’s almost there, but not quite there yet.

In terms of technology, it has everything that you would expect from an Audi, if not more. Some of its class-leading features are:

• 16 speakers, 705-Watt, Bang and Olufsen surround sound system
• Subscription for Audi Connect CARE assistance and security services 
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bluetooth music streaming
• Apple Signal booster and wireless charger (Phonebox)
• Two front and two rear USB ports
• Audi Virtual Cockpit (12.3-inch display)
• Voice control system

Interior Features

While most of the features circle around the infotainment system, some of the other features offered in the Audi A6 sedan, that set it apart from the competition are:

• Panoramic Sunroof
• Steering wheel with mounted audio controls and paddle shifters
• Powered tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• Dark brown walnut natural wood inlays
• Leather seating surfaces
• Ambient LED interior lighting
• Illuminated Aluminum door sill inlays
• HUD with navigation and assistance systems information
• Automatic dimming rearview mirror with integrated digital compass

New 2020 A6 has a wider, lower grille and pronounced bulges over the wheels for a slightly more macho look. The A6’s makeover is subtle, and follows more closely the A5 that received a sharper window line and subtle sculpting on the body lines. - Car Connection

Design and Dimensions

Rather than making radical changes, the engineers at Ingolstadt made small but significant updates to the 2020 A6's design. The bold creases on the A6's bodywork make the light ripple across the sedan. For 2020, the A6 has now grown marginally wider than before, especially around the wheel arches which give the sedan a low hunkered look and an imposing character. Adding to that, the big wide grin with the four-ringed badge and shiny chrome slats at the front, gives the A6 a distinctly Audi persona.

Model	Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan	Jaguar XF Sedan	Maserati Ghibli	BMW 530i sedan	Lexus GS 350 sedan	2018 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan	2018 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan	2018 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
Curb weight (lbs.)	4266	3590	3990	3790	3726	4195	3870	3792
Length(in)	194.4	195.0	195.7	194.6	192.1	196.5	200.1	193.8
Width(in)	74.3	78.2	76.6	73.5	72.4	74.4	74.0	72.9
Height(in)	57.4	57.4	57.7	58.2	57.3	58.3	57.1	57.8
Ground clearance (in)	4.2	4.1	N/A	5.7	5.1	5.3	6.0	5.5
Wheelbase (in)	115.1	116.5	118	117.1	112.2	118.5	120.5	115.7
Track width (in) F/R	N/A	61.4/61.8	64.4/65.1	63/63.9	N/A	64.1/65.3	63.7/63.7	63.6/63

The Audi is much heavier than the rest of the sedans in the competition. Lexus GS 350 is the shortest one in the team while the Volvo S90 is the longest. The Jag XF is the widest sedan, while the Lexus being quite slender. Sitting low to the ground, you’d find the Audi and Jaguar with the least clearance, with the Volvo on the taller side having 6-inches clearance.

Exterior Features:

The 2020 Audi A6 might carry an understated look, but there is more to it than what meets the eye. Some of the enhancements on the outside that give it a more appealing look include highlights such as:

• 19-inch, 5-double spoke design alloy wheels with dual-tone color
• HD Matrix design LED headlights
• LED Taillights with animation
• Headlight washer system
• Power-adjustable and folding, auto-dimming exterior rearview mirrors
• Aluminum-optic trim around side windows
• Power soft-closing doors
• Front and rear LED indicators

Be it any manufacturer, safety is always a top priority for them. When it comes to a German giant like Audi, safety comes as a bonus with it. Over the years, Germans have earned a certain reputation for themselves when it comes to the robust build quality of their vehicles. Following the same tradition, the 2020 A6 has also been gifted with a strong chassis which is based on VW's trusted and newly revised MLBevo platform.

Though we do not have the crash test results for the 2020 Audi A6 to back up our claim, the 2018 model has been awarded with "5-stars" by NHTSA. Let's not forget that both of them share a lot in common, which is why it is safe to say that the new A6 is at par in terms of safety and build quality. Not just the build quality, but the 2020 A6 has also been blessed with a ton of advanced safety-tech too. Some of these safety features are:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Audi connect Emergency Sos
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Audi pre sense city Forward Collision
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Driver And Passenger Knee Airbag
• Power Rear Child Safety Locks
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3...
• 360-degree view reverse camera

Audi A6 vs Maserati Ghibli

The Italian mid-size luxury sedan, Maserati Ghibli, offers slightly more power than the A6 sedan, however, the German trumps the Italian any day in a lot of other aspects. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system paired to the 3.0L V6 and the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission makes the A6 fun and more dynamic than its rival. On the inside, the traditional but outdated cabin of the Ghibli seems plush, but the ergonomically refined cabin of the A6 feels more comfortable in the long run. Furthermore, the Ghibli's feature-list is puny as compared to the A6's. We believe that the Ghibli's extravagant price tag has gone way too overboard for what it offers, hence, giving the A6 an upper hand.

Audi A6 vs BMW 530i

The BMW has long been known as the primary choice for enthusiasts due to the sole focus on power and rear wheel drive, however, the 5-series now maintains a balance between performance and efficiency and is now a closer rival to the A6. With regard to the BMW 530i's equally plush interiors and tech-rich infotainment, choosing between the two sedans is steadily getting harder through subsequent generations. However, there is a narrow line between the two. The Bimmer is more engaging behind the steering as compared to the A6, but then it is not as powerful as the latter. Furthermore, if comfort at the rear is accounted for, then the A6 trumps the Bavarian by miles in this regard. 

Audi A6 vs Lexus GS 350

The Lexus has made the GS 350 as an affordable luxury sedan with performance not as great as the all-stars of the segment. However, Lexus maintains great handling and driving dynamics with a low sticker price. Also, the GS 350's interiors are just as impressive as the A6's. On the infotainment front, there is no matching the A6, thanks to its virtual cockpit and huge touchscreens. So, if you feel the A6 is a bit excessive on the power, the Lexus is a good option to go for, considering it is way less cheaper than the former.

The Audi midsize luxury sedan is one of the best all-rounder family cars you can buy in the American market today. Great engine - check, opulence - check, high-tech infotainment - check, practicality - check, economy - almost there. However, the Four Ringer comes at a price, although less than the Poseidon's Trident (Maserati). If you’re confident enough that the Audi A6 won’t hurt your bank account, you won’t regret a minute you spend in the sedan.

FAQs

How reliable is the 2020 Audi A6?

Walking out of a trusted German manufacturer, all the generations of the A6 have been awarded maximum points by the crash-testing agencies when it comes to their build quality. Apart from the impeccable build quality, the 2020 Audi A6 also features a plethora of advanced safety features that work in conjunction with each other to ensure your safety. Also, the 3.0l, V6 unit is a trusted motor which also does duties in a lot of other Audi(s). Munching thousands of miles won't pose any threat to its life provided you follow the maintenance schedule.

How much will the 2020 Audi A6 cost?

The Audi A6 lineup is segregated in three trims, the prices of which start from $58,900 and go all the way up to $67,100. For more information, head over to the trims tab on top of this page.

Is the Audi A6 Allroad available in the USA?

The Audi A6 Allroad is not on sale in the US, yet. Audi has hinted that come 2020, it might touch the American shores, but for now, you have to compromise with the Audi A6 itself.

Does the 2020 Audi A6 come with a warranty?

Yes, the 2020 Audi A6 is backed by a 4-year/50,000 mile warranty. For information on this front, please refer to the features tab on top of this page.