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    Audi A6 First Drive

    Summary

    Introduction

    The 2026 Audi A6 Is One Sleek Sedan

    A six-cylinder is the only engine choice, and many of its most interesting features aren’t available in the U.S.

    Overview

    Audi updated its A6 midsized luxury sedan for 2026 with a new look and an updated powertrain choice. It now shares an underlying design, technology, and some parts with the new Q5 and A5.

    However, some of the A6’s most interesting options aren’t available in the U.S. Attractive interior trims made from recycled materials, adaptive headlights, and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine are all limited to other markets.

    The good news is that the A6 we get is fairly well-equipped. It’s powered by an updated version of the venerable V6 engine we’ve found powerful and responsive in other Audi models. The current A6 is a treat to drive on winding roads, but also a comfortable escape from the chaos of traffic, and a nice place to spend a road trip. We hope the new model retains that balance of luxury and sportiness.

    It competes with the BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CT5, Genesis G80, Lexus ES, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

    It goes on sale Summer 2025.

    The final assembly point is Neckarsulm, Germany.

    Impressions

    Outside

    Audi says that the A6’s new design makes it remarkably aerodynamic. We think the styling is both stately and elegant, like a toned-down version of the gorgeous E-Tron GT EV. It’s instantly recognizable as an Audi from every angle, and it adopts a rear-end that’s similar to the updated A5. Buyers can choose from 19-, 20-, and 21-inch wheels. There’s no word on whether the wagon versions of the A6 that are on sale in Europe will eventually make their way to the U.S.

    Inside

    The A6 appears to have a version of Audi’s Digital Stage setup. For drivers, that means nearly all controls will be through a giant touchscreen. We’ve tried out a version of the Digital Stage in our Q6 E-Tron and found it overwhelming at first. It took some actual training to get used to. We hope the rest of the A6’s interior is constructed better than the Q6’s, which feels cheaper than it should considering the price. A 10.9-inch display for the front passenger is optional, as is four-zone climate control and a 20-speaker sound system.

    What Drives It

    Only one engine choice is available in the U.S. Unusually for 2025, it’s a V6—an updated version of the turbocharged 3.0-liter that’s under the hood of the current A6 in “55” trim. Although turbocharged four-cylinder engines are increasingly the power plant of choice for gas-powered cars, Audi no longer offers one in the A6. The only transmission choice is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Every A6 comes standard with all-wheel drive. Horsepower and fuel economy figures for the U.S. market have yet to be released, but we’d expect the V6 to be good for around 362 hp and achieve overall fuel economy in the high 20s. An adaptive air suspension is optional.

    Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

    The redesigned A6 packs a full suite of safety systems, including blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning that were optional in the outgoing model.

    Audi’s “driving and parking” assistance package comes standard on every A6. It includes adaptive cruise control (ACC) and various parking assistance features. Audi’s “adaptive driving assistant plus” system is optional. It combines ACC and lane centering assistance (LCA) and uses map data for assisted driving. Outside the U.S., this system can communicate with other vehicles. However, that feature isn’t available here.

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