2025 Audi A6

Midsize luxury cars like the Audi A6 can sometimes sneak under the radar. Bigger flagship models with higher prices are newsworthy, while compact cars bring more affordable prestige. The thing about the A6 and its rivals is that they often come with ample space for occupants while still sporting plenty of tech, comfort, and attention to detail. They can appeal to drivers yet make all the right statements in a posh neighborhood.

This model year looks like the final one for the A6, as we have come to know and love it. When we next want to buy a new midsize luxury car from Audi with a gasoline engine, we’ll have to investigate the A7. That’s because the all-new, all-electric A6 e-tron sedan is taking the name.

The Audi A6 allroad, S6, and RS 6 Avant are reviewed separately.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize luxury cars, including the Audi A6.

Road sign recognition becomes standard across the board. The HomeLink remote garage door button is now integrated into the rearview mirror, and the free Audi Connect Nav trial subscription has been expanded from six months to three years. The A6 45’s Premium trim gains a new optional Convenience Plus package with 20-inch alloy wheels, black exterior elements, and a lowered sport suspension; we’re not sure how all that adds to convenience, but an LED Interior Lighting Plus package is also included. Premium Plus trim receives dual-pane acoustic glass, quad-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and powered trunk operation. The top Prestige trim gains upgraded front seats with massaging, and extended high-quality leather upholstery — basically the contents of the formerly optional Luxury package.

The 45 TFSI in Premium Plus trim is the most popular choice. However, we still have a soft spot for the more powerful drivetrain.

The BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Genesis G80 are priced in the same range, but the Lexus ES is markedly more affordable.

Before buying a new A6 midsize luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are a fraction above average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The popular 45 TFSI drivetrain propels the Audi A6 to the tune of 261 horsepower from a turbocharged 4-cylinder. That’s slightly better than the base engines in the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It’s fine for commuting in from the suburbs or slightly further away. And with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard across the board, bad weather doesn’t have to bring everyday life to a halt.

However, the 55 TFSI — with its turbocharged V6 and punchy 335 hp — feels more appropriate for a luxury sedan. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, a second faster than its 45 TFSI stablemate and suitably quick.

Although BMW has a reputation for providing a driver’s edge and Mercedes-Benz covers profound comfort, we still find the Audi A6 entertaining on a canyon road as well as a great (and quiet) companion for long trips. It flows through corners while remaining both smooth and composed.

Fuel Economy

With the 4-cylinder engine, the A6 achieves 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This efficiency doesn’t compare well with the BMW 530i xDrive’s 30 mpg combined, but it does better against the Mercedes-Benz E 350 4Matic’s 27 mpg combined.

The V6-powered A6 returns 25 mpg combined. Premium gasoline is required.

We consider Audi’s interior design works to be automotive art. Not overly ornate, the cabin of the 2025 A6 is imbued with a clean, contemporary elegance. It is undoubtedly upscale and tech-rich yet still welcoming and comfortable, with a high level of craftsmanship and materials.

Occupant space is plentiful. The rear legroom is 37.4 inches, which is ample, even if the Genesis G80 and Lexus ES have more. The trunk volume is 13.7 cubic feet — about average for the class but roomy enough.

Depending on color choice, the 2025 A6 midsize luxury sedan could easily be a car that blends in. We’re not saying it’s bland, though. We think there’s a subtle sharpness to the looks and a certain elegance. And with other manufacturers following the big-grille trend, we tip our metaphorical hat to Audi for its design restraint.

Matrix-design LED headlights
These standard units contain many small LEDs that can be activated or turned off to create as much illumination as possible yet still reduce glare when other vehicles are approaching or up ahead.

Virtual Cockpit
A standard fixture in most Audi models these days and copied by practically every other manufacturer, this digital instrument cluster can show a lot of information, but we found that it doesn’t take much time to learn.

Power-operated trunk
A new standard feature this year, we’re simply big fans of anything that enhances day-to-day convenience.

Bang & Olufsen audio
One of the top audiophile brands and one of our favorites, Bang & Olufsen, supplies a 705-watt/16-speaker option for the A6.

Wireless charging/phone signal booster
Optional in the lower trims but standard higher up, this is both convenient for charging and useful in those areas where cellphone reception is patchy.

Remote Park Assist
This available feature allows drivers to inch the A6 into or out of a parking spot using a phone app.

Both engines offered in the 2025 A6 are augmented by a mild-hybrid setup to optimize fuel efficiency and make engine restarts (after stopping at idle) much smoother.

The 45 TFSI drivetrain uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit that develops a decent 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The 55 TFSI setup uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Either way, a 7-speed automatic transmission sends power to a standard all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This coverage is typical among European luxury car makers. Audi also offers four years of roadside assistance.

Safety Ratings

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named earlier model years of the A6 a Top Safety Pick+. Last year’s version scored top marks of Good in the institute’s crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the A6 its maximum 5-Star overall safety score.