2024 Audi A6

Buyers looking around this corner of the automotive world have a cornucopia of fabulous choices. These cars have generous space, lots of standard equipment, and many tempting options. They can be engaging as well as cosseting. And they have prestige coming out of their exhaust pipes (figuratively speaking). The Audi A6 is exactly that, only with added style.

One possible thing that might send consumers to another German marque is timing. Having debuted in 2019, this generation of A6 lineup (which includes S6 and RS 6 Avant variants) receives a minor mid-cycle refresh for 2024, whereas both its main rivals — the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class — have new generations launching this year. Since this class is often the first to sport fresh technology, then a certain section of buyers will want the latest gadgetry.

The A6 still has plenty of appeal, with those special Audi designs inside and out. And those newer rivals don’t have the same range of choices just yet.

The more rugged wagon version, the Audi A6 Allroad, is reviewed separately.

Matrix-LED headlights are now standard across the lineup, there are new grilles for the A6 and S6, new wheel designs, and different paint choices. Premium Plus offers the option of noise-reducing dual-pane front side windows, remote start becomes available through the Audi Connect app, and every new A6 comes with a free 6-month subscription to Audi Connect Plus to access various apps. The RS 6 Avant gains 30 more horsepower and an extra 37 lb-ft of torque to its already muscular engine.

Two of the main rivals — the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class — launch new generations this year, both starting in the high-50s/low-60s. The Genesis G80 begins in the low $50K range. If the idea of a versatile yet sleek hatchback appeals, there’s the Audi A7 from $71.2K. Or maybe the A6 is too big and the compact A4 sedan could fit the bill, starting at $41.2K.

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 close to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, all respectable.

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

Such faint praise, though, hints that our preferences lie elsewhere — in the 55 TSFI, with its turbocharged V6 and punchy 335 horsepower. This feels more appropriate for a luxury sedan. It accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, a second faster than its 45 TSFI stablemate and suitably quick.

Although BMW has the reputation for having a driver’s edge and Mercedes-Benz covers profound comfort, we still find the Audi A6 to be entertaining on a canyon road as well as a great companion for long trips. It flows nicely through corners, even with its regular suspension. The 2024 S6 is on another level, with its greater power and precision.

The 621-horsepower 2024 RS 6 Avant has a particular niche appeal, but we’re grateful Audi has brought it to the United States. Its extra power and lower weight this year shaves 0.2 of a second from 2023’s 3.5-second sprint to 60 mph.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the current collection of midsize luxury cars, including the A6.

Fuel Economy

With the 4-cylinder engine, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) puts the A6 at 27 combined mpg (24 city, 31 highway). Swap in the V6 and those figures become 24 combined mpg (21 city, 30 highway). The S6 returns 22 combined mpg (19 city, 26 highway) and the RS 6 Avant achieves 17 combined mpg (14 city, 21 highway). Premium gasoline is recommended for every engine.

We consider Audi’s interior designs to be works of automotive art. Not overly ornate, the cabin of the 2024 A6 is imbued with a clean, modern elegance. Undoubtedly upscale and tech-rich, yet still welcoming and comfortable, with a high level of craftsmanship and materials.

Occupant space is plentiful. Rear legroom of 37.4 inches is ample, even if the Genesis G80 and Lexus ES have more. Trunk volume is 13.7 cubic feet, which is roomy although about average for the class. It’s hard to imagine anyone buying the ballistic RS 6 Avant primarily for its wagon practicality, but there’s 30 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats.

Depending on color choice, the 2024 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, as well as a certain elegance. And with other manufacturers following the big-grille trend, we tip our metaphorical hat to Audi for its design restraint.

For some differentiation, the S6/RS 6 have extra aerodynamic treatments and quad exhaust outlets. The RS 6 Avant is different again by adopting a wagon body style.

This new model year brings new grilles for the A6 and S6, plus different wheel designs. Some paint colors have been changed, but the basic hues remain the same — for example, Ibis White on the 45 TSFI model is replaced by Arkona White. And the RS 6 Avant now offers various exterior elements in a choice of matte gray or matte carbon.

Matrix-design LED headlights
Newly standard this year, these units contain lots of 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 Audis these days, and copied by practically every other manufacturer, this digital instrument cluster can show a lot of information, but doesn’t take much time to learn.

Bang & Olufsen audio
One of the top audiophile brands, B&O supplies a 705-watt/16-speaker option for the A6 cars, and an air-shaking 1,820-watt/19-speaker setup for the S6 and RS 6 Avant.

Wireless charging/phone signal booster
Optional in the lower trims, 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 while standing outside the vehicle.

S6
A balance of extra equipment and accessible performance really makes the S6 a great package overall. The optional rear-wheel-steering system also increases agility at higher speeds and maneuverability in tight conditions.

All engines in the 2024 A6/S6/RS 6 range are augmented by a mild-hybrid setup to optimize fuel efficiency and make engine restarts (after stopping at idle) much smoother. In the case of the S6 and RS 6 Avant, it also energizes an adaptive suspension.

The 45 TFSI drivetrain uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit developing 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is in the 55 TFSI setup, producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The S6 has a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 developing 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. And the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 in the RS 6 Avant is boosted this year to an awesome 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.

The 45 and 55 drivetrains employ a 7-speed automatic transmission. The higher achievers have an 8-speeder. Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system is standard across the range.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties are for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This coverage is common among European luxury car makers. Audi also includes four years of roadside assistance.

Safety Ratings

This generation of A6 has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also earned a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).