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Pros: Timeless style, tech-focused cabin, quiet diesel engine.
Cons: Firmish ride on S Line models, not that engaging to drive
Audi A6 Design
The current generation of the Audi A6 debuted on Irish roads back in 2018. It has aged incredibly well and is still one of the most handsome executive cars on sale – even in light of new arrivals like the latest generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series – which cannot come close to the Audi’s clean lines and formidable stance. The A6’s 2024 update introduces a new honeycomb pattern to the grille and new side air intakes, a styling tweak so subtle only real Audi aficionados will notice. S Line models get high-tech matrix LED headlights as well as sportier bumpers, wider side sills, lowered sports suspension and 19-inch wheels. At the back there’s a redesigned diffuser. New colours include Ascari Blue and Grenadine Red.
Audi A6 Interior
The A6 may be ageing but it certainly doesn’t feel like that from the inside. The cool, tech-focused interior still looks great with the main focal points being Audi’s virtual cockpit, large touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and even a touch panel for the ventilation controls. The latter is positioned quite low down so can be awkward to adjust while driving, though haptic and acoustic feedback do help. The cabin is incredibly well-built with a nice mix of materials. Gloss black and silver finishes enhance the modern feel, illuminated by classy ambient lighting. There’s a gorgeous leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters and fabric/leather seats for S Line models. Heated front seats come as standard with lumbar support, but are manually adjusted - a bit mean for an executive car!
The A6 offers a spacious, comfortable interior for passengers. There’s loads of legroom and headroom for a saloon car, though the large transmission tunnel does make it less comfortable for a middle seat passenger. The diesel A6 offers a competitive 530 litres of boot space and there’s also the Avant estate available. If you opt for the plug-in hybrid, some boot space is compromised to allow for the battery under the boot floor.
Audi A6 Performance & Drive
The A6 is offered with a diesel engine or as a plug-in hybrid, just like before. The 2.0-litre diesel (‘40 TDI’) offers 204hp and adequate performance. There is also a more powerful 3.0-litre six cylinder engine on sale. The 2.0-litre diesel is a quiet engine and will be economical to run with consumption between 5.2 and 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres. It’s matched to a seven-speed automatic that can feel a bit hesitant at low speeds but shifts beautifully out on the open road. You can easily engage a sportier gear shift with just a quick tug of the selector or through the Audi drive select system. It’s not the most engaging executive saloon to drive but it does offer smooth progressive steering and good road holding ability through bends. The S Line suspension and optional 21-inch wheels on our test car did make the ride quality a little harsher than the pillowy ride of an E-Class – and some road noise is audible on coarser tarmac.
Audi A6 Pricing
The A6 range starts from €58,925 for the 40TDI SE and from €63,220 for the S Line.
Carzone Verdict
The A6’s timeless style, techy interior and spacious cabin keep it relevant in today’s market. It’s still one of the most economical and refined diesel saloons on sale and will be particularly appealing if you find yourself on the motorway a lot. A brilliant all-rounder.