Used Audi A6 Saloon (2011 - 2018) Review

The latest generation of the Audi A6 is sticking to the design formula of the other recent additions to the German maker's range. Therefore it’s similar to the A4 and the A8 and although it's not ugly, it’s not going to wow you as a design classic. The A6 has stiff competition from the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5-Series, but can the seventh incarnation of the A6 finally put its competitors in the shade?

Plush cabin

If there is one area where Audi excels, it is the quality of its cabins for both perceived and actual solidity, and the A6 saloon is no exception to this rule. Every fitting, fixture, button and switch you come into contact with has a pleasing weight and action that leaves you feeling you have spent your money on a car that will last and last. The A6’s cabin is also well insulated from the world outside, furthering that idea of quality and quiet, while the comfortable seats only serve to underline this impression.

Drive misses out on fun

The Audi A6 has made great strides in the way it drives compared to previous generations of this executive saloon. The only fly in the ointment is so have all of the A6’s rivals, which include the BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF and Mercedes E-Class – a more fearsome and capable set of rivals you will not find anywhere else. The good bit is the A6 rides bumps with a firm but fair degree of comfort and the car is suitably hushed at all speeds. Where the A6 cannot get on terms with the BMW and Jaguar is the feeling of precision in its handling and steering. For some, this will be of no consequence, but for many drivers the A6 misses that degree of enjoyment that marks out its key rivals. Even with Quattro all-wheel drive, the Audi cannot get on terms with this pair of competitors, even though the four-wheel drive system endows the A6 with prodigious levels of grip in all conditions.

Updates to engine and equipment in 2014

Revisions to the A6 came in 2014, and included a styling update, new lighting options, and engine and gearbox upgrades.

As well as the addition of an efficient new 'Ultra' 2-litre engine, the existing three diesel-powered A6s were given more power and now comply with Euro 6 emission regulations.

The facelift also saw the retirement of the eight-speed automatic CVT gearbox, which was replaced by a redeveloped seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission in front-wheel drive models.

So is this car special enough to stand out in an extremely competitive market? Read on for our Audi A6 review to find out.