The Audi A6 remains a strong product in fifth generation form. Can it still make sense as an option in the full-Executive segment? Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

This MK5 model Audi A6 has been subtly updated and continues to try and appeal against newer rivals with a package that's based on efficiency, technology and value. It'll have its work cut out dislodging BMW and Mercedes but it's hard not to love the care and attention that's clearly been lavished on this car.

Background

'A first class journey with a business class ticket': that's how Audi describes the travelling experience you'll get in this fifth generation A6 model. Basically, what the Ingolstadt brand has done here is to democratise much of the technology of its larger A8 and enveloped it into smartly proportioned saloon and estate bodywork. There's certainly lots to admire here, with advanced mild hybrid drivetrains, sresponsive yet supple suspension options, sublime cabin comfort and a high-tech all-digital MMI touch response interface. But then then exceptional technology will be needed if his Audi is to be able to face down more recently introduced rivals of the quality of BMW's 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class. A final round of subtle updates made to this MK5 C8 design has produced the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience

Audi offers this A6 with a wide range of engines but nearly all of them are 2.0-litres in size and feature mild hybrid tech. The base 40 TFSI is front-driven with 204PS, with the same engine also available in the pricier 45 TFSI quattro in 245PS form allied to 4WD. The mainstream alternative is the 40 TDI diesel, putting out 204PS and only offered in quattro form. The 2.0 TFSI petrol engine reappears again in a plug-in hybrid petrol model, the A6 50 TFSIe, with a combined output of 299PS and an electric driving range when fully charged of up to 43 miles. At the top of the range sit two bespoke sporting models. The S6 quattro uses Audi's 3.0-litre six cylinder TDI diesel engine in a 350PS state of tune. And the top RS 6 quattro (an Avant-only variant) has a 4.0-litre TFSI twin turbo V8 with 600PS, the result being 600PS, 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds, 124mph in 12 seconds and one queasy looking Labrador. As you'd expect in this segment, all A6 models are exclusively equipped with automatic transmission. That'll be a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, unless you've opted for the S6 or the RS 6 (in which case the transmission will be an 8-speed tiptronic set-up to handle the extra torque). In conjunction with the tiptronic transmission, the quattro configuration is based on the familiar self-locking centre differential format, while the S tronic transmission works with more efficient 'ultra' technology, which is capable of engaging the rear axle instantly whenever needed but decouples it during cruising to maximise efficiency. On all models, the driver can select various driving profiles via the Audi drive select system - with 'efficiency, 'comfort', 'dynamic' options, plus 'auto' if you can't make up your mind and 'individual' if you want to set your own throttle, steering and gearshift parameters.

Design and Build

This fifth generation model got a final round of subtle changes in mid-2023, with minor changes to the Singleframe front grille, new side air intakes and a revised rear diffuser. As before, there's a choice of saloon and Avant estate body styles. Otherwise, things are much as before, with taut surfaces, sharp edges and striking lines, plus a long bonnet, a long wheelbase and short overhangs. In profile, three striking lines reduce the car's visual height. The powerfully taut contours, which are drawn over the wheels, are testimony to Audi's quattro genes. This shape is certainly very sleek: thanks to advanced aerodynamics, a class-leadingly-slippery drag coefficient of as little as 0.24Cd has been achieved. The interior updates are equally subtle. The dashboard and roof lining are now finished in black, the multi-functions sports steering wheel features contrast stitching and and footrest and pedals are finished in stainless steel. Opt for 'S line' trim and you get a Dinamica microfiber and leather upholstery combination. Otherwise, everything's as you were. The dash features Audi's usual black-panel design and you're going to need to like screens because this car's classy interior can incorporate no fewer than three of them, the two you'll notice first powering up as soon as the door is opened and dominating the upper and lower parts of the piano black-trimmed centre stack. Legroom in the rear is difficult to better in the class, while headroom and shoulder room measurements are also generous and very comfortable for a couple of adults. Out back, there's a 530-litre boot (though that falls to just 360-litres in the PHEV version). If you need more, the alternative Avant estate variant offers 565-litres in conventionally-engined form.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £44,000 for the saloon - or around £46,000 for the Avant. There are three trim levels in the mainstream range - 'Sport', 'S line' and 'Black Edition'. Plus the sporting S6 and RS 6 performance models. As before, this A6 model's two key rivals will be the Mercedes E-Class and the BMW 5 Series. You'll need to get your A6's spec right. Your dealer will want you to add the optional 'Technology Pack (another £3,000), which brings a Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System, multi-coloured extended LED interior lighting, a 360-degree camera with top view, the brand's 'Park Assist with Parking aid plus' set-up and a Head-up display. If you want to go further, the 'Technology Pack Pro' option (£6,000 more on mainstream models) adds four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, USB-C ports in the rear, heated rear seats, Advance Key keyless entry and a 'Parking Assist Plus' with Remote park functionality. Across the range, there are four suspension set-ups: the conventional steel spring suspension, the sport suspension, the suspension with damper control and the adaptive air suspension, also with controlled damping. 'Progressive steering', which becomes even quicker and more direct as the steering angle increases, is standard. And dynamic all-wheel steering can also be added to further enhance this agility. Plus you can add in various autonomous driving features. Audi connect online services provide clever 'car-to-X services' traffic sign and hazard information. They use the swarm intelligence from the Audi fleet and network the Audi A6 with its environment.

Cost of Ownership

All engines in this fifth generation A6 feature the brand's mild-hybrid technology. Here a belt alternator starter (BAS) works together with a lithium-ion battery, enabling the A6 to coast at speeds of between 34mph and 99mph in the interest of fuel economy and to initiate its start-stop function earlier - at speeds of 13mph and below. The engine is restarted from standstill predictively as soon as the vehicle in front starts moving. During deceleration, the BAS recovers up to 12 kW of energy. Let's get to the WLTP figures. The volume 2.0-litre 40 TDI diesel saloon version manages 50.4mpg on the combined cycle and 147g/km of CO2. The 45 TFSI quattro petrol saloon variant delivers combined fuel economy of up to 37.2mpg (depending on wheel size and trim choice) and CO2 emissions of up to 173g/km. Go for the A6 50 TFSI e plug-in hybrid petrol variant and, thanks to this derivative's possible 43 mile WLTP-rated all-electric driving range, you can enjoy a tax-beating CO2 return that's WLTP-rated at up to 27g/km. The combined fuel figure is up to 235.4mpg. We'll finish by covering the warranty. All cars in this class get three years of cover, but whereas BMW and Mercedes don't limit your mileage in this period, Audi rather meanly restricts you to 60,000 miles. Optional extra-cost packages can extend the cover to either four or five years.

Summary

Has Audi done enough with the fifth generation version of this car? Many thousands of managers who'll put many more thousands of miles under the wheels of their new A6s every month will feel so. As before, they'll value this car for its quiet, understated professionalism, further marvelling in this guise at its mind-boggling technology and rather wonderful cabin. Yes, there are perhaps more characterful cars than this smart, efficient and perfectly mannered business conveyance - perhaps even some that feel sharper at the wheel. But it's hard to think of a more complete or cost-effective choice in this sector. It's all very vorsprung durch tecknik. And at the end of a very long day, you're likely to feel that that's what really matters.

Body Glass

Electric front/rear windows

Heat insulating darkened glass in side and rear windows

Rain and light sensors

Heat insulating glass in windshield

Front intermittent wipers

Privacy glass

Brakes

Electromechanical parking brake

EBD - Electronic brakeforce distribution

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) including ABS, ASR and EDL

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Standard suspension

Communication

Audi connect safety and service (e-call)

Bluetooth interface

Audi smartphone interface includes wireless Apple carplay/Android Auto

Voice control system

Audi connect with Amazon Alexa Integration

Driver Aids

Lane departure warning system

Progressive steering

Audi drive select

Rear view camera

Cruise control + speed limiter

Camera based traffic sign recognition

Audi parking system plus - acoustic and visual park assist system for front and rear

Driver Convenience

Electric boot lid release

Automatic start/stop system with coasting functionality

Driver Information

MMI navigation plus with 10.1" and 8.6" touch screens

Audi virtual cockpit

Service interval indicator

Driving Mirrors

Body coloured door mirrors

Electrically adjustable heated and folding + automatically dimming exterior mirrors with memory function

Frameless auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Aluminium fragment inlay

Engine

12V Mild hybrid

Entertainment

Audi front music interface

Audi sound system

Auxiliary input socket

USB connection

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Matt black rear diffuser with diffuser strip and tailpipes in chrome

Matt black side air intake grille with inlay in matt aluminium

Rear boot

Radiator grille in anthracite black matt, single frame in chrome and horizontal struts in matt aluminium silver

Rear side wing doors

Exterior Lights

Daytime running lights

Matrix LED headlights

LED rear lights with dynamic indicators

LED third brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

2 zone deluxe electronic climate control

Interior Features

3 spoke high multi-function leather steering wheel with shift paddles

Lunar silver cloth headlining

Tool kit and car jack

Height/reach adjust steering wheel

Twin leather upholstery

Leather gear knob

Door sill trims with aluminium inlay

Front centre armrest

Interior Lights

Audi phone box light

Packs

LED Interior Ambient Lighting Pack - A6

Non smoking pack - A6

Safety

ISOFIX child seat mounting for front passenger seat and ISOFIX child seat mounting with Top Tether for outer rear seats

Manual child proof rear door locks

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Airbags - Front side, front and rear including head

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Tyre pressure warning light

Audi pre-sense front

Extended pedestrian protection measures

Seatbelt monitoring

Seats

Heated front seats

Single front passenger seat

Electrically adjustable front seats including seat height, fore/aft position, backrest angle and 4-way lumbar with memory for driver's seat

40/20/40 split folding 3 rear seat bench in 3 parts with rear centre armrest

Front head restraints

Rear headrests

Security

Anti-theft wheel bolts and wheel loosening detection

Anti theft alarm with tow away protection

Keyless Go

Remote central locking

Immobiliser

Transmission

Quattro on demand

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated sun visors with vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

18" 5 arm design cast aluminium alloy wheels

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 173

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 176

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 173

Engine and Drive Train

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Code: 4A2B3Y

Gears: 7 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

CC: 1984

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 37.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 37.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 36.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7.8

General

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 36E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 265

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 6

Coin Series: Sport

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Coin Description: TFSI Quattro

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 37.7

Engine Torque - NM: 370

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 273

Engine Power - RPM: 5250

Engine Power - KW: 195

Engine Power - BHP: 265

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - RPM: 1600

Top Speed: 155

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 225/55 R18

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Tyre Size Rear: 225/55 R18

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Style: 5 ARM

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4939

Width (including mirrors): 2110

Width: N

Height: 1457

Wheelbase: 2924

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1705

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.1

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2340

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 530

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 63

Max. Loading Weight: 635

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Engine

73 litre fuel tank

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Panoramic opening glass sunroof

Audi exclusive metallic paint

Packs

Storage pack - A6

Extended leatherette pack - A6

City assist pack with front cross traffic assist - A6

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Glacier white

Metallic - Floret silver

Metallic - Mythos black

Metallic - Manhattan grey

Metallic - Firmament blue

Metallic - Chronos grey

Metallic - Madeira brown

Paint - Solid

Solid - Brilliant black

Solid - Arkona white

Paint - Special

Audi Exclusive Metallic - Custom

Service/Warranty

Audi warranty - 5 years or 90000 miles

Audi warranty - 4 years or 75000 miles

Towing

Electrically swivelling trailer towing hitch

Trim - Leather

Twin leather - Black with rock grey contrast stitching + lower dashboard, door panels, carpet, floor mats, seat belts in black

Twin leather - Okapi brown with steel grey contrast stitching + lower dashboard, door panels, carpet, floor mats, seat belts in black

Twin leather - Pearl beige with pearl beige contrast stitching + lower dashboard, door panels, carpet, floor mats, seat belts in pearl beige

Twin leather - Pearl beige with agate grey contrast stitching + lower dashboard, door panels in pearl beige + carpet, floor mats, seat belts in black

Wheels - Spare

Space saver spare wheel and jack