Audi’s all-new 2026 Audi A6 arrives as a quietly capable executive sedan that emphasises refined high-speed comfort and modern drivetrain flexibility. The new A6 combines a refreshed exterior and cockpit, advanced suspension and steering options, and a range of gasoline, diesel and hybrid powertrains, all while prioritising road-refined NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) performance that makes it particularly well suited to motorway cruising.
What matters most in 2026 Audi A6
The headline takeaway is simple: the 2026 Audi A6 is engineered to deliver a serene, confidence-inspiring experience at highway speeds while offering contemporary drivetrain choices and optional dynamic hardware. The review highlights a strong V6 option (3.0-litre, 367 hp) that accelerates the car to 100 km/h in approximately 4.7 seconds, an air suspension setup that balances ride and control, and Audi’s revised all-wheel-drive logic under the Quattro “Ultra” nameplate that biases drive to the front in normal conditions and shifts torque rearward under load for sportier responses.
Audi A6 Key specifications
- Notable engine: 3.0-litre V6 — 367 hp, 0–100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.
- Mild-hybrid tech: MHEV Plus with a 1.7 kWh battery on the V6 in some markets for low-speed electric assistance and enhanced efficiency.
- Other powertrains: 2.0-litre TFSI, 2.0-litre TDI, and a new plug-in hybrid based on the 2.0-litre TFSI with a larger battery.
- Drivetrain: Quattro Ultra (front-biased under normal driving; can send up to a rear-heavy split in demanding situations). Optional quattro sports differential on the V6 model.
- Dimensions: Overall length listed at 4.99 m (197 in).
- Wheels: Up to 21-inch factory options (review car), smaller wheels recommended for improved comfort.
- Boot capacity: ~450 litres (drops to ~490 litres when MHEV not fitted).
- Fuel consumption (reviewing V6): around 9 L/100 km (approx. 26 mpg US / 31 mpg UK).
- Audi A6 Price (Germany, indicative): starts from ~€55,000, the V6 around €70,000, and a fully-loaded example can reach ~€103,000.
Exterior: contemporary, yet divisive
Audi’s styling continues the brand’s recent language: a prominent single-frame grille, tight surface transitions and optional bright chrome or darker ring finishes. The new Audi A6 leans slightly toward a fastback silhouette while retaining a distinct three-box sedan trunk. Reviewers praised the front and side profile, especially in Daytona Grey, but flagged the rear treatment as more controversial, describing it as less upright and likening it to the graceful lines of a luxury boat. Overall, the car projects premium presence, with Matrix LED headlamps hidden behind a honeycomb mesh and a clean treatment around the real exhaust outlets on the V6 models.
Chassis and handling: comfort with a sporty edge
The tested Audi A6 benefited from optional air suspension and rear-axle steering (up to 5°, which reduces turning circle by more than a metre). Even with 21-inch wheels fitted, the car demonstrated a refined high-speed ride and excellent composure on the German Autobahn. The Quattro Ultra system prioritises fuel economy and packaging by defaulting to a front-biased setup, but dynamically reallocates torque to the rear when demanded. With the optional sports differential the V6 car can bias torque across the rear axle, improving corner exit traction and delivering a more rear-biased driving feel under sporty inputs.
Audi A6 Interior: quality craftsmanship, but some usability compromises
Audi’s new cockpit layout is recognisable across the range: clean lines, multiple screens and high-gloss black surfaces. The A6 delivers solid build quality and premium touches, microfiber inserts, quality seat materials (review car used a microfiber/animal-derived mix for seating), cooled inductive charging and a tactile manual volume knob praised by the reviewer. However, criticism was directed at:
- Excessive high-gloss black throughout the centre console and screens, which attracts fingerprints.
- Climate and physical control ergonomics: the reviewer preferred tactile knobs (e.g., manual climate dials) and found some touch controls awkward to reach or operate without “finger athletics.”
- Base version compromises: passenger display is optional and base cars may be shipped with plain black panels rather than full hardware.
- Seating comfort: while supportive and ergonomically decent, the reviewer felt that BMW 5 Series seats still lead the segment for plushness and long-haul comfort.
Rear-seat space is adequate for tall adults, and the dual-insulation glazing contributes significantly to the car’s hushed cabin at high speeds.
Audi A6 Technology and driver assistance
The new Audi A6 offers a contemporary tech stack including digital instruments, passenger display (on higher trims), cooled inductive phone charging, multiple USB-C ports and an advanced adaptive cruise system with smooth lane guidance. The assistance systems are well integrated and easily deactivated if undesired, a practical design choice for drivers who prefer manual control in low-speed or complex rural driving.
Practicality and everyday usability
Boot capacity is competitive for the class, with ~450 litres affected by the packaging of hybrid hardware. The estate (Avant) remains the more flexible option for buyers prioritising cargo space and versatility. The reviewer noted that 19–20 inch wheels will materially improve comfort over the 21-inch fitment used for the test car.
Verdict: an Autobahn specialist that still plays to mainstream luxury buyers
The 2026 Audi A6 stakes its claim as an executive sedan that excels at long-distance, high-speed comfort and sound insulation. With the 3.0-litre V6 option it offers brisk acceleration while the Quattro Ultra system balances efficiency and dynamic capability. Interior quality is high, but Audi’s shift toward touch and glossy finishes introduces tactile compromises that some traditional Audi buyers may miss.
For buyers considering alternatives, the reviewer suggests a direct comparison with the BMW 5 Series (noted for superior seating comfort) and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (another strong contender for highway quietness). Ultimately, the A6 keeps the brand’s driving DNA alive: refined, composed and confidence-inspiring at speed, provided buyers accept Audi’s contemporary cockpit design choices.
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