Introduction

The Audi A6 is a midsize near-luxury sedan that's subtle and reserved. The current generation A6 was launched as a 2012 model and it appeals to no-nonsense buyers. Many sedans that are much more expensive don't offer the features, refinement or safety of the A6. 

The 2017 Audi A6 isn't changed much over the 2016 model. Sporty S trim is now standard to the2017 A6 line. 

The Audi S6 is a high-performance version of the A6 and comes with an impressively engineered V8 engine that delivers prodigious performance. 

The A6 is closely related to the A7, but lacks its sensual curves. If that's what you want, an Audi with expression, passion, and aesthetic appeal, the A7 is your call. 

The standard engine in the A6 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It uses either a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with front-wheel drive, or an 8-speed automatic with quattro all-wheel drive. Audi excels at all-wheel drive, so we recommend getting one with quattro. 

Also, there is a new 2017 A6 Competition model with upgraded seats that uses a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 making 340 horsepower with 325 pound-feet of torque. It uses the 8-speed automatic, and comes with quattro all-wheel drive. 

The A6 is quite fuel efficient, with an EPA rating of 28 miles per gallon Combined city and highway. 

The 2017 Audi S6 features a V8 rated at 450 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro. 

Lineup

The 2017 Audi A6 line comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The 2017 A6 Premium ($47,600) comes with front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive ($49,800). Features include Google Earth maps, in-car high-speed data, and Bluetooth audio streaming. 

The 2017 A6 Prestige ($58,600) comes with a 3.0-liter V6 engine. Also available is the new A6 Competition ($67,600) model. 

The 2017 S6 is a high-performance model with a V8 engine. 

Exterior

The A6 roofline sweeps back like a coupe, but it's starting to show its age, even with LED headlamps. The A7 offers more style. 

For 2017, A6 gets spruced up a bit with S trim, including 18-inch wheels. Sport trim with 20-inch wheels on the Black Optic package looks the sportiest. 

Walkaround

The A6 offers ample head and legroom, although taller drivers might find the right knee hitting the wide center tunnel. Rear-seat space is limited. Two six-footers can fit in back, but their knees will be grazing the front seatbacks. The A7 feels a bit roomier inside, despite its tighter entry and less head room, because of a lower roofline. 

The A6 has less room inside than some of its midsize rivals because its nose is longer and trunk shorter. There's still an average 14.1 cubic feet in the trunk. Folding the rear seats offers more cargo space, although they don't fold completely flat. 

The front and rear seats are highly comfortable, so it's a good car on road trips. We especially like the headrests. Heated and ventilated front seats are available, standard on the Prestige model. 

Fit and finish in the cabin is excellent, at the dozens of panel, trim, and upholstery joints and seams, so many it can feel frenetic. The A6 is quieter than the smaller A4 sedan, as it should be. Like other German sedans, small storage bins in the cabin are limited. Cupholders are small, although the door pockets have spots for water bottles. The center armrest bin is a shallow and the glovebox small. 

The dashboard and instrument panel is low and slim, with a pop-up display screen in the center. There's an available head-up display on the lower windshield over the driver's eyes. 

The A6 Competition model features a flat-bottomed steering wheel and Valcona leather seats. 

Interior

The base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has only made its 252 horsepower since 2016, and it's been much appreciated, with its 7-speed dual clutch transmission even more so, because it replaced a CVT. The 7-speed delivers precise shifts and helps the strong fuel mileage. 

The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 comes in two versions; in the Prestige it makes 333 horsepower, and the in the new Competition it makes 340, with 325 pound-feet of torque in both states of tune. 

The handling of the 2.0 is unobjectionable. It inspires no passion. The 3.0-liter is more engaging, competent but still not inspired. 

Driving Impression

The Audi A6 is a safe car, although your bank account might feel violated. The 2.0 turbo is a good engine (with a great 7-speed dual clutch transmission), while the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is better, for another 10 grand. With either, you get smooth but dated styling, and a detailed by smallish cabin. 

Sam Moses contributed to this report. 

Summary

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