2016 Audi A6
New for 2016
The A6 gets a handful of updates for 2016, including revised exterior styling, updated engines, newly-available interior color and trim selections, and a 4G LTE data connection.
Heating up the battlefield
The rivalry between Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz is one of the most intense in the car industry, and the midsize luxury sedan segment is one of the most contested battlegrounds. Each carmaker produces a worthy challenger, but which one will come out on top?
The 2016 Audi A6 certainly has the weaponry to stand up to its eternal rivals. Combining sporty yet efficient powertrains with knockout styling and the security of Audi’s quattro® all-wheel drive system, the A6 is quite the contender.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2016 Audi A6 offers one of the most comprehensive powertrain lineups of any luxury car, with an equal focus on performance and efficiency.
That lineup starts with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That may sound a bit dinky for a midsize luxury car, but this little four banger produces an impressive 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to get the A6 from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 130 mph.
The four-cylinder engine is available with either front-wheel drive, or Audi’s signature quattro® all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive models get a seven-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel drive models are equipped exclusively with an eight-speed automatic.
With front-wheel drive, the A6 achieves an EPA-rated 28 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 25 mpg highway)*, or 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive.
However, the fuel-economy champ of the A6 lineup is the 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6. Available only with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, this engine produces 240 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. That makes for a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.5 seconds, a top speed of 130 mph, and an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 38 mpg highway)*.
Finally, there’s a 3.0-liter supercharged gasoline V6 that produces 333 hp and 325 lb-ft. Like the diesel, it’s available only with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. In that configuration, the A6 will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, reach the same 130 mph limited top speed as the other models, and return 24 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway)*.
Features and Trims
The 2016 Audi A6 is available only as a four-door, five-seat sedan, although the A7 five-door hatchback is essentially the same car with different styling. The A6 is available in three trim levels, starting at $46,200**.
The base A6 model is the Premium, and as the name suggests it isn’t exactly a Spartan loss leader. Standard equipment includes three-zone automatic climate control, a multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, sunroof, leather interior, heated front seats, a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback, LED daytime running lights, and other features.
In addition to those standard features, the Premium Plus model adds power-adjustable, power-folding heated exterior mirrors with memory, voice-controlled navigation, MMI touch with handwriting recognition, and a 7-inch driver information screen, among other features.
The top A6 model is the Prestige. In addition to the applicable standard features from the Premium and Premium Plus models, it boasts four-zone automatic climate control, LED ambient interior lighting, perforated leather seating surfaces, ventilated front seats, and a 14-speaker Bose® surround-sound system.
In addition to the standard features, there are several notable options and packages, including a Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system, custom wheels sized up to 20 inches, individual contour seating, the Cold Weather package (heated steering wheel, heated rear seats), and the S Line package (sport suspension, model-specific front and rear bumpers, S Line badging).
Exterior/Interior
Audi is on a roll right now when it comes to styling, and the 2016 A6 is proof of that. Its exterior design is defined by clean lines and a chiseled look shared with Audi’s flagship A8, plus the familiar Audi corporate face consisting of a bold shield-shaped grille and sharp headlights with LED daytime running lights.
The A6 is just as refined on the inside as it is on the outside. Standard leather seating surfaces are complimented by a variety of wood and metal trim options, while the optional MMI infotainment system features crisp graphics and an ergonomic controller with fingerprint recognition.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Audi A6 includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and front, front-thorax, knee, and head curtain airbags. Rear side airbags and a night vision system are available as individual options.
Audi also offers the Driver Assistance package, which includes a top and corner camera system, distance sensor, active lane assist, adaptive cruise control, High Beam Assistant, and Audi’s Pre Sense Plus safety system.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Audi A6 is a polished sports sedan with the style and technology needed to stay competitive with its rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Be sure to contact us online or visit Audi Silver Spring at 3151 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904 to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage may vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices list are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other charges.
Image: Audi