Audi A6 Model Years and History

The 2026 Audi A6 lineup sees a major split this year; the standard A6 sedan is a ground-up redesign, sporting a modern aesthetic while keeping its classic executive proportions. Meanwhile, Audi's station wagons follow a different path, the rugged A6 Allroad carries over with only minor tweaks, and the high-performance RS6 Avant enters the year by phasing out its ultra-exclusive, limited-run GT trim.

For 2025, the Audi A6 enters a new generation with a completely redesigned exterior and interior. The model features enhanced technology, including larger screens for the MMI interface and updated digital instrumentation. Powertrain options have been refined for improved efficiency and performance, while the chassis receives modifications for a more engaging driving experience.

For 2024, the Audi A6, A6 Allroad, RS 6 Avant and S6 get a refreshed exterior but otherwise carry over with minimal changes.

For 2023, the Audi A6, A6 Allroad, RS 6 Avant and S6 all carry over with minimal changes.

For 2022, the Audi A6 lineup gets a few minor changes. The S6 adds rear side impact airbags as standard, and the RS 6 receives an optional RS Design package.

For 2021, the Audi A6 lineup comes with no major changes. Many of the changes coming from more standard equipment on base models and updated packages across the lineup. A new Black Optics Sport package joins the roster and adds unique 20-inch wheels, black exterior trim, and a sport suspension.

The Audi A6 was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year and was available with just one engine choice. For 2020 Audi have expanded the lineup to include Allroad and S6 models broadening the lineup, while injecting a huge dose of performance into it via the S6. In addition, a new option package is available on the standard A6 while a few new features such as Audi's Virtual Cockpit Plus come standard on the Premium Plus trim.

The Audi A6 gets a full redesign for 2019. Audi's mid-sized luxury sedan returns with sharp new styling and tons of tech to maintain the car's cutting-edge reputation. Audi is concentrating heavily on the implementation of technology to keep the driving experience as fun and comfortable as possible. Nowhere is this more obvious than when looking at the central dash cluster of the 2019 A6. Now featuring two large touchscreens, the new A6 offers numerous intuitive ways to interact with the car, from voice commands to programmable shortcuts.

The 2018 Audi A6 gets new standard equipment including a navigation system and keyless entry and ignition. LED headlights have been added to the Premium trim while the Prestige trim gains a 360-degree camera.

The A6 got a little bit of a facelift for 2017, and new infotainment options. A new Competition Prestige trim appears as well that increases the V6's output, adds sport suspension tuning and a head-up display.

The Audi A6 has seen several updates for the 2016 model year. The base 4-cylinder turbo and the supercharged V6 get a significant power bump this year, giving the car much better acceleration and showing off its sports sedan roots. The exterior of the car has also been updated with a new front fascia and new taillights. The interior of the car gets several new color and aesthetic options including contrasting stitching on the seats.

For 2015, the Audi A6 gets standard 18-inch wheels and headlamp upgrades across all trims; HID headlamps for the Premium and Premium Plus while Prestige trims get advanced LED headlamps.

For 2014, Audi has added a 3.0L TDI 6-cylinder diesel option rated at 240 hp and 428 ft-lb of torque to the A6 lineup. This engine provides an impressive fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The TDI is mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and Audi's superb Quattro all-wheel drive, and it will scoot the car to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, according to Audi. Elsewhere, the turbocharged 2.0L engine increases to an output of 220 horsepower, up from 211. 3.0 models are offered in Premium Plus and Prestige trims. A new Black Optic package offers a black grille with high-gloss surround and gloss-black window surround, along with 20-inch titanium finish wheels fitted with summer tires.

For 2013, the 2.0T 4-cylinder engine is available with quattro all-wheel drive for the first time. And to help save fuel, all models with the 3.0T engine gain engine start/stop. The 18" Sport Package is no longer offered, while a 630-watt Bose premium sound system with subwoofer is newly available. A power trunk opener/closer is also newly available, as is a suite of active-safety features--Audi side assist, Audi pre sense--packaged together with power-folding mirrors. Otherwise, the big news for the A6 lineup is that it's joined by an all-new generation of the performance-oriented S6. With a new 420-horsepower, 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, Audi has improved performance over the previous V10 engine while cutting fuel consumption by up to 25 percent. The S6 includes many more performance improvements, as well as an adaptive suspension.

The Audi A6 sedan has been redesigned for 2012. The revised car is slightly wider and rides on a wheelbase three inches longer than its predecessor. The result is increased interior space. The model also makes more use of aluminum in the unibody. A 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder replaces the previous 3.2L V6 in entry-level cars, where it delivers 210 hp. The supercharged 3.0L V6 returns and now produces 310 hp and 325 ft-lb of torque. The 4.2L V8 has been dropped from the lineup, as has the A6 Avant wagon. The 2.0L engine is rated at 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the 3.0L returns 19 mpg and 28 mpg, respectively.

The A6 and its high-performance sibling the S6, received a pretty thorough refresh in 2009, and there have been few changes to the model since. Quattro all-wheel drive is now standard on all but a couple A6 variations and HD radio is standard across the board for 2011.

For 2010, Audi's A6 sees a few minor updates. Notable among them is a revised 3.2-liter V6 with Audi Valvelift System, which ups power from 255 hp to 265 hp. A Sport Package with 18-inch wheels is available across the range, while Premium and Premium Plus trims offer a Sport Package with 19-inch wheels. Heated rear seats are now standard on the S6 and Garnet Red and Dakar Beige exterior colors have been discontinued.

For 2009, Audi's A6 sees some minor styling updates, including a redesigned grille, new headlamps with optional LED daytime running lights, large partially functional air intakes in the front bumper. In the rear, a new trunklid and spoiler have been fitted, and wider more angular LED taillamps are also utilized. A rear diffuser has also been mounted below the rear bumper. The S6 gets a number of unique styling touches, including LED running lights mounted lower in the front bumper than those offered in the A6. A new 3.0-liter supercharged 300-hp V6 engine has been added to the A6 line up, known as the 3.0T Quattro, and can be had in either a sedan or wagon. Inside sees new materials, more chrome accents, and a new Multi Media Interface system (MMI). Navigation, keyless entry, and remote start are available, while Audi's air-suspension system has been discontinued. A lane-assist feature is also available.

All 2008 Audi A6 models now feature the erstwhile optional S-Line exterior appearance, which includes a trapezoidal grille with chrome accents, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler incorporated into the decklid, and unique body-color bumpers. Sirius satellite is now standard on all models. The packages have been slightly reworked, with the Cold Weather Package now receiving a heated steering wheel and the Premium and Technology Packages on the 3.2L including more equipment. Audi's lane assist system is now available on all models. Gone from the 3.2L sedans for 2008 are the optional adaptive cruise control and adaptive air suspension. An S-Line Interior Package is now available on all A6s.

Audi has expanded the A6 lineup for 2007 with the S6 sedan. A 5.2L V10 engine propels this mid-size four-door sedan with rocket-like acceleration. The S Line Package is now available on the Avant wagon, and a rearview camera is now part of the Technology Package.