Audi has unveiled the sixth-generation A6 sedan, following the recent debut of the A6 Avant estate. Like its estate sibling, the new A6 sedan is based on Volkswagen’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), which supports internal combustion engines with mild-hybrid tech. This is not to be confused with the all-electric A6 e-tron that runs on a dedicated EV platform.
This updated A6 takes a measured step forward, bringing sleeker styling, a tech-heavy cabin and a range of powertrains that aim to blend performance with efficiency. Here's what you need to know.
Design and Aerodynamics
The new A6 sedan is 60 mm longer than before, with a slightly stretched wheelbase. Most of the design cues from the Avant estate are carried over, except for the extended rear overhang. Audi claims a drag coefficient of 0.23, the most aerodynamic figure ever achieved by any of its ICE-powered cars.
At the front, the sedan sports sharper LED headlights, a wider honeycomb grille, and sportier air intakes. Muscular fenders and door-mounted mirrors give it a strong side profile, and alloy wheels range from 18 to a massive 23 inches. The tailgate is now made of steel, not aluminium, allowing for a rounder shape that aids aerodynamics. Dual exhausts are functional, and the connected LED tail-lamps with dynamic indicators complete the look.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the A6 sedan features up to three screens totalling 37.3 inches across the dashboard. The main infotainment unit is a 14.5-inch curved touchscreen powered by Android Automotive OS, supporting apps like Spotify and YouTube. Voice commands can now access ChatGPT through Audi’s assistant, helping with both vehicle functions and more general queries.
An 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver, and an optional 10.9-inch screen can be added for the front passenger. The cabin also includes a Bang and Olufsen audio system with either 16 speakers and 685 watts or a 20-speaker, 810-watt option. Ambient lighting uses 84 LEDs. Features like a panoramic sunroof with variable opacity, soft-close doors and four-zone climate control are all available, along with improved materials and better sound insulation. Boot space stands at 492 litres.
Engines and Performance
There are three mild-hybrid powertrain options.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine delivers 204 bhp and 340 Nm of torque. It drives the front wheels only and does 0 to 100 kmph in 8.2 seconds.
A 2.0-litre diesel engine produces the same 204 bhp but offers more torque at 400 Nm. With front-wheel drive, it hits 100 kmph in 7.8 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive version cuts it down to 6.9 seconds.
The top-spec 3.0-litre V6 turbo-petrol develops 367 bhp and 550 Nm. It comes with quattro all-wheel drive as standard and reaches 100 kmph in just 4.7 seconds. All engines use a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Suspension and Ride
The A6 gets five-link suspension front and rear, with extensive use of aluminium. A sport suspension is available for those who want a firmer setup, and adaptive air suspension is also offered. The air system allows the car to be raised or lowered by 20 mm, and in a first for Audi sedans, it can be controlled via voice commands.
Launch Timeline and Rivals
Deliveries for the new A6 sedan begin globally by mid-2025. An India launch is likely not far behind, considering the current A6 has been on sale since 2019. In our market, it will compete with the updated BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Final Word
The new Audi A6 doesn’t attempt to reinvent the luxury sedan. Instead, it builds quietly on what already works. Sleeker on the outside, smarter inside, and quicker than you might expect in its V6 form, it feels like the kind of car that does everything well — and tells no one about it.
A very Audi thing to do.
