Used car check: Audi A6 - according to TÜV a car "that can only be recommended"

The Audi A6 showed hardly any weaknesses in its MOT inspection. This long-distance runner is often used as a company car. Its proven to be very solid is a good thing, because repairs are expensive.

The Audi A6 formally belongs to the upper mid-size class, but its driving characteristics, sound insulation, equipment, and even engine are of such a high standard that it's often simply referred to as Audi's luxury class – as was the case in the "Auto Bild TÜV Report 2025." The report classifies it, even used, as a car "that can only be recommended." Hardly anything is in disrepair when you consider the fourth and fifth model generations.

Model history

The fourth generation of the Audi A6 first reached customers in 2011. Featuring a refreshed design, expanded equipment, new engines, and a new transmission, the facelifted version took over in 2014. The fifth generation of the upper mid-size model debuted in 2018, received a facelift in 2023, and remained on sale until 2025.

Body and variants

The A6 is primarily available as a five-door station wagon, which also accounts for the lion's share of used cars on the market, well over two-thirds. But it also exists as a four-door notchback sedan, as does the even rarer coupe, which rolls down the streets under the A7 label.

The Avant station wagon also offers off-road versions called Allroad, featuring higher ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and an off-road look. The S6 and RS6 sports versions have the most power under the hood.

Dimensions (according to ADAC)

• C7: 4.92 to 4.98 m x 1.87 to 1.94 m x 1.44 to 1.47 m (L x W x H); Trunk volume: 530 to 995 l (notchback; full hybrid: 375 to 850 l); 565 to 1680 l (station wagon)
• C8: 4.93 to 5.00 m x 1.89 to 1.95 m x 1.46 to 1.47 m (L x W x H); Trunk volume: 530 to 995 l (saloon; plug-in hybrid: 360 l); 565 to 1680 l (station wagon; plug-in hybrid: 405 to 1535 l)

Strengthen

Drive shafts, steering systems, and steering joints are problem-free across all model years, according to the TÜV report. The components perform almost equally well in the lighting and braking sections. "Few cars are so defect-free across all model years," the report concludes.

Weaken

But there are exceptions: For example, axle suspensions, springs, and dampers on older A6s start to show problems after the fifth MOT. With age, the low beams sometimes become misaligned. Deteriorating exhaust systems are already being criticized more often than average by the third MOT. And the fifth generation slips up during its first inspection, with noticeable oil leaks from the engine and transmission, according to the TÜV report.

Breakdown behavior

The impression on the test bench corresponds to the breakdown behavior. The ADAC certifies the A6 as having "consistently good to very good reliability." The only major breakdown issues are the automatic transmission in models first registered in 2012 and alternators (2018 to 2020).

engines

• Fourth generation: Petrol engines (four-, six-, and eight-cylinder, front- and all-wheel drive): 132 kW/180 hp to 445 kW/605 hp; diesel engines (four- and six-cylinder, front- and all-wheel drive): 110 kW/136 hp to 240 kW/326 hp; hybrid engines (four-cylinder + electric motor, front-wheel drive): 180 kW/245 hp system output.
• Fifth generation: Petrol engines (four-, six-, and eight-cylinder, front- and all-wheel drive): 180 kW/245 hp to 463 kW/630 hp; Diesel engines (four- and six-cylinder, front- and all-wheel drive): 120 kW/163 hp to 257 kW/349 hp; Plug-in hybrid (four-cylinder + electric motor, front-wheel drive): System output 220 kW/299 hp and 270 kW/367 hp

Dealer sales value according to the German Automobile Trust (DAT) with statistically expected kilometers - three price examples

• Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDI (6/2014); 100 kW/136 hp (four-cylinder); 199,000 kilometers; 10,406 euros
• Audi A6 45 3.0 TDI quattro base (6/2019); 170 kW/231 hp (six-cylinder); 120,000 kilometers; €27,204
• Audi A6 Avant 2.8 FSI quattro (6/2014); 150 kW/204 hp (six-cylinder); 166,000 kilometers; €12,357