Audi didn’t just refresh the A6 for 2026, it rebuilt the whole thing from the ground up, and the changes show the moment you sit down behind the wheel. Gone are the four-cylinder engines that used to anchor the lower trims, replaced by a single 362 horsepower turbocharged V6 that comes standard across the entire lineup, Quattro all-wheel drive included. Let’s get into the PROs and CONs.
PRO: Standard Quattro AWD
All-wheel drive ships on every A6, it’s one less decision to make at the dealership and one less line item on the build sheet.
PRO: Loaded with Tech
Prestige trim gets an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster paired with a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen, plus a 10.9-inch screen just for the front passenger. It turns the dash into one continuous glass display instead of a scatter of separate panels.
PRO: Brings the Power
Every A6 gets the same turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 making 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, routed through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. That kind of output used to be reserved for upgraded trims on rival sedans, but here it’s the only engine you can get.
PRO: Fast for a non-S/RS
Audi says the A6 hits 0-60 mph in about 4.5 seconds, which is genuinely quick for a midsize luxury sedan that isn’t wearing an S or RS badge. You’d need to step up to a performance trim on most competitors to match that kind of sprint.
CON: Priced Higher Than Rivals
At this price point the A6 Prestige cross-shops against the Genesis G80 3.5T Sport at $69K with 375 hp and the Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic at $70K with 375 hp, both of which offer more horsepower for less money. The BMW 540i xDrive starts even lower at $66K, though it lacks the A6’s standard all-wheel drive.
CON: No Hybrid or Four-cylinder Option
Four-cylinder engines have been dropped entirely, leaving only the 3.0-liter V6 across all three trims. Buyers who wanted a cheaper entry point or a more fuel-efficient option don’t have one here.
