Just a month after unveiling the latest C9-generation A6 that was kicked off unexpectedly by the Avant, Audi has followed up with the more traditional sedan version of its luxury midsize executive car.
Sticking with tradition, the new 4-door continues to wear the A6 badge despite Audi's recent and confusing shakeup in naming conventions and model delineation, which now draw a clearer line between internal combustion engine (ICE) models and their electric e-tron counterparts.
This approach that mirrors the strategy used for the new A5, formerly the A4, which also retained its combustion roots under a revised identity. Back to the new A6 which, at its core, is built on the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), an architecture that supports a variety of petrol and diesel powertrains, all integrated with mild hybrid technology for improved efficiency and performance.
At 4,990 mm long, the new A6 is 60 mm longer than its predecessor, although its wheelbase has only grown marginally to 2,927 mm. It’s slightly narrower, measuring 1,880 mm across. Despite the added length, boot space sees a reduction, now capped at 492-litres in part due to the space required for hybrid components.
Aero efficiency takes a leap forward, with features like flush door handle recesses, an active grille shutter, underfloor covers, and air guides near the wheels helping the A6 achieve a drag coefficient as low as 0.23—the best among Audi's lineup, at least within those powered by internal combustion.
Continuing Audi’s recent move towards a more fluid and curvaceous design language, the new A6 features a wider singleframe grille, now positioned lower and flanked by sharp, trapezoidal headlights and prominent vertical air inlets. The profile reveals a more sweeping (but not quite Sportback) roofline and signature “quattro” flared arches, while the back end boasts an all-new lighting setup: split taillights that pair upper light units with a full-width light bar incorporating vertical brake lights.
Happily, Audi ditches faux exhaust tips for the real deal this time, offering genuine twin rectangular outlets, adding a welcome touch of authenticity. We’re hoping other automakers follow their lead on this one.
Buyers can further personalise their A6 with a wide range of options, including matrix LED headlights, OLED taillights with selectable signatures, and wheels ranging from 18 to 21 inches. S line models come with 19-inch wheels as standard, while Audi Sport 21-inch forged wheels are available for those seeking a bolder look.
Audi is offering 3 engine choices at launch, hoping to cater to as broad a range of customers as possible. Entry-level variants feature a staple 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, here producing 204 PS and 340 Nm of torque.
It’s modest output begets its focus on fuel economy, operating on the Atkinson cycle for improved thermal efficiency, and is paired with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). Power is sent to the front wheels through a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, with a claimed 0–100 km/h sprint time of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h.
For those leaning towards diesel, the familiar 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel offers identical power output—204 PS—but steps up the torque figure to 400 Nm. This version also benefits from a 48-volt mild hybrid system, adding an additional 24 PS and 230 Nm of electric boost on demand. With quattro all-wheel drive also equipped, this diesel A6 hits 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds (or 7.8 without AWD), all while maintaining strong fuel efficiency and coasting capabilities thanks to that belt-driven starter-generator.
Sitting at the top of the powertrain pecking order (so far) is a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine, one also operating on the Atkinson cycle and assisted by mild hybrid tech and a VGT. This flagship motor churns out 367 PS and 550 Nm of torque. Standard quattro all-wheel drive helps put the power down and allows this version to rocket from 0–100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, with its speed electronically limited to an Autobahn-friendly 250 km/h.
The A6 rides on a sophisticated 5-link suspension setup both front and rear, with several dynamic enhancements available for more enthusiastic drivers via optional extras. A sports suspension option, for example, drops ride height by 20 mm for a more aggressive stance and improved handling. Higher trims, particularly those with quattro, can also be upgraded with adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering for better manoeuvrability and a more plusher ride.
Variants fitted with the V6 mill further ups the ante with a torque-vectoring rear sport differential, while all models benefit from torque vectoring via braking as standard. Also, a new brake-by-wire system debuts in the A6 lineup, offering up to 25 kW of regenerative braking in mild hybrid models. And finally, standard-fit variable-ratio steering also helps fine-tune the car's dynamic responses.
Inside, the A6 adopts Audi’s new “digital stage” ethos first introduced in the Q6 e-tron. It combines an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.5-inch central touchscreen that even integrates climate controls, while an optional 10.9-inch passenger display adds an extra layer of functionality, complete with a privacy mode for media playback.
Other available tech includes a full-featured head-up display and built-in support for ChatGPT AI, which supplements Audi’s own voice assistant for more complex queries and commands.
As expected from Audi, the A6’s cabin is richly appointed with a wide array of materials, now expanded to include more eco-conscious options like fabric and Dinamica microfibre—made from 50% recycled polyester. Ambient lighting includes a “dynamic interaction light” strip beneath the windshield, which animates when locking or unlocking and doubles as a visual indicator for turn signals.
Additional creature comforts include the brand’s preferred Bang & Olufsen audio system (with up to 20 speakers and headrest-mounted units), quad-zone climate control, air ionisation, soft-close doors, and an electrochromic panoramic glass roof with six adjustable segments. Acoustic glass is now standard not just for the front but rear windows as well, and new engine mounts, better seals, and added insulation make the A6’s cabin more refined than ever—Audi claims a 30% improvement in overall soundproofing.
The 2025 Audi A6 Sedan doesn't reinvent the wheel—but it polishes the A6 formula significantly to give it the fighting chance it needs to take on the G60 5 Series and W214 E-Class. With a refined design, versatile engine options, cutting-edge tech, and Audi’s trademark attention to detail, it’s a compelling evolution of the brand’s executive icon, and we’re honestly glad they’ve kept the range combustion-only, so far. For the EV enthusiast, there’s always the brand’s e-tron lineup.