In redesigning the A6 sedan (instead of killing it off, as Audi did with the A4), Audi also cut down on engine choices, at least for the first year or so. The only powertrain is a 362-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), driving all four wheels. Unlike its BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class competitors, as well as the previous-generation A6, U.S versions of the 2026 A6 aren’t available with a small, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Despite the extra cylinders, it still undercuts the base price of the four-cylinder BMW and Mercedes by a few thousand dollars.
The redesigned A6 and the newly redesigned Q5 SUV and A5 sedan are all based on a shared vehicle design platform for internal-combustion vehicles that Audi calls Premium Platform Combustion. (Premium Platform Electric is used for the A6 E-Tron and Q6 E-Tron.) All of them share the Digital Stage infotainment system, which consists of an 11.9-inch display in front of the driver and a 14.5-inch center-mounted touchscreen for infotainment, climate, navigation, and other controls. They’re combined into what appears to be a single display screen, with the right side curved toward the driver. Prestige trims also include a 10.9-inch screen for the front-seat passenger.
The 2026 A6 Allroad raised wagon and RS 6 Avant high-performance wagon remain on the previous-generation platform. There’s no indication that an S6 sedan with a gas engine will be available, although there’s an S6 E-Tron all-electric model.
For 2026, the A6 sedan is available in three trim levels:
Premium: Starting at $64,100, it features 19-inch wheels, heated/ventilated front seats, and adaptive cruise control.
Premium Plus: Starting at $67,500, this trim adds lane centering assistance, a surround view camera system, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, among other options.
Prestige: Starting at $71,400, it adds an adaptive air suspension, OLED taillights, speakers in the front headrests, an infotainment display for the front-seat passenger, and power door closing.
All have a $1,295 destination charge.
For our test, Consumer Reports bought a Premium Plus trim in order to evaluate the Adaptive Cruise Assist system, which allows the A6 to accelerate, decelerate, and stay within the travel lane at both city and highway speeds, including in traffic jams. It’s not available on the Premium trim.
If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the 2026 Audi A6 is available to you below. Once we complete 2,000 break-in miles, we’ll put the A6 through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, child car seat fit, and usability. CR members will have access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available.
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What we bought: 2026 Audi A6 Quattro
Powertrain: 362-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine; 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $64,100
Options: Daytona Gray paint, $595; Premium Plus package (adaptive cruise assist, Bang & Olufsen sound system, four-zone climate control, head-up display, headlight washers, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, Matrix LED headlights, park assist plus, power rear window and manual side window shades, top view camera) $3,400; S line black optic package (20-inch wheels, all-season run-flat tires, black exterior trim, dark chrome exhaust tips), $2,450; Audi Guard protection kit, $380; Audi Beam rings, $300; wheel lock kit, $150.
Destination fee: $1,295
Total cost: $72,670
