DRIVEN: Has The All-new 2019 Audi A6 Taken OVER The Throne As The BEST Mid-size Luxury Sedan?

With sedans falling back in the sales race, one has to wonder how much time is left on the clock. When you see a massive automaker like Ford scrap its car portfolio, you know the game has changed in a significant way.

They're playing for keeps now, folks.

That said, the luxury automakers are hanging in there. And the latest vehicle to join the fray is the 2019 Audi A6. And much like the all-new BMW 5-Series, it doesn't look too different on the outside from the last-gen car. Sure, it's updated everywhere and its interior is all-new but we reckon this may turn off potential buyers that are looking for something revolutionary.

Having said that, we're going to let CAR divulge its experience with the all-new A6. Verdict is below, full review is available via "Read Article," below.

2018 Audi A6: verdict

In isolation, the A6 is a great place to spend time. It’s quiet, comfortable, well-appointed inside, has a tech list just this side of the USS Enterprise and is very spacious – all you need if you’re a middle management type.

It’s a very sober beast and still not quite the final word in handling dynamics, though, but Audi’s engineers can finally get some sleep at night when it comes to how their aspirational exec handles.

When we finally find out the whole pricing range of the new Audi A6 in summer 2018, it could make for a particularly compelling executive saloon package.

Read Article

TomM - 5/19/2018 5:00:03 PM

+3 Boost

Since AUDI - no matter how they have tried - NEVER rose above the level of 2nd tier premium - and does not really compete with the TOP Luxury vehicle except on price - NO - the A6 is just another Audi. From its styling it could be ANY Audi since they all look alike. ANd IT competes with Volvo (Also overpriced) Buick, DS, Lincoln, Infiniti, Acura, Lexus, Genesis - and all the other Luxury Wannabes - that have tried hard - but never really rose to the top.

llaroo - 5/19/2018 5:46:59 PM

-3 Boost

you're nothing but an Audi hater bud, give it a rest

MDarringer - 5/19/2018 6:41:22 PM

+4 Boost

@llaroo, Mercedes is simply the best in this segment; the E Class is pretty wonderful. A BMW 5 will be a better drive than the Audi Avalon.

Agent00R - 5/19/2018 8:43:59 PM

-4 Boost

Just a head's up: No real-world buyers think in terms of tier 1, tier 2, etc.

It all comes down to the only variable that makes sense to average people: $$$.

MDarringer - 5/19/2018 8:58:16 PM

-3 Boost

@Agent00R You are dead-on correct. Not only that but very few DON'T consider Audi the equal of Mercedes/BMW.

carsnyc - 5/19/2018 6:40:21 PM

0 Boost

The short answer is no. E-class and 5-series still rule the segment. However, I’m with Llaroo in that Audi should not be compared with Buick, DS, Lincoln or Genesis.

cidflekken - 5/20/2018 12:32:52 AM

+6 Boost

The entire design is a complete fail for this A6. I really don't care how it drives to be truthful as any differences will likely negligible. The exterior is painfully uninspired and uninspiring. Audi has become an expert in contradicting styling themes, as evidenced on this exterior with the curvacious body lines conflicting with the rest of the car's angular take. The interior is painfully cold with too many planes and screens.

cidflekken - 5/20/2018 7:02:32 PM

+2 Boost

And the excess creases throughout make me appreciate Mercedes' no-crease approach 10x's more.

MrEE - 5/20/2018 9:21:22 AM

+1 Boost

Strange with all the anti diesel sentiment and declining sales in Europe that this model in leading with these engines.

delan - 5/20/2018 12:44:23 PM

+3 Boost

Its nice. . . . not E-class nice. But nice.

llaroo - 5/20/2018 2:50:20 PM

-3 Boost

and what makes the E class so nice ? looks like a bloated C class

MDarringer - 5/20/2018 3:48:28 PM

+6 Boost

By your idiotic logic, the A6 looks like a bloated A3,,,and???

bw5011 - 5/20/2018 8:37:03 PM

-1 Boost

Guess what... I have one of those.. and this generation is a step in the right direction for me and I'm going to buy the S6 when its released. I said that to stay this, they know who their customers are.

llaroo - 5/20/2018 5:41:37 PM

-3 Boost

E class is a clone of C class buddy, open your eyes, Audis may be similar but E class virtually a carbon copy only 20% bigger

xjug1987a - 5/20/2018 6:03:37 PM

+6 Boost

While I like both the E and C I do agree the E is not distinctive enough or as aspirational especially w the same weak and buzzy 4 and no reasonably priced 6. The previous E had the silky 305hp 6 std and the current std 4 stinks. Both cars well equipped w what should be standard are way to expensive. Explains why most people only rent both as I believe 75% are leased

MDarringer - 5/20/2018 6:54:49 PM

+7 Boost

And the A6 looks like a total clone of an A3 only 30% bigger...and?

xjug1987a - 5/20/2018 8:56:29 PM

+2 Boost

I agree completely. I had a 2003 A6 Quattro and talk about a distinctive car, perhaps my favorite car I’ve owned, the silver paint looked like if was hune from a block of aluminun, mine had RS6 wheels too. Nothing Audi has done since, comes close.

cidflekken - 5/22/2018 11:56:49 PM

+2 Boost

So
What

Mercedes cars look 10x's more prestigious than almost any other luxury cars right now. I don't care if an E looks like a C or a C looks like an E, they both look great and classy. The A4 looks not much different than a Jetta. And the A6 looks not much different than an A4. Frankly, the A6 still resembles a Ford 500, so let that sink in for a minute. The C/E/S may all look like each other, but at least you won't mistake them for any other brand on the road, especially any non-premium brand.

carloslassiter - 5/20/2018 8:50:44 PM

+9 Boost

I've seriously considered an Audi a few times, but every time I go into the showroom and really take a good look they just don't seem very special.

MDarringer - 5/20/2018 9:21:08 PM

-7 Boost

Have you looked at a Kia Stinger? It's really special.

ilovecar2015 - 5/21/2018 11:17:07 AM

+1 Boost

I like the squared shape of Audi than rounded shape of MB. E is great but not sure why so much hate for Audi and other brands. I'd get this A6, E, then 5 in that order.

CarCrazedinCali - 5/21/2018 5:28:57 PM

+1 Boost

Audi hate spreading like wild fire in here!

Side note- I think it would be interesting to compare the base models of the A6, E class and 5 series and then compare the loaded up ones.

hangtime010 - 5/22/2018 4:16:10 PM

+1 Boost

CarCrazedinCali - this is not as bad as other Audi reviews. For some reason, ppl just have a severe case of negativity towards Audi. From the 'same look different size', or 'can't stand that massive grille' to 'VW Buick'. You'll read the same comments as if it's a constant loop.
Audi makes excellent vehicles and yes they share platforms with VW - to increase profits.