2026 Audi A6 First Look

This redesigned German luxury sedan is a pleasing evolution.

Christian Wardlaw | 

Sep 30, 2025 | 3 min read

Audi

If nothing else, the redesigned ninth-generation 2026 Audi A6 is predictable. Let's see. Traditional aerodynamic A6 styling? Check. Standard Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD)? Check. Trim levels that include Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige? Check, check, and check. Want one? You don't need to wait long, because the new 2026 A6 goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2025, priced from nearly $66,000 to about $73,000, including the $1,295 destination charge.

Audi

The A6 Recipe Is Updated for 2026

With Audi transitioning to electric vehicles and the recent cancellation of the A4 sedan in favor of the A5 Sportback, there was no guarantee the Audi A6 sedan would continue. Fortunately, it is — and it will offer more visual personality than the electric A6 Sportback e-tron, especially with the available 20- and 21-inch wheels. As expected, an optional S Line Black Optic Exterior package is available, adding high-gloss black, Anthracite gray, and dark chrome exterior detailing.

Audi said the new A6 offers more front headroom and up to a 30% increase in sound insulation for a quieter ride. A new Digital Curtain panoramic sunroof allows light to enter the cabin while also adjusting to provide glare protection. Available interior features include heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats; heated rear seats; a heated steering wheel; and a four-zone climate control system.

Inside the trunk, you'll find 13.5 cubic-feet of cargo space. A 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allows expansion of that volume when necessary.

Audi

Tech Takes the Digital Stage in the 2026 Audi A6

The new 2026 A6 is the latest Audi to get the automaker's Audi Digital Stage Multi-Media Interface, a panoramic display containing an 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit instrumentation panel and a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The A6 Prestige adds a standard 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger to use to surf the internet, stream video, program navigation destinations, and more. Don't worry, the driver can't see anything on that display, so distraction shouldn't be a problem.

A configurable head-up display is available for the A6 Premium Plus and Prestige models, and those versions of the car also offer a Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system with up to 20 speakers.

Regarding safety features, the new A6 includes the expected technology. Additional highlights include front cross-traffic alert, evasive-steering assist, and emergency-brake assist. A surround-view camera and Adaptive Cruise Assist are available, pairing the standard adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist.

Audi

2026 Audi A6 Gets a Turbo Six With More Power

Audi carried over the previous A6's turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, but with improvements that boost output to 362 horsepower (adding 27 horsepower) and 406 pound-feet of torque (adding 37 lb-ft). A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Quattro AWD are standard, and Audi said the A6 zooms to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

Brake-based torque vectoring and modifications to the progressive steering system improve feedback and responsiveness. Audi said it has also reduced noise, vibration, and harshness to ensure the A6 delivers a smoother and quieter ride. The A6 Prestige has an adaptive air suspension, as well.

A Sport Plus option package is available for the A6 Prestige. It adds 21-inch wheels wrapped in summer performance tires, red brake calipers, a lowered sport-tuned steel-spring suspension, a sport rear differential, and all-wheel steering. Previously, some of those features were exclusive to the Audi S6.

I think the redesigned 2026 Audi A6 is appealing. It is less polarizing than a BMW 5 Series, has more personality than a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and brings the 2026 A6 up to speed technologically. Check, check, and check.

Christian Wardlaw

Chris says his first word was "car." For as long as he can remember, he's been obsessed with them. The design. The engineering. The performance. And the purpose. He is a car enthusiast who loves to drive, but is most passionate about the cars, trucks, and SUVs that people actually buy. He began his career as the editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s, and for more than 30 years has created automotive content for CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, the New York Daily News, and others. Chris owns Speedy Daddy Media, has been contributing to Capital One Auto Navigator since 2019, and lives in California with his wife, kids, dog, and 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata.