SPOT.
Drawing of the Audi A6

Audi A6

From a renamed Audi 100 to an RS 6 Avant GT that hits 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.12

Researched October 22, 2026 from 40 sources

Also called

  • Ur-S6Used for the first S6; Ur comes from the German Ursprünglich, meaning original.1
  • Ur-allroadApplied to the C5 allroad after the A4 allroad reached North America; German Ur- signals an ancient or early ancestor.1

At a glance

0400800
89–621 hpPower
07.515
3.3–13.9 s0–100 km/h
0175350
177–305 km/hTop speed
05001,000
157–850 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,320–2,035 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.124810

Engine
Gas: 1.8–5.2 L; diesel: 1.9–3.0 L; hybrid options147
Layout
Longitudinal front engine; front-wheel drive or quattro AWD18
Gearbox
5/6-speed manual (C5 2.7T: 6); 4–8-speed auto, CVT, 7-speed dual-clutch139
Built at
Neckarsulm, Germany; A6L: FAW-Volkswagen, Changchun, China14

The story

A 1994 facelift turned the Audi 100 into the A6 to fit a new naming scheme. The 1997 C5 paired a 0.28 drag coefficient with a design that helped define Audi's modern premium identity.13

1994: Audi 100 becomes A6; UK gets it first19941997: C5: 0.28 drag and a new premium identity19971999: allroad adds air suspension and low range19992011: C7 shifts its front axle about 12 cm20112024: RS 6 Avant GT: 660 numbered wagons20242025: C9 keeps A6 after the naming reversal · e-hybrid: 295 or 362 hp2025 Audi 100 (C1): 1968–1976C1Audi 100 (C2): 1976–1982C2Audi 100 / 5000 (C3): 1982–1991C3Audi 100 (C4): 1990–1994C4Audi A6 (C4): 1994–1998; China 2000–2003C4Audi A6 (C5): 1997–2005C5Audi A6 (C6): 2004–2011C6Audi A6 (C7): 2010–2018C7 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1413252627
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1968–1976Audi 100 (C1)
1976–1982Audi 100 (C2)
1982–1991Audi 100 / 5000 (C3)
1990–1994Audi 100 (C4)
1994–1998; China 2000–2003Audi A6 (C4)
1997–2005Audi A6 (C5)
2004–2011Audi A6 (C6)
2010–2018Audi A6 (C7)
1994Audi 100 becomes A6; UK gets it first
1997C5: 0.28 drag and a new premium identity
1999allroad adds air suspension and low range
2011C7 shifts its front axle about 12 cm
2024RS 6 Avant GT: 660 numbered wagons
2025C9 keeps A6 after the naming reversal
2025e-hybrid: 295 or 362 hp
  1. 1994

    Audi 100 becomes A6; UK gets it first

    The C4 Audi 100 is facelifted and renamed A6. The UK gets it first after right-hand-drive Audi 100 stock runs out early.1

  2. 1997

    C5: 0.28 drag and a new premium identity

    The C5 debuts at Geneva with a 0.28 drag coefficient; its design helps establish Audi's place among premium executive cars.13

  3. 1999

    allroad adds air suspension and low range

    Based on the C5 A6 Avant, the first allroad brings adjustable air suspension, up to 208 mm of ground clearance and an optional manual-only low range.1

  4. 2011

    C7 shifts its front axle about 12 cm

    On sale in April, the C7's MLB platform moves the front axle about 12 cm forward; aluminum panels and stronger steels help save up to 70 kg.4

  5. 2024

    RS 6 Avant GT: 660 numbered wagons

    Carbon hood and fenders, heritage decals and numbered consoles mark the 660-car edition; its 0–100 km/h time is 3.3 seconds.2

  6. 2025

    C9 keeps A6 after the naming reversal

    The C9 keeps A6 after Audi drops odd/even powertrain numbering; the unrelated battery-electric A6 e-tron remains a separate model.15

  7. 2025

    e-hybrid: 295 or 362 hp

    Sedan and Avant plug-ins pair a 25.9 kWh battery (20.7 usable) with up to 106 km of electric range; 11 kW AC charging takes 2.5 hours.6

Every generation

  • Audi 100
    C11968–1976
  • Audi 100
    C21976–1982
  • Audi 100 / 5000
    C31982–1991
  • Audi 100
    C41990–1994
  • Audi A6
    C41994–1998; China 2000–2003
  • Audi A6
    C51997–2005
  • Audi A6
    C62004–2011
  • Audi A6
    C72010–2018

Power over the years

From 322 hp to 621 hp in 27 years.

0200400600800 200020052010201520202025 hp 1997 · 322 hp · S6 Plus2004 · 250 hp · C5 A6 2.7T (US)2005 · 255 hp · A6 3.2 FSI quattro (US)2005 · 335 hp · A6 4.2 quattro V8 (US)2008 · 572 hp · C6 RS 6 5.0 V10 biturbo2011 · 309 hp · C7 A6 3.0 TDI2012 · 310 hp · A6 3.0T quattro2014 · 187 hp · A6 2.0 TDI ultra2014 · 321 hp · A6 3.0 TDI clean diesel (top)2024 · 621 hp · RS 6 Avant GT2025 · 362 hp · A6 e-hybrid quattro (top) 621 hp RS 6 Avant GT 322 hp S6 Plus
1246111213141516
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1997322S6 Plus
2004250C5 A6 2.7T (US)
2005255A6 3.2 FSI quattro (US)
2005335A6 4.2 quattro V8 (US)
2008572C6 RS 6 5.0 V10 biturbo
2011309C7 A6 3.0 TDI
2012310A6 3.0T quattro
2014187A6 2.0 TDI ultra
2014321A6 3.0 TDI clean diesel (top)
2024621RS 6 Avant GT
2025362A6 e-hybrid quattro (top)

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • A6L 40 e-tron (C7, China)

    Standard

    A6L 40 e-tron (C7, China)

    2016–2018

  • A6 allroad quattro

    Standard

    A6 allroad quattro

  • Performance

    A6 3.0 TDI competition (C7)

    2014–2018

    322 hp
  • S6

    Performance

    S6

  • RS 6 (C5)

    Performance

    RS 6 (C5)

    2002–2004

    444 hp
  • RS 6 (C6)

    Performance

    RS 6 (C6)

    2008–2010

    572 hp
  • RS 6 Avant performance (C7)

    Performance

    RS 6 Avant performance (C7)

    2015–2018

    597 hp
  • RS 6 Avant (C8)

    Performance

    RS 6 Avant (C8)

    592 hp

  • Limited

    A6 3.0 TDI quattro Le Mans Edition

    2006

    230 hp
  • S6 Plus (C4)

    Limited

    S6 Plus (C4)

    1996–1997

    322 hp

    952 built

  • RS 6 Avant GT

    Limited

    RS 6 Avant GT

    2024

    621 hp

    660 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • C5 sedan: a smooth roof arc runs into a very short trunk, almost like a fastback.121
  • 2005 redesign: a tall, upright grille dominates the nose.13
  • C7: the drop-tail side line starts behind the center pillar and slopes gently toward the rear.422
  • C8: a chrome strip visually links the rear lights.323
  • 2025 sedan: a full-width rear light bar and a vertical brake light define the tail.24

Year by year

  1. 1994 (C4)

    The Audi 100 becomes the A6: body-colored bumpers and side strips, plus reshaped lights and grille.18

  2. 2001–2002 (C5 facelift)

    Revised headlights and grille plus exposed exhaust tips; North American rear lamps switch from red to amber.110

  3. September 2008

    New front and rear styling; the 3.0 TFSI replaces the 3.2 and 4.2 FSI engines.25

  4. October 2014 (C7 facelift)

    Reshaped headlights, grille, bumpers, side skirts and rear lamps mark the facelift; Matrix LED headlights become optional.4

  5. 2025 (C9 sedan)

    The sedan gains a continuous rear light strip, a vertical brake light and rectangular tailpipe covers in a broad diffuser.124

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Audi A6
    A6
    Photo of a Audi A7
    Audi A7

    Audi A7

    The A7 uses a Sportback hatch; the A6 is a conventional sedan or Avant wagon.1

  • Audi 100 C4

    The first A6 shares its body; look for body-colored bumper and side trim, plus flatter headlights and grille.8

Against its rivals

  • Lexus GS350 (2013)

    A6 vs Lexus GS350 (2013)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    A65.1 s
    Lexus GS350 (2013)5.5 s
    15
  • BMW 520d M Sport

    A6 vs BMW 520d M Sport

    Listed price lower is better

    A641,610 £
    BMW 520d M Sport41,590 £
    3
  • Mercedes E220d AMG-Line

    A6 vs Mercedes E220d AMG-Line

    Listed price lower is better

    A641,610 £
    Mercedes E220d AMG-Line40,565 £
    3

Prices

Value today $4.3K–$8.6K931

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K$1M 20052010201520202025 Value today: $4,300–$8,600 2005 · $51,770 · US 3.2 Quattro as tested 2024 · $8,650 · 1995 S6 Avant, 202k miles indicated, BaT2024 · $115,000 · 2024 RS6 Avant Performance, 2,300 miles, BaT2024 · $8,500 · 2005 A6 3.2 Quattro, 32k miles, BaT2025 · $33,000 · 2014 S6 Quattro, 39k miles, BaT2025 · $7,100 · 2003 A6 Avant 3.0 Quattro, BaT2026 · $8,600 · 1997 Quattro Avant, 119k miles, BaT2026 · $5,000 · 2004 2.7T Quattro, 59k miles, BaT2026 · $4,300 · 2001 2.7T Quattro six-speed, modified, 150k miles, BaT2026 · $7,700 · 2016 A6 Premium Plus, 97k miles, BaT2026 · $23,500 · 2019 A6 55 TFSI Quattro Premium Plus, 59k miles, BaT2026 · $14,250 · 2011 A6 Avant 3.0T Prestige, 59k miles, BaT $115.0K BaT, 2024
91112313334353637383940
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2005Price when new$51,770US 3.2 Quattro as tested
2024Auction sale$8,6501995 S6 Avant, 202k miles indicated, BaT
2024Auction sale$115,0002024 RS6 Avant Performance, 2,300 miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$8,5002005 A6 3.2 Quattro, 32k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$33,0002014 S6 Quattro, 39k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$7,1002003 A6 Avant 3.0 Quattro, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,6001997 Quattro Avant, 119k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$5,0002004 2.7T Quattro, 59k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$4,3002001 2.7T Quattro six-speed, modified, 150k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$7,7002016 A6 Premium Plus, 97k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$23,5002019 A6 55 TFSI Quattro Premium Plus, 59k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$14,2502011 A6 Avant 3.0T Prestige, 59k miles, BaT
2026Value today$4,300–$8,600

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “A manual RS 6 won in 2003”
    • “Le Mans Edition: over £2,300 extra for £115”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 8 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 40 sources
  1. Audi A6 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. When a model reaches its maximum: The New Audi RS 6 Avant GT | audi.com audi.com
  3. 2019 Audi A6 review - does the new A6 finally drive better than its rivals? | evo evo.co.uk
  4. Audi A6 C7 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  5. Audi heightens clarity for customers through global standardization of model names | audi.com audi.com
  6. Sporty meets efficiency: the new A6 plug-in hybrid models | audi.com audi.com
  7. Audi S6 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  8. Audi A6 C4 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  9. No Reserve: Modified 2001 Audi A6 2.7T Quattro 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $4,300 on September 3, 2026 (Lot #261,242) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  10. Audi A6 C5 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  11. No Reserve: 2004 Audi A6 2.7T Quattro for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,000 on June 18, 2026 (Lot #248,249) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  12. 2005 Audi A6 3.2 Quattro caranddriver.com
  13. 2005 Audi A6 - First Drive & Road Test Review - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  14. 20 years, four generations – Audi RS 6: Superior performance with an everyday look | audi.com audi.com
  15. 2012 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro vs. 2013 Lexus GS350 - Comparison Test - Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  16. Used Audi A6 buying guide: 2011-2018 (Mk4) | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  17. Audi launches A6 and A7 Black Editions | News | Audi | by Car Enthusiast carenthusiast.com
  18. Audi A6 Allroad Lives Up to the Cult Following roadandtrack.com
  19. Used Audi A6 (Mk5, 2018-date) buyer’s guide: classy exec is a great family car | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  20. 2006 Audi A6 3.0 TDI Le Mans Edition - Images, Specifications and Information ultimatecarpage.com
  21. Tested: 1998 Audi A6 2.8 Quattro Pulls Us Back In caranddriver.com
  22. Das Design des neuen Audi A6: Evolution des Neuen - n-tv.de n-tv.de
  23. Upgrade in the business class: the new Audi A6 Sedan | audi.com audi.com
  24. Business class at its most elegant: the new A6 Sedan | audi.com audi.com
  25. Used Audi A6 (Mk3, 2004-2011) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  26. Audi 100 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  27. Audi 100 C2 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  28. 0 to 100 | Audi Magazine Australia magazine.audi.com.au
  29. Test Drive Unlimited: Audi - gamepressure.com gamepressure.com
  30. In China, Success is a Black Audi A6 | IndustryWeek industryweek.com
  31. No Reserve: 1997 Audi A6 Quattro Avant for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,600 on May 7, 2026 (Lot #241,455) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. Audi A6 (1997-2004) - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  33. No Reserve: 2003 Audi A6 Avant 3.0 Quattro for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,333 on June 12, 2024 (Lot #150,413) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2024 Audi RS6 Avant Performance for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $115,000 on September 3, 2024 (Lot #161,226) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 2016 Audi A6 Premium Plus for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,700 on October 1, 2026 (Lot #266,039) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 2019 Audi A6 55 TFSI Quattro Premium Plus for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $23,500 on February 21, 2026 (Lot #230,822) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. 2011 Audi A6 Avant 3.0T Prestige for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,250 on January 20, 2026 (Lot #227,196) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. One-Owner 2014 Audi S6 Quattro for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $33,000 on December 29, 2025 (Lot #225,339) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. No Reserve: 1995 Audi S6 Avant for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,650 on November 15, 2024 (Lot #170,724) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  40. No Reserve: 32k-Mile 2005 Audi A6 3.2 Quattro for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,500 on May 23, 2024 (Lot #147,995) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • audi.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • bringatrailer.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • motortrend.com
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • carenthusiast.com
  • roadandtrack.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • ultimatecarpage.com
  • n-tv.de
  • magazine.audi.com.au

Photo credits

Other car files