No doubt, SUVs are here to stay, but when it comes to a posh driving experience, there’s just something about a true luxury sedan that feels more special than any utility ever could. And that brings us to this Audi A6, which kicks a new generation for 2026, bringing more features and, yes, more tech than ever before. So, let’s find out if it’s still something special to drive!

Audi has been mixing things up on the car side of their lineup over the last few years; so, we’re glad to see that the A6 sedan returns for another generation for 2026 and hasn’t been tossed aside for yet another crossover.

Always on the conservative side of elegance, this sophisticated midsizer does take a slightly more athletic turn, with its Singleframe grille expanding vertically; the corner air intakes have been enlarged, while headlights slimmed down. Proportions are mostly the same, but bodysides have been smoothed, while the rear also gets a bit of added aggression. Nineteen-inch wheels are standard with 20 and 21s available.

Lying below this enormous plastic cover is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 rated at 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. That’s 27 horsepower and 37 lb-ft over last year, but Audi is much prouder of the refinements they’ve made to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. It powers a driving experience that is absolutely close to perfection; plenty of steady and strong power that never felt overwhelming, with a smooth operating seven-speed dual-clutch transmission managing it well. No matter the road surface, the A6 will have you soaking up scenery in superior comfort.

It launched so hard, our test drivers were sure something was about to break, but nothing ever did.

It felt so smooth on the road, our test drivers weren’t quite ready for what was about to happen at our Mason Dixon test track. The A6 is fast, like 4.4 seconds to 60 fast; but that really wasn’t the shocker, it was the sheer brutality with which launch control put this thing into motion. It launched so hard, our test drivers were sure something was about to break, but nothing ever did. Even the car itself didn’t seem quite ready for it, as right after exploding off the line, the A6 took a brief pause to gather itself before getting back to full power. It was an overall unique experience, and you can’t argue with the results.

Unfortunately, track maintenance kept us from being able to run the full quarter-mile, but we’d put it right around 13 seconds if we had to wager. In the slalom course, it felt very well balanced and there was plenty of grip thanks to standard quattro all-wheel drive.

We generally have plenty of good things to say about Audi interiors, as their blending of technology with world-class materials remains special. We did find some quirkiness to deal with, like the sliding toggle shifter with tiny “Park” button, but features like the panoramic glass roof with variable light control, great looking screens and easy to use tech make it well worthwhile. An available Exclusive Design Package adds poplar wood inlays, Nappa leather with diamond stitching, stainless steel trim and Audi S badging. Rear seat accommodations are equally luxurious, with plentiful legroom and headroom for adults.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 20 city, 29 highway, and 23 combined. We averaged 29.1 mpg in our drive loop. A6 pricing starts at $65,495, with top Prestige starting at $73,595.

In a world of overpriced and over the top utility vehicles, the 2026 Audi A6 may be an outlier, but it offers way more performance and style than before, while continuing to push the boundaries of tech infusion. All of these things blend together in a seamless and luxurious manner that few other vehicles can match, which does indeed make the A6 a truly special vehicle to drive.

Specifications

As Tested
Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged V6Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch automaticHorsepower: 362Torque: 406 lb-ftEPA: 20 City | 29 Highway | 23 Combined

MW Fuel Economy: 29.1 mpg (Premium)0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds1/4 Mile: N/ABraking, 60-0: N/A