Audi A6 2024 review
Photo: Damian B Oh, via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The 2024 Audi A6 is the C8-generation executive car in its final full model year on sale in the UK, sold as a four-door saloon and a five-door Avant estate. It goes head-to-head with the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. UK prices started from around £44,000 for the saloon and £46,000 for the Avant, with a simple four-step trim ladder: Sport, S line, Black Edition and range-topping Vorsprung. Engine choice ran from a 204PS 2.0-litre petrol (40 TFSI) and a 204PS 2.0-litre diesel (40 TDI) with mild-hybrid tech, through a 45 TFSI petrol with quattro all-wheel drive, a 3.0-litre V6 diesel (50 TDI), and a 50 TFSI e plug-in hybrid.
The 40 TDI diesel is the smart UK pick, especially for high-mileage private buyers and fleets. For 2024 it pairs the 2.0-litre turbodiesel with quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic, officially returning 49.6–50.4mpg on the WLTP cycle with 148g/km of CO2. That is genuinely impressive for a car this size, although company-car drivers still face a benefit-in-kind tax band of around 34%. With a 63-litre fuel tank, a theoretical range of nearly 700 miles between fills is on the cards.
The cabin remains the A6's trump card. Twin MMI touchscreens (10.1-inch and 8.6-inch) with standard navigation, Audi's virtual cockpit, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a build quality that still embarrasses newer rivals all come as standard. Sport trim brings 18-inch alloys, heated front seats and full LED lighting; S line adds the sporty body kit and lowered suspension; Black Edition brings darkened styling details; and Vorsprung is fully loaded with adaptive air suspension, dynamic all-wheel steering and a panoramic roof. The saloon swallows 530 litres of luggage, rising to 565 litres in the Avant, both with 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats as standard.
No car is perfect. The S tronic gearbox can dither at low speeds in town, and ride quality deteriorates on the bigger wheels fitted to S line cars and above. UK reviews have also flagged a patchier-than-expected reliability record for the C8. But as a refined, frugal, beautifully built executive cruiser — and with late C8 A6s holding their value well on the used market — the 2024 A6 40 TDI remains one of the most complete all-rounders in its class.
Related reviews: Audi A1 2024 review · Audi A3 2024 review · Audi A4 2024 review
UK price from: £44,000
Specifications
| Engine | 2.0L turbo diesel (1968 cc) with 12V mild hybrid |
| Power | 204 PS (201 bhp) |
| Torque | 400 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 7.4 seconds |
| Top speed | 153 mph |
| Transmission | 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive | quattro all-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | 49.6 - 50.4 mpg combined (WLTP) |
| CO2 emissions | 148 g/km (WLTP) |
| Boot space | 530 litres (saloon); 565 litres (Avant) |
| Kerb weight | 1,705 kg |
| Insurance group | 34E - 35 |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles |
Features
- 2.0-litre 40 TDI diesel (204PS, 400Nm) with 12V mild-hybrid tech, quattro all-wheel drive and a 7-speed S tronic gearbox
- 49.6–50.4mpg WLTP combined economy with 148g/km CO2 and a theoretical ~700-mile tank range
- Twin MMI touchscreens (10.1-inch + 8.6-inch) with navigation and Audi virtual cockpit
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the Audi smartphone interface
- Full LED headlights, heated front seats and 18-inch alloys on Sport trim
- Audi pre-sense front, lane-departure warning, cruise control and parking system plus fitted as standard
- 530-litre saloon boot (565 litres in the Avant) with 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats
- Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating (tested 2018)
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £59.99 | Pattern part; OEM specification |
| Oil filter | £12.99 | |
| Cabin pollen filter | £19.99 | Activated-carbon type |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £24.99 | 26in/22in flat blades |
| 12V battery | £109.99 | |
| Engine air filter | £16.99 |
Pros
- Outstanding long-distance economy: over 50mpg WLTP and a near-700-mile range from the 40 TDI
- Beautifully built cabin with slick twin-screen MMI tech and virtual cockpit
- Quattro all-wheel drive gives year-round confidence, especially in the Avant
- Strong residuals — late C8 A6s hold their value well on the used market
- Big, practical boot (530L saloon / 565L Avant) with standard split-folding seats
Cons
- 148g/km CO2 means a punishing ~34% BIK band for company-car drivers
- The S tronic gearbox can feel hesitant at low speeds around town
- Ride turns jiggly on the larger wheels of S line and Black Edition cars
- The options list is expensive — Technology Pack adds around £3,000, Tech Pack Pro about £6,000
- The reliability record is patchier than the premium badge suggests
