2018 Audi A6 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

For a vehicle that has not undergone a full redesign in 6 years, you would think that the Audi A6 is dwindling in popularity and doesn't have anything exciting to offer. If you assume that, though, you are gravely mistaken. The 2018 Audi A6 might not have the latest in Audi technology, but it more than makes up for this with its multiple engine options, easy-to-use touchscreen interface, and decent fuel economy from high-powered engines.

What's New for 2018?

There are quite a few notable changes that have been made to the 2018 Audi A6. First, standard features now include keyless ignition, keyless entry, a bigger MMI, and navigation. All of the 3.0-L V6 engines are now capable of getting 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Also new is the Competition package, which includes features previously found on the now-defunct Competition Prestige trim.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Audi A6 – The Pros

1. The Fuel Economy

For being such powerful engines, all of the engine options get relatively good fuel economies. The base 2.0T trim is able to get 28 mpg combined on the 7-speed automated manual transmission with AWD while the 8-speed shiftable automatic with AWD gets 26 combined mpg. In fact, all of the vehicles seem to get about 26-28 combined mpg.

2. A User-Friendly Infotainment System

The 2018 Audi A6 has one of the most intuitive infotainment interfaces that you can find on a vehicle in this class. Although the head-up touchscreen display looks a bit awkward in its position, it is very easy to use and does not require that the driver spend much time learning the settings.

3. Superior Handling and Steering

Steering and especially handling are quite refined on the A6. Maneuvering is incredibly simple when taking it easy on slow-speed roads, and difficulty only slightly increases as you go faster. Handling feels confident and secure, especially on the AWD models. There is minimal body roll, so the A6 handles twists and turns with the spunk of a coupe.

4. A Spacious Interior

For a vehicle in its class, the 2018 Audi A6 is surprisingly spacious on the interior. Up front, there is plenty of room thanks to the well-sculpted dash and appropriately placed armrests. In the rear, there is plenty of head, shoulder, and leg room. Even taller adults won't have a problem fitting into the back seat.

5. High-Quality Materials

The materials Audi uses on the A6 are truly exquisite and seem quite luxurious. Each surface in the vehicle shines with newness and is smooth to touch. The buttons and knobs found throughout the cabin are constructed with hard and durable materials and do not seem prone to wear-and-tear over time.

6. Swift Acceleration

The 2018 Audi A6 has a ton of get-up-and-go power. The 3.0T can get from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 5 seconds, which is superb for a vehicle of this size. Also, the 8-speed automatic transmission provides some of the most fluid shifting you can find, making acceleration feel like a breeze.

7. Secure Braking

Drivers should feel confident while braking in the A6, especially with the sticky summer tires equipped. The A6 can make a panic stop in just about 111 feet when going from 60 to 0 mph. The brakes have a nice, firm feel to them, and the vehicle possesses a ton of control while braking.

8. Comfortable Seats

The A6 has some of the most comfortable seats you can find. You can drive around for hours without getting aches and pains in your spine due to how well-bolstered and highly-adjustable the front seats are. The rear seats are also quite well-padded and provide passengers with a lot of comfort.

9. Easy to Get In and Out

Since the doors open out wide, getting in and out of the vehicle is not a problem. Those sitting in the back won't have to contort their bodies to try to get in or out without bumping their heads or shoulders on the door frame since the roofline is given enough height and the doors are wide.

10. Well-Designed Dash

The dash might look downplayed to some, but its design is chic in its simplicity. There are just enough physical controls, and enough of them are mounted on the steering wheel. The center stack looks refined, and everything is clearly marked and well-organized.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Audi A6 – The Cons

1. Lacks Audi's High-Tech Gadgetry

The 2018 Audi A6 isn't as high-tech as some of its Audi siblings. Virtual Cockpit and other aspects of Audi's current MMI interface are noticeably missing on the A6, and these features are definitely nice to have on an expensive luxury vehicle.

2. The Ride Lacks Some Refinement

While the standard tires and suspension are suitable for most people, the optional 20-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension give the vehicle a seriously diminished sense of compliance when trudging over rough road surfaces. Overall, it is best to just avoid these options. They aren't worth the price.

3. A Tiny Trunk

As is typical of this segment, the A6 has a tiny trunk. However, it is even tinier than most of the competition. The A6 only offers 14 cubic feet of space with the rear seat up. You will have to be creative with how you tote bulky items around.

4. Lacks Some Rear Visibility

Forward visibility is somewhat hindered by bulky roof pillars, and it's even harder to see out the rear. This is due to the unreasonably small rear window. Unfortunately, this means you will need to familiarize yourself with the touchscreen interface and rearview camera in order to back up, although these features work quite well.

How it Stacks up to the Competition:

2018 Audi A6 vs. 2018 BMW 5-Series

The 2018 BMW 5-Series is one of the A6's biggest competitors with its multiple powerful powertrain options, chic cabin design, and a massive list of standard features. However, the 5-Series only has optional blind spot monitoring.

2018 Audi A6 vs. 2018 Jaguar XF

The 2018 Jaguar XF is gifted with a generously large trunk and has impressive handling abilities. On the downside, the XF lacks standard split folding rear seats and gives a bit of a bumpy ride.

Conclusion

The 2018 Audi A6 is surprisingly holding up well over time. While the 2018 Audi A6 hasn't given drivers a ton of ride refinement or cargo space, it is extremely comfortable and secure to ride around in. Those who aren't tech-savvy will appreciate the A6's understated glamor and user-friendliness.