2026 Audi A6 Sedan Revealed

The traditional sedan may not dominate showrooms like it once did, but it is far from extinct. Audi is proving that with its all-new next-generation A6 Sedan. Even as crossovers and sport utility vehicles flood the market, Audi is standing by its roots with a sleek, combustion-powered four-door that balances technology, elegance, and performance. This is not just a refresh—it is a bold statement that there is still room for sedans in the modern world.

The new Audi A6 arrives looking very familiar if you have already seen the A6 Avant, which debuted just weeks earlier. The sedan version mirrors the wagon in design, with the only major difference being its trunk instead of a hatch. Audi’s decision to showcase this version without the sportier S Line trim is surprising, especially since manufacturers often flaunt the highest-end versions first. However, this is still not the base model—it strikes a nice middle ground.

Visually, the gas-powered A6 avoids the split-headlight design seen on its fully electric sibling, the A6 E-Tron. That alone will win over many purists. These two A6 variants share little beyond the name. The combustion model is built on the Premium Platform Combustion, which it shares with the new A5, while the E-Tron sits on the electric-only Premium Platform Electric developed alongside Porsche.

There will not be a new A7 Sportback anytime soon, so if you are looking for a gas-powered Audi with a hatch, the A6 Avant will be your only choice. That said, the sedan holds its own with a wide taillight bar across the rear and actual functioning dual exhaust tips. No more fake vents here—Audi has been listening. The design also includes small black winglets in the rear bumper, which might not be everyone’s favorite detail, but they do help with airflow.

From an engineering standpoint, the new A6 is Audi’s most aerodynamic gas-powered car ever, thanks to a drag coefficient of just 0.23. It is slightly longer than the previous model, now measuring 196.5 inches from bumper to bumper. The wheelbase holds steady at 115.1 inches. Audi offers wheels ranging from 21 to 23 inches, with a forged tri-color design available for those who want something a little more eye-catching.

Step inside and it is instantly familiar if you have been in the new A6 Avant. The cabin features Audi’s triple-display layout, including an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch center infotainment screen. An optional 10.9-inch display sits in front of the passenger, and honestly, the dashboard looks like it was designed with that third screen in mind—skip it, and it feels a bit empty.

Audi admitted that interior quality had dipped in recent years, but the brand is making a conscious effort to reverse that trend. Sound insulation is up by 30 percent, thanks to acoustic rear window glazing and better sealing all around. New bushings for the engine and transmission mounts, as well as improved gear teeth inside the dual-clutch gearbox, make for a quieter, smoother ride.

In terms of practicality, the sedan offers 17.37 cubic feet of trunk space behind the foldable 40:20:40 rear seats. That is slightly less than the A6 Avant, which provides 17.76 cubic feet of space with the seats up and a generous 54.17 cubic feet with them folded. Once the plug-in hybrid versions arrive, expect a small dip in cargo room due to battery packaging.

For now, Audi is keeping things internal combustion only. The base model runs on a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, sent to the front wheels. A more powerful 3.0-liter V6 mild-hybrid setup delivers 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with Quattro all-wheel drive. There is also a 2.0-liter diesel engine using 48-volt hybrid technology, good for 201 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The diesel can be front- or all-wheel drive, with up to 70 percent of power directed to the rear axle.

Until the S6 variant is released, the V6 will be the quickest version. It can hit 62 miles per hour in just 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 miles per hour. There is even an optional rear differential for improved handling. While the RS6 is expected to return only as an Avant, Audi fans are hoping for a comeback of the RS6 Sedan, especially since the RS7 Sportback is reportedly being phased out.

Technology and comfort features are plentiful. Buyers can equip the A6 with as many as 20 speakers, four-zone climate control, soft-close doors, and rear-wheel steering. There is even a panoramic sunroof that turns transparent or opaque with a simple touch.

In Germany, the new A6 is priced from €55,500, which is roughly $63,000. Deliveries begin this summer in Europe. As for the United States market, we will probably not see this updated A6 until the 2026 model year, since the current version has already rolled over into the 2025 model year here.

The Audi A6 might not shout for attention like a flashy crossover, but it speaks clearly to those who still appreciate the style, dynamics, and practicality of a proper sedan.