Since we’ve already compared the Audi A3 and A4, as well as the A4 and A5, we felt it was time to compare the A4 and A6. There are a lot of distinctions between the Audi A4 and the A6, which is why we chose to focus on them instead of a few other models in our comparison series. A variety of factors, including cost, size, performance, regularity of problems, and reliability, will be discussed. Here we’ll compare the A4 and the A6 in addition to their respective Allroads in terms of pricing and size.
Audi A4 vs A6: An Introduction
Audi has been making the A4 sedan since its debut in 1994. In Audi’s lineup, the A4 sits between the A3 and the A5, serving as the company’s entry-level executive sedan. There have been five generations of the A4 throughout its almost three decade lifespan, so we’ll focus on the most recent two. Both the 4th generation (B8/B8.5 A4) and the 5th generation (B9 A4) were constructed on the MLB platform; the latter was upgraded for the 5th generation. The A4 has been produced in a wide variety of body styles during its lifetime, from the standard 4-door sedan to the 5-door Avant to the 2-door cabriolet (convertible) to the allroad. The S4 is the only A4 sport trim available.
Audi has been making the A6 since its debut in 1995. The Audi A6 is a high-end sedan that slots between the A5 and the A7. The A6 has 5 distinct generations and, like the A4, has been in production for over 30 years. Both the C7 A6 (fourth generation) and the C8 A6 (fifth generation) were developed on the MLB platform. Four-door sedan, five-door Avant, and allroad are some of the several body styles that the A6 has had throughout the years. There are two performance-oriented A6 models—the S6 and the RS 6 Avant, which happens to be one of our all-time favorite Audis.
Audi A4 Generations
- B5 A4: 1994-2001
- B6 A4: 2001-2006
- B7 A4: (2004-2009)
- B8/B8.5 A4: 2009-2016
- B9 A4: 2016-2023
Audi A6 Generations
- C4 A6: 1995-1997
- C5 A6: 1998-2004
- C6 A6: 2005-2011
- C7 A6: 2012-2018
- C8 A6: 2019-Present
The Difference in Cost Between the A4 vs Audi A6
Here we will discuss the MSRP and average mileage for a brand new A4 and A6 for the year 2022.
Current Market Value of the Audi A4
Here we’ll discuss the current pricing for the all-new A4 for the year 2022. The A4 may be had with either a 40 TFSI or a 45 TFSI engine. Pricing begins at $39,900 for the base Premium A4, $44,600 for the Premium Plus, and $50,200 for the top-tier Prestige model of the A4 40 TFSI quattro®. A Premium A4 45 TFSI quattro® costs $42,000, a Premium Plus model costs $46,200, and a Prestige model costs $50,900. There is just one engine option for the A4 Allroad, and it’s a 45 TFSI. The base price of an A4 allroad Premium is $45,500, the base price of an A4 allroad Premium Plus is $49,700, and the base price of an A4 allroad Prestige is $55,400.
New A6 Audi Cost
Here we’ll talk about the current asking costs for the A6 for the year 2022. The Audi A6 offers two alternative engine options, the 45 TFSI and the 55 TFSI, much as the A4. Both the Premium and Premium Plus versions of the A6 45 TFSI quattro® can be had for a starting price of between £46,900 and £49,800, respectively. In contrast, the base price of an Audi A6 55 TFSI quattro® is £49,800, while the Premium Plus model begins at £53,200 and the Prestige model begins at £58,300. Only the 55 TFSI engine is available in the Prestige level.
The A6 also comes in an allroad configuration, much like the A4. It comes with a single 55 TFSI engine. Prices for the Premium Plus A6 allroad 55 TFSI quattro® begin at £55,700 and the Prestige A6 55 quattro® begins at £60,800. The base price of a premium S6 is £62,500, while the base price of an RS 6 Avant is £98,400.
Those interested in learning more about the distinctions between Audi trim levels, here is an essay we prepared on the subject.
Average price cost of Pre-Owned Audi A4s and A6s
Used Audi A4s and A6s are priced similarly to brand-new vehicles. This means that the A6 is often more costly than the A4 because of its bigger size. Given the longevity of both models, we will base pricing on each model’s most favored generations. Depending on the year and mileage of your pre-owned B8/B8.5 A4s, you may expect to pay anything from £5,995 to £26,200* for it. Based on factors like as age, condition, mileage, and location, the price of a used C7 A6 may vary from £6,700 to £45,600*.
New and pre-owned A6s are more costly as it’s a more more premium model. Does the Audi A6 justify its higher price tag?
A4 vs A6 Size
The Audi A6 is a big car in every way compared to the smaller Audi A4, which is why the A6 is considered an executive automobile of the two cars. The A6’s extra size is the only noticeable difference between the two vehicles. Only 1.7 inches between the standard A4 and the larger A6. However, the increased storage capacity is precisely why we incorporated the allroad’s. We wanted to point out that allroads are a good alternative for those who require greater cargo room for a relatively little price increase.
Boot Space
Boot If you’re looking for a vehicle with a large boot, you’ll probably go toward the A6 as it’s a bigger car. There is 530 litres of boot space available in the saloon, but if you need more, the Estate version’s 586 litres of space will appeal. To give more space to around 1,680 litres one can fold the rear seats. This extra space is great for long journeys or holidays.
Seating
Both can accommodate five people. For front-seat passengers, the A4 has a little bit more headroom and legroom, but the A6 is considerably roomier if you often have guests in the rear.
Audi A4 vs A6 Power
For uniformity’s sake, we’ll use the A4 and A6 performance standards from 2022.
Concerning engines, Transmissions, and Gas Mileage
A4 Engine Power
For the A4, you may choose between two alternative engine options: the 2.0T TFSI and the 2.0T TFSI. All three tiers of the Premium lineup (Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige) have both engines. All-wheel drive (AWD) in the form of Audi’s Quattro® and a dual-clutch 7-speed S Tronic automatic gearbox are also normal. There are two different TFSI quattro® engines available: the 40 TFSI produces 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, while the 45 TFSI generates 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. There is no difference between the 45 TFSI in the standard A4 and the allroad version.
Fuel Economy
With a combined 26/34 mpg, the 40 TFSI engine achieves 29 mpg with a 15.3-gallon fuel tank. With the 45 TFSI engine, you can get 24 city mpg and 31 highway mpg, for a total mpg of 27. The vehicle has a 15.3-gallon fuel tank. The A4 allroad 45 TFSI achieves 24 city mpg and 30 highway mpg for a total mpg of 26 on a 15.3-gallon fuel tank.
A6 Engine Power
The A6 being the larger car has two more engine choices: the 2.0T TFSI 45 TFSI and the 55 TFSI (3.0T TFSI). Both engines are available in the Premium & Premium Plus trims, however the 55 TFSI is the sole engine offered in the Prestige grade. All-wheel drive (AWD) in the form of Audi’s Quattro® and a dual-clutch 7-speed S Tronic automatic gearbox are also standard. There are 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque available from the 45 TFSI engine. Nonetheless, the 55 TFSI engine generates 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Allroad models of the A6 are only available in Premium Plus and Prestige trims, while sharing the very same 55 TFSI engine as the standard A6.
With a fuel tank capacity of 19.3 gallons, the 45 TFSI motor has a combined mileage rating of 26 miles per gallon while achieving just 23 mpg in the town and 32 mpg on the interstate. The 55 TFSI has a combined 24 mpg with a 19.3 gallon fuel tank, with city mileage at 21 mpg and highway mileage at 30 mpg. Last but not least, the A6 allroad 55 TFSI achieves a combined 23 mpg with a 19.3-gallon fuel tank, 21 mpg inside the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Common Problems and Dependability of the A4 and A6
Audi A4
Do you have faith in the Audi A4’s dependability? RepairPal rates the A4’s dependability at 3.5 from out 5. Therefore, out of 31 premium midsize automobiles, the Audi A4 has the 14th-best dependability. Avoid buying an Audi A4 used anytime between 2009 and 2014. The A4 has the average yearly operating expenses of all premium midsize vehicles, or £624.
Engine misfires owing to early ignition coil and spark plug failure, PCV valve failure, and excessive oil consumption are all issues that have been seen in A4s since 2011. Many A4s have made it through 200,000 miles without a problem. For solutions to particular issues with the A4 generation, please see the blogs we’ve linked to below.
Audi A6
Have you had any issues with your Audi A6? RepairPal claims the A6’s dependability is above-average. They grade the A6’s dependability at 3.5 stars, which is higher than the standard for premium full-size cars, which is 2.5 stars. The Audi A6 ranks 8th among 30 premium full-size automobiles in this category. We do not recommend purchasing a used Audi A6 from the years 2000, 2003-2006, 2011, 2013, 2016, or 2019. The A6 has a lower total cost of ownership than other premium full-size vehicles (£825 vs £9300) by around £110 a year.
Failures in the following components are frequent in A6s: the indicator cluster, the water pump, the torque converter, the thermostat, the ABS control module, the oil leak, and the CV boot/joint. With regular servicing, some A6s have lasted up to 300,000 miles, while others have lasted 150,000. However, for continued reliable operation beyond 100,000 miles, a number of engine parts will need to be replaced.
Which Is Better, an A4 or an A6?
We find that the question of whether model is superior to be very subjective. It’s difficult for us to recommend a certain model to every customer. If you don’t require large luxury sedans, though, the A4 is your best bet. Each are equally technologically advanced and safe, with 5-star ratings for both. The A6 has a stronger 3.0T TFSI engine, but the A4 has superior gas economy. The A4 has a more athletic appearance, whereas the A6 is more subdued. The A4’s cabin is less complex than the A6’s, but the A6 has superior materials and technology. Which one is best depends on your own personal preferences as a buyer.
Audi A4 Vs A6 Final Thoughts
Last but not least, getting a car, especially a high-end one, is a major investment. With any luck, you’ll be able to use the preceding data to inform your choice. The A4 is a smaller, more fuel-efficient car that offers greater value. The A6 is a more spacious sedan that offers more powerful powertrains and higher levels of dependability. The Audi A4 and A6 also come with an allroad trim level for those who need more cargo room. Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions on both in the space provided below. Both our research and the research of future readers will benefit from this.
