2026 Audi A6 TFSI First Drive: Old-School Sedan Meets New-School Audi

2026 Audi A6 TFSI First Drive: Old-School Sedan Meets New-School Audi Driven Car Reviews · Jul 20, 2026

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Term

four wheel steering

Most cars steer only with the front wheels. Four-wheel steering lets the rear wheels also turn, which can make the car easier to handle at low speeds and steadier at highway speeds.

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gas-only powertrain

“Gas-only” means the car runs on gasoline and doesn’t have an electric motor doing the driving. It’s the opposite of a hybrid or an EV.

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Premium Platform Combustion Architecture

A “platform” is the underlying engineering foundation a car is built on. PPC is Audi’s newer foundation for gas-powered cars, helping them build modern cars without switching to an electric-only design.

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midcycle refresh

Car makers often update a model halfway through its life with small changes. The host is saying this A6 won’t get that kind of mid-life makeover—at least not in the usual way.

Car

Genesis G80

The Genesis G80 is another luxury sedan. The host brings it up to compare how much it costs versus the Audi A6 when you add similar options.

Car

BMW 540i X-Drive

This is a BMW 5 Series sedan (the 540i) with all-wheel drive (xDrive). The host is using it to show how much more (or less) comparable trims cost compared with the Audi.

Car

Mercedes E450

The Mercedes E450 is a Mercedes luxury sedan. The host is comparing prices and saying it can be much more expensive than the Audi A6 for similar equipment.

Car

Audi Etron

An Audi e-tron is an all-electric Audi, meaning it runs on a battery instead of gas. The tricky part is that Audi uses “e-tron” in several model names, so it can be easy to mix up which one you’re looking at. The podcast is likely clarifying that confusion.

Car

A6 Sportback Etron

An A6 e-tron is an electric version of the Audi A6 line. The podcast is warning that the name can be confusing because there are multiple Audi electric models with similar labels. It also notes that this one is built on a specific electric platform, which helps identify the exact car.

Term

PPE or premium platform electric architecture

PPE is Audi’s electric-car “foundation.” It’s designed so the battery and electric parts fit well, which helps the car work better as an EV.

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EV

An EV is a car that runs on electricity from a battery, not gasoline. The host is comparing the electric A6 to the gas A6.

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TP trunk test

The “TP trunk test” is a fun way to check how practical a car’s trunk is by trying to fit everyday items. The host is saying they don’t have time to do that at events.

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cubic feet

Cubic feet is a way to measure how much space the trunk has. The host is using it to compare how much you can fit in each A6.

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40-20-40 split

That “40-20-40 split” means the back seat folds in sections. You can fold just part of it to fit longer items while still keeping some seating available.

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three-liter turbocharged V6

This is a gas engine with six cylinders in a V shape, and it’s turbocharged. The turbo helps the engine make more power than a non-turbo version of the same size.

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torque

Torque is the engine’s pulling strength. More torque usually helps with quick starts and passing, even before you reach the highest speeds.

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horsepower

Horsepower is a number that tells you how strong the engine is. Higher horsepower generally means the car can accelerate more strongly.

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7-speed dual clutch transmission

This is a gearbox that shifts fast by using two clutches at the same time—one ready for the next gear. It helps the car feel quicker because power delivery doesn’t get interrupted as much.

Car

Audi Quattro

Quattro is Audi’s system for driving with all four wheels instead of just two. The podcast says this car has Quattro all-wheel drive, and it also has all-wheel steering. Together, those features are meant to help the car grip the road and feel easier to control.

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all wheel steering

All-wheel steering means the rear wheels also help steer, not just the front wheels. It can make the car easier to maneuver at low speeds and more stable at higher speeds.

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Audi Drive Select

Audi Drive Select is a set of driving modes that change how the car responds. You pick a mode and the car adjusts things like steering and throttle feel.

Term

adaptive air suspension

Adaptive air suspension uses air-filled springs instead of metal springs. It can automatically adjust the ride to be softer or firmer depending on how you’re driving.

Car

Audi S6

The Audi S6 is a sportier, higher-performance version of the A6. It’s designed to drive more aggressively than a standard model, and it can include advanced suspension features. The podcast is mentioning it because the available performance setups and options can be confusing.

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Sport Plus package

Sport Plus is an option package that adds extra sporty features to the car. Here, it includes steering and drivetrain upgrades plus a suspension change to make it feel more performance-focused.

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spool rear differential

A rear differential splits torque between the left and right rear wheels, allowing them to rotate at different speeds in turns. A “sport” rear differential typically adds more aggressive behavior (often via limited-slip strategies) to improve traction and cornering response.

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coil spring sport setup

Instead of air suspension, this setup uses normal metal springs. It also lowers the car by 20 millimeters, which can make it feel more planted and sporty.

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zero to sixty

Zero to sixty is how fast the car accelerates from a stop to 60 mph. It’s a simple way to compare how quick different cars feel.

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electronically governed

“Electronically governed” means the car has a computer limit on its top speed. Even if the engine could push harder, the software stops it at the set maximum.

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acoustically treated glass

This is special glass that’s designed to block more road and wind noise. The goal is a quieter ride inside the car.

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foam insulation rings

These are foam pieces placed inside the tire area to quiet down the noise the tires make. It helps the car feel more refined, especially on rough or fast roads.

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variable ratio steering

Fixed variable ratio steering means the steering system changes how much the wheels turn relative to steering-wheel input in a way that varies across the steering range. It’s designed to improve low-speed maneuverability while keeping high-speed steering stable.

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Quattro all-wheel drive

Quattro all-wheel drive is Audi’s system that sends power to all four wheels for better traction and stability. It helps the car maintain grip in poor weather and can improve confidence when accelerating or cornering.

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transmission kicks down

A transmission “kicks down” is the downshift behavior where the gearbox rapidly selects a lower gear when you request more power. It’s often noticeable as a quick change in engine speed and acceleration response.

Car

A6 e-tron EV

This is the electric Audi A6. Instead of burning gas, it’s powered by electricity, so there isn’t a hybrid setup mixing gas and electric.

Term

hybrid option

A hybrid is a car that uses both gas and electricity. The host is saying this electric A6 doesn’t have a hybrid version to choose from.

Term

EPA

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) publishes standardized fuel-economy ratings for vehicles sold in the U.S. The host references the EPA number to give a comparable, official estimate of how efficient the Audi A6 is.

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premium fuel

Premium fuel is a higher-grade gasoline. The host is saying the car’s stated efficiency assumes you use that higher-octane gas.

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adjustable side bolsters

These are parts of the seat that can squeeze in or out to support your sides. It helps the seat fit your body better so you feel more held in.

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heated, vented

Heated seats warm you up, and vented seats push air to keep you cooler. Together they help the seat feel comfortable in different temperatures.

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electrochromic

Electrochromic glass can automatically darken or lighten with a switch. It helps block sun and glare without needing a separate shade you have to pull down.

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digital stage

Audi calls its screen-and-display setup the “digital stage.” It’s basically the car’s digital dashboard experience, and the host likes that it can be customized and responds well to touch.

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haptic pedals

Haptic pedals are controls that can “feel” different to your foot using feedback like vibration or resistance. They’re meant to give a more natural feel even though the system is more electronic than old-school pedals.

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roller knobs

Roller knobs are like physical dials you rotate. They’re often used so you can adjust things by feel instead of relying on touch screens.

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Natural voice commands

Natural voice commands are voice controls that understand more normal speech. Instead of tapping menus, you can talk to the car to do things while keeping your eyes forward.

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heated steering wheel

A heated steering wheel warms the wheel so your hands feel better in the cold. Here, the host shows it can be turned on using voice control.

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data plan

A data plan is the ongoing internet service the car uses after the free trial. Without it, some connected features may stop working or become limited.

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head-up display

A head-up display shows driving info on the windshield. It helps you keep your eyes on the road because you don’t have to look down as much.

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Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay connects your iPhone to the car so you can use supported apps on the car screen. It can include navigation and music, and here it’s mentioned as wireless.

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Android Auto

Android Auto lets you connect your Android phone to the car and use certain apps on the car’s screen. It’s designed to make it easier to use navigation and music without handling your phone.

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wireless

Wireless means your phone can connect to the car without plugging in a cable. That makes it easier to use features like maps and music.

Brand

Bang & Olufsen

Bang & Olufsen is a well-known premium audio company. In this car, the host says their upgraded sound system is especially strong and sounds great.

Term

810 watts

810 watts is a measure of how strong the car’s sound system is. In general, more power can help it play louder and clearer, but how it’s tuned also affects the final sound.

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4d sound system

A 3D sound system tries to make music and audio feel more “surround” and lifelike. Instead of everything coming from one spot, it’s designed to sound like it’s around you.

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Generation 9's roof technology

This refers to a newer roof design in the car. The host says it makes the front seats feel roomier overhead by giving passengers more headroom.

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dual zone climate control

This means the car can heat or cool different parts of the cabin separately. So two people can each pick their own temperature instead of sharing one setting.

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heated seats

Heated seats are seats with built-in warming. In this car, the side rear seats get the heat, which helps on cold days.

Car

A6 Sportback e-tron

This is the electric version of the Audi A6 in a Sportback (sloping rear) body style. The host is comparing how it looks versus the standard A6, and that design difference also affects airflow.

Term

drag coefficient

Drag coefficient is a measure of how “slippery” the car is through the air. Lower is better for efficiency, especially when you’re driving faster.

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tail lamps

Tail lamps are the rear lights on the car. The host is saying the 2026 A6’s rear lights aren’t just for showing up at night—they’re part of a more advanced system that can also help warn drivers behind you.

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DRLs

DRLs are the lights that turn on during the day so other drivers can see you more easily. The host is saying Audi lets you customize the look of those daytime lights.

Car

2026 Audi A6

The Audi A6 is a luxury car that’s meant to feel smooth and comfortable, but still fun to drive. In this episode, the host says the 2026 A6 feels especially good to drive and has a lot of modern tech, while still being a classic sedan.

Car

Ford Edge

The Ford Edge is a mid-size SUV that’s meant for daily driving. It’s built to feel comfortable and quiet, but it also aims to be fun to drive. The podcast mentions it because it has a lot of features and technology for different kinds of drivers.

Term

piano black

Piano black is a shiny, dark trim finish that looks like a glossy piano. The host is wondering if it will stay looking nice as the years go by, since shiny surfaces can get smudges and scratches more easily.

LIVE

All right, this has four-wheel steering.

Let's check and see how good it is.

Ooh, nice.

Nice, nice, nice.

Sedans, historically America's overwhelming vehicle of choice, they've been dropped from

some automakers' rosters due to, as we all know, the shift to SUVs.

Audi sees value in the institution of four doors.

The new 2026 A6 TFSi is as conventional as the genre gets, right down to its traditional

gas-only powertrain.

But A6, as I'll be calling it going forward, is not a fossil.

Generation 9 is built on the new Premium Platform Combustion Architecture, or PPC.

No mid-cycle refresh here, consider it old-school in new-school fashion.

I'm in Newport Beach, California, at an Audi-sponsored event.

Audi says the ninth generation's pricing is risen by $1,500, but it now includes scheduled

maintenance, so it's kind of a wash.

Plus, there's a lot of extra standard kit now.

So, the pricing has actually gone down considerably.

A base trim starts at $65,400 with destination, but who buys a base A6?

I'm testing a fully-option prestige trim, $74,000 as tested.

I think the sweet spot is the Premium Plus, $69,000, and at that price, it's a pretty

good deal.

Comparably kitted out to my tester, Genesis G80 pricing, taxed $6,000 on to the Audi's

tab, BMW 540i X-Drive adds $2,000 over that, and Mercedes E450 easily an extra $15,000

large over the Audi.

Now, all of the competition can be had for less money, but it means dropping down to

four-cylinder engines.

There could be confusion at the Audi showroom because of the A6 Sportback e-tron that's

built on the PPE or premium platform electric architecture.

Yep, it's an EV that can easily travel 300 miles in juice-up, lickety-split.

Sportback means hatchback, and the e-tron is more useful than the A6 TFSI, which truly

is a traditional sedan.

I can't do the TP trunk test at events, I don't have time, plus, you know, the folks

in Seattle, they know me at Orange County.

The Costco people would look at me like, what, you want to do what?

And I can't blame them.

This has the ability to hold up to 13.5 cubic feet of stuff.

That's an easy two sets of golf clubs, a couple very large suitcases, or six packs of the

two-ply no sweat.

A6 e-tron, on the other hand, pretty much doubles that space.

Like many vehicles these days, no spare, though it looks like the cavity the organizer nestles

into could be replaced with a space saver.

There are all sorts of small touches that help with usefulness back here.

Remote seat releases are not among them.

Owners will be going around to the rear doors to drop the backs when expanding utility.

It sure helps, Audi doesn't offer numbers, I'll guesstimate it at 27 cubic feet.

The Sportback e-tron scores 40 cubes.

At least there's a 40-20-40 split, I just came back from skiing, and this really helps.

It's easy to choose the powertrain, since the only motivation found behind A6's four

rings is a three-liter turbocharged V6.

It now makes 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.

That's up by 27 horses and 37 pound-feet.

Weighing 4,300 pounds, A6 is not tow rated.

Those half-dozen pistons are hooked up to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

I find the controller operation backward, I'd choose forward for drive, back for reverse.

Owners will get used to it.

There's manual control.

All A6's get Quattro all-wheel drive.

This one has all-wheel steering.

If you're familiar with this brand, you'll recognize Audi Drive Select.

The modes can be more distinct on prestige trims because of its standard adaptive air suspension.

A6 is no longer available in S6 performance tune, but we were shown the Sport Plus package

that kind of covers what enthusiasts want.

It adds all-wheel steering and a sport rear differential.

Deeply bolstered chairs get installed.

The cabin is lined with suede material and carbon fiber.

This package replaces the air suspension with a coil spring sport setup that rides 20 millimeters lower.

Sorry, we were only allowed to drive prestige A6's.

There's no way I can test acceleration in this environment,

but Audi claims the A6 is quicker now.

Zero to sixty happens in about four and a half seconds, easily a half second faster.

And in case you need to know, top speed is electronically governed at 130 miles an hour.

Maybe you live in Montana, I don't know.

Let's get out on the PCH.

Ah, the V6 pulls nicely, it's smooth, it's got a nice muted growl.

I like this engine.

A side note, in case you've come across a DJI action cam on the Pacific Coast Highway near

Newport Beach, that would be mine. Hope you're enjoying it.

Audi claims this sedan is 30 percent quieter now.

There's acoustically treated glass, all tires get foam insulation rings inside.

A6 is quiet, very, very hushed.

Also, visibility, which tends to be not so great these days, is really good.

Quite panoramic.

A6 turns with fixed variable ratio steering.

It gets quicker the more the tiller is turned.

I have no time to carve up canyon roads, but slinging this hard through a number of corners,

enthusiasts should find body roll and dive well managed in A6's most athletic dynamic setting.

Mainstream drivers will enjoy the balance.

Driving dynamics, couple things to remember.

All A6s get Quattro all-wheel drive.

This one has four-wheel steering.

And dang, if this thing isn't buttoned down.

It's comfortable, but there's a good solid dollop of sport.

The steering is precise and accurate.

Nothing's ever sloppy.

A great dynamic.

My guess is drivers that really push their machines will appreciate the Sport Plus package.

Historically, Audi is truth in advertising, not just badging and stripes.

The transmission kicks down nicely.

Super smooth, very refined.

In fact, so much so, I almost forgot to talk about it.

Devil's advocates, as slick and smooth as this machine is, the A6 e-tron EV is even more refined,

if that's your jam.

There is only one engine, so obviously no hybrid option.

When it comes to fuel economy, the EPA rates the A6 at an average of 23 miles per gallon.

And that's on specified premium fuel.

Moving on to the cabin.

It's as traditional as it can be, considering the state of screens in the automotive industry.

It's a premium vibe, maybe not quite as rich as the competitors that, in all fairness,

are more expensive than the Audi.

If it looks like wood, it is.

Same goes for metal, though I don't think the black is authentic piano.

I always wonder how this will hold up.

It tends to scratch.

Seats with adjustable side bolsters should coddle any frame.

These are heated, vented, and offer up a mild massage in this case.

Most of the storage cubbies, and there are a bunch of them,

get mouse fur to keep rattles down.

Looks better than naked plastic, too.

The glass roof is electrochromic, adjustable in many ways to keep old sol away.

This is the future, folks.

No complex physical shade to rob headroom.

There's no turning back from screens.

They offer up customization that physical gauges can't.

Audi calls it set up the digital stage, and I find it excellent.

For starters, the touch response is as good as it gets.

Icons can be rearranged to a driver's liking.

My gripe, which is common, there aren't enough hard buttons and knobs.

Understand that A6 will get some physical changes mid-2026.

For example, these haptic pedals will switch to roller knobs,

and overall, the car will get alterations that the earliest A6s cannot add with software.

Good things come to those who wait.

Yeah, I know.

A lot of people don't like touch screens,

but this has natural voice commands, and they're really, really good.

Hey, Audi, my hands are cold.

Your hands are being warm.

And it turned on the heated steering wheel.

And yes, you do have to pay for a data plan once the trial period expires,

but if you can afford this car, you can afford the service.

And if I haven't made it clear natural voice commands help keep eyes on the road,

important since even traditional sedans like this are packed with features that can distract.

The large, crisp head-up display is filled with useful information.

You want Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?

Done.

Both are wireless.

An optional screen that the driver can't see allows passengers to watch videos.

I had no issues with the phone charge pad, either.

The prestigious Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 20 speakers and 810 watts is top notch.

Generation 9's roof technology gives the front passengers two extra inches of headroom.

In back, it's the same.

And that's fine, because at 5'9", I have enough space for my noggin.

Knee and legroom are quite generous.

Footroom is good.

These cushions are very comfortable, high enough for excellent thigh support.

And the door openings, big enough to get my size 11's through.

No problem.

Everything a passenger could possibly want is on this particular car.

Storage, sunshades, not just here.

Back here, too.

Power ports, check.

A separate dual zone climate zone back here.

Also, heated seats for the outboard positions.

There are two cup holders, or no cup holders if you have three people back here.

A6's center spine is quite large.

It will cut into the middle passenger's foot room.

Is it roomy and wide enough for three passengers back here?

Yeah, I think so.

As long as they're not big adults and you're not going too far.

It's a good space.

Visually, A6 is exactly what's expected from Audi.

The sheet metal is a simpler, sleeker look than the thick, chunky A6 Sportback e-tron.

I like the athletic shoulders.

The lifted rump contributes to a drag coefficient of .31.

Tired of the German rainbow of white, silver, gray, and black?

There are actual colors available, like this firmament blue metallic, plus green,

brown, and red, too.

The lower tail section is where stopping and signaling happen.

I didn't have time to explore the incredibly deep tail lamps,

but the upper section can be customized and will even warn cars behind that they're too close.

These are deceptively complex and worth a story all by themselves.

The front DRLs can be customized as well.

That's kind of an Audi thing.

If lighting is your passion, no automaker does it quite like the four rings folks.

Summing up the 2026 Audi A6 in my short time with it, the driving dynamics are excellent.

Comfortable, quiet with a sporty edge, something for everybody.

The tech is very deep, but usable, and it looks great.

Also, it's a sedan.

Not many of those happen in these days.

Negatives?

Well, it's a sedan, and it's not going to be as useful as a hatchback

or an SUV.

And while I love the natural voice commands, yeah, you do have to pay for a data plan.

Pretty common.

And I'm kind of curious how the piano black will hold up over the years.

Before I go, full disclosure, Audi brought me down to California, put me up and fed me.

But opinions are my own.

And really, you know, if they don't invite me back, so be it.

But really, this is a good vehicle at a good price.

You should really check it out if you're looking for a luxury sedan.

About this episode

The 2026 Audi A6 TFSI is framed as an old-school, gas-only sedan—complete with four-wheel steering—built on Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion Architecture (PPC). The host breaks down the drivetrain (seven-speed dual-clutch, Quattro, and Sport Plus changes), then contrasts it with the A6 Sportback e-tron’s naming and practicality. Cabin tech gets attention too: natural voice, connected-service data-plan costs, and a “digital stage.” Rear-seat comfort, aero, and customizable lighting round it out.

40-20-40 split 4d sound system 7-speed dual clutch transmission 810 watts acoustically treated glass adaptive air suspension adjustable side bolsters all wheel steering Android Auto Apple CarPlay

Audi A6 Audi A6 e-tron Audi e-tron Audi Quattro Audi S6 BMW 5 Series Ford Edge Genesis G80

Original notes

The new 2026 Audi A6 TFSI proves the traditional luxury sedan isn't dead yet. Built on Audi's new Premium Platform Combustion architecture, this ninth-generation A6 sticks with Audi's proven formula- a turbocharged 3 -liter V6, quattro all-wheel drive, and a classic four-door layout. Gen 9 but layers in more performance, a quieter, more refined ride and modern tech.

In this first-drive review from Newport Beach, CA, I cover pricing, trims, driving dynamics, interior tech, cargo space, and how the A6 stacks up against rivals like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Genesis G80.

Shopping for a luxury midsize sedan? I've got your real-world impressions without the fluff. Let's go!

Tom attended an Audi sponsored event to produce this video. Opinions remain his and his alone.

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