2026 Audi A6 Sedan with 362-HP V-6 Tested in MotorTrend Car of the Year Finals
The 2026 Audi A6 Sedan entered MotorTrend's 2027 Car of the Year (COTY) competition as a heavily revised contender aiming to re-establish the brand in the midsize luxury segment. For the 2026 model year, the A6 drops its previous four-cylinder engine option, making a 3.0-liter turbocharged direct-injected Miller-cycle DOHC 24-valve V-6 the sole powertrain. It delivers 362 hp at 5,500 rpm and 406 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 rpm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The sedan has also grown longer, stretching to 196.8 inches in length, 73.8 inches in width, and 57.4 inches in height on a 115.1-inch wheelbase, resulting in a roomier interior.
During proving ground evaluations, the A6 advanced to the finalist round after scoring well across the six COTY criteria: design, engineering excellence, performance of intended function, value, safety, and efficiency. Judges praised its fresh exterior styling, composed handling, and the 2026 Top Safety Pick+ rating achieved under stricter testing standards. Inside, the sedan features Audi's latest infotainment system and an augmented reality experience—both winners of MotorTrend Best Tech awards. A panoramic glass display combines the instrument cluster and central touchscreen, while a separate front passenger display is available depending on the trim. Reviewers appreciated that Audi avoided a single pillar-to-pillar screen, giving the cabin a more crafted feel alongside an airy center console with two cupholders, a compact shifter, and a wireless charger, though some judges wished for more physical buttons. Rear legroom is decent, while headroom can feel slightly tight for taller occupants.
MotorTrend tested two configurations: the 2026 Audi A6 Quattro Prestige ($65,495 base, $77,820 as tested) weighing 4,435 pounds on 255/40R20 Bridgestone Turanza LS100 RFT tires, and the A6 Quattro Sport ($65,495 base, $80,720 as tested) weighing 4,465 pounds on 255/35R21 Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires. In instrumented testing, the Prestige accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, completed the quarter mile in 13.4 seconds at 104.1 mph, stopped from 60 mph in 130 feet, pulled 0.81 g of lateral acceleration, and lapped the figure-eight course in 25.9 seconds at 0.72 g average. The Sport version hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, covered the quarter mile in 13.2 seconds at 105.3 mph, braked from 60 mph in 106 feet, achieved 0.94 g on the skidpad, and finished the figure-eight in 24.7 seconds at 0.80 g average. Both models carry EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, with an estimated range of 340 miles.
While both the optional air suspension and the sportier steel-spring setup impressed on the proving ground, public road loops around Tehachapi, California exposed flaws in the steel-suspended finalist car. Over rough pavement, the ride felt overly stiff for a non-S6 luxury executive sedan. Additionally, judges criticized sluggish throttle response at medium inputs, noticeable turbo lag, and hesitation from the seven-speed transmission during aggressive downshifts.
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