Audi A6 running costs and reliability

2018 onwards (change model)

Running costs rating: 4 out of 54.0

Audi A6 Saloon (2018-) UK rhd model in red - exterior detail - front wheel

Audi A6 Saloon (2018-) UK rhd model in red - exterior detail - badge

Written by Keith Adams Updated: 11 October 2024

Miles per pound (mpp) ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only, and typical current fuel or electricity costs.

Petrol engines	4.8 - 5.8 mpp
Diesel engines	4.6 - 6.7 mpp
Plug-in hybrid petrol engines *	5.4 - 5.6 mpp

* Fuel economy of the engine when operating without assistance from the electric motor and battery.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only.

Petrol engines	32.5 - 39.8 mpg
Diesel engines	35.8 - 52.3 mpg
Plug-in hybrid petrol engines *	36.7 - 38.2 mpg

* Fuel economy of the engine when operating without assistance from the electric motor and battery.

View mpg & specs for any version

PHEV is most economical
All claim to reach 40mpg (ish)
Diesel best all-rounder

What are the running costs?

Economy champion is the plug-in hybrid. Officially it’s capable of 235.4-256.8mpg, but these figures are fairly unrepresentative. If you make lots of short journeys and keep the battery topped up, mpg in three figures might be achievable. On an 85 mile trip with half a battery we averaged about 60mpg. Audi reckons it can travel 30 miles on pure electric power but we reckon it’s closer to 25.

Opt for the 40TDI engine and fuel economy will range between 47.1-50.4mpg according to Audi. Moving up to the most powerful diesel, the S6, will bring about a penalty in running costs but it’s less than you might think – Audi says 40.4mpg is possible, despite the huge performance available on tap.

The least powerful petrol has a range of between 37.2-39.8, while the 45TFSI seems like good value considering the extra performance it has. Officially it’ll do 34.9-37.2mpg.

We do know that the A6 has particularly strong resale values, though, particularly if you go for one of the more popular engine and trim combinations.

Servicing and maintenance

You’ll find Audi’s servicing and maintenance costs on par with BMW and Mercedes-Benz – in other words, fairly expensive, but with high levels of customer satisfaction.

Audi’s standard warranty, at three years or 60,000 miles is stingy compared with others. Especially BMW’s, which is three years and unlimited mileage. But you can extend the warranty to four years/75,000 miles or five years/90,000 miles for extra money.

Reliability

Certainly looks and feels solidly built
Previous models have fared well
Lots of new technology

There’s a fantastic amount of tech to go wrong, and for example our testers have experienced issues with the Virtual Cockpit and Matrix LED headlights on other models.

The A6 has been recalled a couple of times so far, with issues around a towing bracket (where fitted) and the rear window. If you’re looking for a used A6 then a dealer will be able to confirm whether or not the work has been undertaken.