Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
Audi has kicked off 2026 in explosive fashion as the automotive tech brand prepares for its Formula 1 entry backed by the R26, its first F1 car, which will be driven by the wisdom of Nico Hulkenberg and the youth of Gabriel Bortoleto. Racing is a keystone of the Four Rings with vital technology, engineering, and performance experiences trickling down to its consumer vehicles. One such model is the storied and venerable A6 sedan, all-new for 2026.
I fondly recall my early days in the auto media industry in the mid-2,000s. I was a neophyte writing for my dad’s publication at the time, but I was also assigned to run his press fleet, including the yearly long-term loaners. We had just introduced a new ride to the team: the Audi A6, featuring, of course, legendary quattro AWD traction and cornering control. Everyone in the office wanted their hands on the attention-grabbing sedan, whereas I made sure to dominate the schedule by taking it out on consistent, enthusiastic test runs. quattro AWD gave me confidence that was unprecedented back then. I have friends to this day who still recall the futuristic cockpit of our Silver-toned Audi A6.
Fast forward to today and the unwavering reputation of the A6 continues vigorously, built on nine generations of sales success. For the 2026 Audi A6 sedan quattro, Audi gave it a mid-cycle refresh to retain customer satisfaction. Some of these enhancements for the business/sports sedan include an updated MMI infotainment system design, an upgraded multifunction steering wheel, new Audi drive select functionality, an optional integrated dashcam, enhanced driver assistance features, improved voice control, and an optional contoured seat.
However, I’m not too keen about the haptic controls on the steering wheel and door panels. Also, I’m looking for decreased screen display on my rides, not more. The current A6 features Audi Digital Stage, essentially a digital command center incorporating the 11.9” Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus (OLED), the 14.5” MMI touch display center screen (OLED), and the optional 10.9” MMI passenger display, all of which offer games, streaming support, customizable themes, and Audi assistant. And if you opt for the Sport or Sport Plus seat alongside the Prestige trim, the voice instructions from the navigation will be heard from your headrest.
Of course the latest A6 received power and performance enhancements. Its 3-liter turbo V6 (TFSI) engine produces 362-horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, up by 27-horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired to an Audi S tronic 7-speed dual clutch transmission. I started my test runs in a Daytona Gray A6 equipped with the $5,850 Sports Plus and $7,300 Prestige packages. This means quattro AWD is augmented by a sport suspension, all-wheel-steering, quattro sport rear differential, and 21” multi-spoke-twist rims finished in a sinister Black Metallic and paired to Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 max performance summer tires. As an aficionado of Michelin and Pirelli, I love seeing that the Pilot Sport S 5 is bred from endurance racing for drivers who need extreme grip and deeper control, thanks to its asymmetric tread pattern and Michelin’s dual-sport tread.
On the winding canyon roads outside Palm Springs, CA where the national media program was held, the rubber and suspension combo was not harsh but taut and extremely responsive as the A6 remained planted and resolute. Impressively, 0-60 mph time has decreased by .6 seconds to 4.5 seconds through balanced torque transitions. Utilizing drive select, operators can tune the A6 using balanced, dynamic, or comfort settings. Of course, my drive partner Mark Vaugn and I kept it in dynamic mode.
Again, Audi ruled the 24 Hours of Le Mans (13 wins out of 18 races) with the latter victories stemming from quattro advancements engineered in the Audi R18 e-tron quattro LMP1 race car. In my mind, quattro will always be synonymous to a winning racing mentality. This is what I call progressive discipline!
Step inside the technological innovation of the A6 cockpit, and the Sports and Prestige packages enhance your ride to the fullest. Each offers essential upgrades for optimized driving experiences. From both, you will receive steel pedal caps, leather, massaging seats, carbon micro-twill inlays, a fancy 3-spoke flattened-top/bottom steering wheel, an impressive Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, a head-up display, four-zone climate control, and much more. Quintessentially, Audi curates some of the best interiors in the mobility sector.
Stylistically, the A6 is sleek and showcases less emphasis on exaggerated componentry such as a large rear spoiler or aggressively flared wheel wells. Features include a monochromatic controlled panoramic glass roof, vertical brake lights, animated headlights and taillights (digital OLED), and the Singleframe grille. Furthermore, the Sports Plus package highlights red brake calipers, S line finish, Dark Chrome exhaust tips, and Anthracite Audi rings. I also like the flush door handles. A6 enthusiasts can choose from eleven paint schemes such as Glacier White, Mythos Black, Chronos Gray, Madeira Brown, Florett Silver, and Firmament Blue. Ascari Blue (my favorite) and Daytona Gray are exclusive for A6’s that add the optional S line Black Optic exterior package.
MSRP pricing starts at $64,100 for the 2026 Audi A6 TSI Sedan quattro which is injected with a bevy of S model hardware. Audi additionally incorporates Audi Signature Care scheduled maintenance (worth $1,349 at the dealership) for the first three years of ownership or 30,000 miles driven. We own a 2022 Audi Q8 and certainly wish this plan had been available then! More importantly, Audi is now standardizing $3,500 of options, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, wireless phone charging, a power trunk, passenger lumbar, ventilated front seats, Side Assist, and sport seats.
From motorsports heroics to the daily rhythm of urban mobility, its exploits are legendary. In the A6, you can tap into your aggressive nature for seminal German experiences over weekends or through the decision-making executive life in the course of weekly obligations.
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