Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi A6 review - German executive does just about everything well - MPG and running costs

Audi A6 is Ingolstadt’s foil to the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-class

Evo rating
RRP
from £34,555
  • Beautiful interior, mighty turbodiesels, comfort, refinement and space
  • Getting old now, rivals more fun to drive

MPG and running costs

Only one car really counts here, and it’s the biggest seller. The 2.0 TDI ultra (the 'ultra' badge denoting the most efficient model in the range) can return as much as 64.2 mpg and emissions of 109g/km, but to achieve that you’ll need the 17-inch alloy wheels and the S tronic automatic. The manual is between 2-3g/km greater in emissions and around 4- to 5mpg worse in consumption, making that three-pedal car a rare choice in this tax/economy driven marketplace. We’d be tempted to take the slight trade-off in ride quality and tiny hit on tax liability for one of the larger wheel options though.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The 3.0-litre TDI front-wheel drive model is difficult to rationalise, its greater emissions (and purchase price) meaning greater running and tax costs, all for a marginal increase in performance. As you climb the range adding quattro and power, the expense, rather unsurprisingly, gets greater, but even still the 268bhp 3.0 TDI quattro offers official combined economy figures above 55mpg, though in reality drivers are more likely to see a mid-30mpg average. The Avants and Allroads all consume and emit a bit more, so if you’re looking to limit your tax liability study the technical details in the brochures carefully. Servicing and insurance costs are very reasonable, however, while leasing and private financing rates should also be good given the fiercely competitive business market the A6 finds itself in.  

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 2025 review – £100k four-cylinder lacks Affalterbach soul
Mercedes-AMG GT 43
Reviews

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 2025 review – £100k four-cylinder lacks Affalterbach soul

Affalterbach’s flagship GT range now begins with a four-cylinder, lifted straight from the A45 hot hatch. It might have reasonable performance on tap,…
15 Sep 2025
Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
Mini Cooper and Cooper S (2001 - 2006) review – the 'new' Mini is now a classic
Mini Cooper S
Reviews

Mini Cooper and Cooper S (2001 - 2006) review – the 'new' Mini is now a classic

The ‘new’ Mini was perhaps motoring’s most anticipated sequel. BMW didn’t get it wrong – quite the opposite, as it transpired
11 Sep 2025