Is 2016 a Good Year for the Audi A6?

Yes, the 2016 Audi A6 is widely regarded as a very good model year, especially for buyers seeking a refined, comfortable, and tech-forward midsize luxury sedan, though potential owners should pay attention to specific engine choices, option packages, and known problem spots before committing.

Where the 2016 Audi A6 Stands in Today’s Used-Car Market

The 2016 Audi A6 occupies a strong position in the used luxury sedan segment. It benefits from mid-cycle updates introduced for the 2016 model year, including revised engines, upgraded infotainment, and styling tweaks. Against rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class of the same era, the A6 combines understated design with a high-quality interior and confident road manners, making it a compelling option in 2025 for shoppers who prioritize comfort and technology over outright sportiness.

Key Strengths of the 2016 Audi A6

Several core attributes explain why the 2016 A6 remains attractive: its build quality, well-tuned ride, and updated tech features, alongside a range of engines that balance performance and efficiency.

• Refined, quiet ride: The 2016 A6 is praised for its composed suspension tuning, absorbing road imperfections while remaining stable at highway speeds.
• High-quality interior: Soft-touch materials, solid switchgear, and an overall minimalist design give the cabin an upscale feel that has aged gracefully.
• Strong safety scores: The 2016 model received top marks from major crash-test agencies and offered a robust suite of available driver aids.
• Modernized tech for its time: The MMI infotainment system gained faster processing and features such as 4G LTE connectivity and available Audi Connect services in many markets.
• Wide powertrain choice: Multiple engines—ranging from an efficient four‑cylinder to a potent supercharged V6 and Euro-market diesels—allow buyers to tailor performance and fuel economy.

Taken together, these strengths mean a well-maintained 2016 A6 can still feel relevant and rewarding, even amid newer luxury sedans loaded with the latest screens and driver-assistance systems.

Reliability and Common Issues

Reliability for the 2016 Audi A6 is generally above average for a German luxury sedan, but it is not trouble‑free, and repair costs can be high if issues arise, particularly outside of warranty or without an extended service contract.

Overall Reliability Picture

Owner surveys and reliability trackers (such as J.D. Power and long-term forum reports) place the 2016 A6 in the “good but not perfect” category. Mechanical robustness is a strong point—especially for the 3.0T supercharged V6—yet electronics and wear items can drive up long-term costs. In 2025, mileage and maintenance history are more important than the nameplate alone.

Known Problem Areas

Prospective buyers should focus on a few recurring themes that show up in service records, technical service bulletins, and owner reports.

• Oil consumption on some 2.0T engines: While Audi addressed the worst oil-consumption issues from earlier years, some 2.0‑liter turbo engines can still use more oil than expected, warranting careful monitoring and service records.
• Carbon buildup on direct-injection engines: As with many GDI engines, intake valve carbon buildup can occur over time, especially on higher‑mileage examples, sometimes requiring walnut blasting to restore performance.
• MMI infotainment glitches: Occasional reports of freezing, slow response, or failures of the screen lift mechanism (where equipped) highlight that the A6’s tech, though advanced for its time, is not immune to age.
• Electronic sensor issues: Parking sensors, cameras, and some driver-assistance systems can misbehave or fail, with repairs often more expensive than equivalent non-luxury models.
• Air suspension (where fitted): Higher-trim models with adaptive or air suspension may develop leaks or component wear at higher mileages, increasing repair bills compared with standard steel-spring setups.

These issues are not universal, but they emphasize the importance of a pre‑purchase inspection by a technician familiar with Audi vehicles and a careful review of maintenance documentation.

Performance, Engines, and Driving Experience

The 2016 A6 offers a spectrum of driving experiences depending on engine and drivetrain, from efficient daily commuting to brisk, near‑sport-sedan performance, though the car’s overall character leans toward comfort and composure rather than aggression.

Engine Options and Their Pros and Cons

Different engines define the character and long-term ownership costs of the 2016 A6, making the choice of powertrain one of the most consequential decisions for used buyers.

• 2.0T (four‑cylinder turbo, often “A6 2.0T”):
  Offers adequate power and better fuel economy. Best suited for city and highway commuting rather than spirited driving. Potential oil consumption and carbon buildup are the main concerns.
• 3.0T (supercharged V6, often “A6 3.0T”):
  Delivers strong acceleration, smooth power delivery, and a reputation for being one of Audi’s more robust engines of the era. Maintenance is more expensive but often offset by higher owner satisfaction and fewer complaints about power.
• Diesel variants (e.g., 3.0 TDI, in markets where sold):
  Known for excellent torque and fuel economy, but in some regions were impacted by emissions-related recalls and scrutiny stemming from the Volkswagen Group’s diesel scandal.

For many buyers, the 3.0T is considered the “sweet spot,” offering a balance of performance and long-term durability, provided routine maintenance is done on schedule.

Ride, Handling, and Everyday Use

The 2016 A6 aims for a polished, executive feel on the road rather than outright sportiness. Steering is precise but not overly communicative, and the chassis is tuned for stability and comfort over rough pavement. Quattro all‑wheel drive, available on many trims, improves all-weather confidence and traction, making the A6 particularly appealing in regions with rain or snow.

Interior, Technology, and Comfort

Cabin quality and technology were major selling points for the 2016 A6, and they remain among the car’s strongest assets on the used market.

Cabin Design and Space

Inside, the A6 offers generous front and rear legroom for a midsize luxury sedan. Materials—leather upholstery, brushed aluminum or wood trim, and soft plastics—hold up well when properly cared for. The design is minimalist and driver-focused, avoiding the button overload seen in some contemporaries. Noise insulation is very good, making long-distance driving a relaxed affair.

Infotainment and Driver Assistance

For 2016, Audi updated the MMI system with faster hardware and additional connectivity features. While it lacks the fully digital “Virtual Cockpit” that appeared in later models, it still provides a suitably modern experience by used‑car standards.

• MMI infotainment: Rotary-dial interface with physical buttons; responsive and logically arranged, if less flashy than modern touchscreens.
• Navigation and Audi Connect (where equipped): Integrated navigation, real-time traffic, and connected services were available as options or in packages, still useful if subscriptions and maps are up to date.
• Driver-assistance features: Depending on trim, the A6 could be fitted with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system.
• Comfort options: Features such as heated and ventilated seats, four-zone climate control, and premium audio systems (e.g., Bose, Bang & Olufsen in higher trims) enhance long-haul comfort.

Although the technology no longer feels cutting-edge in 2025, it remains functional and intuitive, provided that buyers verify proper operation during test drives.

Ownership Costs: Maintenance, Fuel, and Depreciation

Owning a 2016 Audi A6 can be rewarding, but running costs are above those of mainstream sedans, reflecting its status as a premium German vehicle and the complexity of its technology.

Maintenance and Repairs

Routine servicing—oil changes, filters, fluids, and inspections—will cost more than on non-luxury brands, and genuine Audi parts and dealer labor rates can be steep. Independent specialists can reduce costs if they have strong Audi experience. Extended warranties or service contracts, where available and reasonably priced, can offer peace of mind, particularly for higher‑mileage 3.0T models or cars loaded with electronic options.

Fuel Economy

The 2.0T engine delivers respectable fuel efficiency for a midsize luxury sedan, particularly on the highway, while the 3.0T trades some efficiency for significantly stronger performance. Diesel variants, in regions where they exist and remain road-legal, provide the best long-distance economy but may face more stringent emissions testing and potential limitations depending on local regulations.

Depreciation and Value

As of 2025, the 2016 A6 has already taken the steepest part of its depreciation curve, which can make it an attractive value proposition. Prices vary widely by mileage, condition, equipment, region, and service history. Well-documented, low‑owner cars from reputable sellers command—and deserve—a premium. Bargain-priced A6s with sketchy histories are more likely to saddle new owners with expensive surprises.

How It Compares with Rivals

Against its contemporaries, the 2016 A6 lands as a balanced, understated alternative that favors comfort and tech over raw sportiness.

A6 vs BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Compared with the F10-generation BMW 5 Series, the A6 is often seen as slightly less engaging to drive but more cohesive and solid-feeling, with a simpler and more intuitive interior layout. Against the corresponding Mercedes E-Class, the A6 comes across as more modern in design and technology, while the Mercedes often wins on traditional luxury ambiance and long-term brand reputation with certain buyers. In reliability terms, each has its potential trouble spots; maintenance diligence tends to matter more than badge differences.

Who Should Consider a 2016 Audi A6?

The 2016 A6 is best suited to shoppers seeking a used premium sedan that emphasizes refinement, comfort, and a well-finished cabin over cutting-edge driver assistance or the latest digital cockpit.

Ideal Buyer Profiles

Certain types of drivers are especially likely to benefit from choosing a 2016 A6 over newer or more basic alternatives.

• Comfort-focused commuters: Those who value quiet, smooth highway travel and a refined cabin more than lap times or aggressive styling.
• Tech-conscious but budget-aware buyers: Shoppers wanting a decent level of modern convenience features without paying new-car prices.
• All-weather drivers: People living in regions with snow or heavy rain who can take advantage of the available quattro all‑wheel drive system.
• Enthusiasts favoring the 3.0T: Drivers who appreciate a strong, smooth V6 and are willing to commit to timely maintenance to keep it performing at its best.

For these buyers, a carefully chosen 2016 A6 can deliver a high level of satisfaction and a sense of understated luxury that still feels relevant nearly a decade later.

Summary: Is the 2016 Audi A6 a Good Year?

The 2016 Audi A6 is broadly considered a very good model year, thanks to its mid-cycle updates, strong engine options—especially the 3.0T—high-quality interior, and solid safety record. Its main drawbacks lie in the potential for higher repair costs, some known issues with specific powertrains and electronics, and the natural aging of its infotainment compared with newer models. For buyers who prioritize maintenance history, invest in a thorough pre‑purchase inspection, and choose their engine and options carefully, the 2016 A6 represents a compelling and sensible choice in the used luxury sedan market.