Click to enlarge.
Audi of America today announced the latest specifications and pricing for its ninth-generation upper mid-sized luxury sedan, the all-new 2026 Audi A6. An optional Sport plus package brings S model dynamics and equipment to the A6 model line.*
“Embodying the most quintessential parts of the Audi brand’s DNA, the 2026 A6 sedan arrives in America with an all-new modern and sophisticated design inside and out. Engine performance has been improved and, with its enhanced dynamic capabilities, the all-new A6 is both quicker and better handling than the previous generation.
“The latest driver-centric infotainment and lighting technologies have also been incorporated including the handsome Audi digital stage MMI and customizable light signatures. In totality, the 9th generation A6 marks a step change for the upper mid-size business segment and redefines Audi brand DNA for a new generation of luxury owners; simultaneously improving both driver engagement with the road and extending refinement for everyday driving,” Audi said.
The 2026 A6 at a Glance
- All-new 9th-generation sedan is quicker, quieter and comes with more driver-centric tech than the outgoing model, wrapped in sophisticated interior and exterior design.
- Available adaptive air suspension, front and rear acoustic glass, optimized aeroacoustics enhance everyday comfort and luxury.
- Optional all-wheel steering and sport rear differential, previously reserved for S models, inject more performance into the core A6 sedan.
- Optional new Audi exclusive design package adds bold Baikal blue and Neodymium gold interior.
For 2026, the A6 sedan comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 mated to an Audi S tronic seven-speed dual clutch transmission. It has quattro® all-wheel drive as standard. The carry-over powertrain has been t revised to make more power and reduce NVH levels transmitted through the chassis. The 2026 A6 sedan has 27 more horsepower (362 hp) and 37 more lb.-ft. of torque (406 lb.-ft.) than the previous generation A6 with the V6 motor as Audi rates them. The increase in power results in a zero-to -60 mph elapsed time six tenths of a second quicker at 4.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically controlled at 130 mph.
“For the first time, the all-new A6 sedan is available with a range of dynamic enhancements previously only available on S6 models. Adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled dampers come standard on Prestige trim level models. Prestige models can be enhanced further with an optional Sport plus package which includes All-wheel steering, a sport rear differential and replaces the adaptive air suspension with steel sport suspension. These optional changes work together to improve both the dynamic performance of the all-new model during spirited drives and aid in everyday refinement and drivability around town. Functional steering changes have also been incorporated which improve responsiveness and feedback felt through the wheel.
“At launch, four wheel designs are available ranging from 19 to 21 inches. The standard 19-inch 5-double-spoke design wheels come in a bicolor finish and are equipped with standard all-season run-flat tires. Two 20-inch wheels – a Multispoke design wheel with bicolor finish is available as a standalone option, and a 5-arm-peak design wheel with bicolor finish as part of an optional S line black optic exterior package – can be specified. Both 20-inch wheel designs also come equipped with all-season run-flat tires as standard. A 21-inch Multispoke-twist design wheel with black metallic finish is included as part of the optional Sport plus package. The optional 21-inch wheel is fit with summer performance tires for maximum driving dynamics.” Audi said.
Drivers can choose between eleven colors for the A6, including Arkona White, Glacier White, Mythos Black, Chronos Gray, Grenadine Red, Florett Silver, Firmament Blue, and Madeira Brown. The selection is rounded off with a completely new color, Midnight Green. Ascari Blue and Daytona Gray are also available exclusively for vehicles with the optional S line Black Optic exterior package.
Click for more.
“Sound insulation in the 2026 A6 sedan has improved by up to 30 percent compared to the previous model. More tightly sealed windows and optimized door seals help isolate the driver and passengers from the outside world. The standard acoustic glazing in the front windshield and front side windows is now available for the rear side windows as well on Prestige trims, further enhancing in-vehicle quietness. Powertrain vibration and harmonics were minimized thanks to newly developed engine and transmission mount bushings which make for a smoother and quieter ride. Even the shape of the transmission gear teeth was optimized, improving the acoustics of the 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission. Moreover, all tires are equipped as standard with foam rings on the inside of the tire that help reduce vibration, improving road noise levels inside the vehicle,” Audi claimed.
“As in other new Audi models, the A5, Q5, Q6 and A6 e-tron, the Audi digital stage revolves around the Audi MMI panoramic display and the optional MMI passenger display. The thin free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display has a curved design and OLED technology. It consists of the Audi virtual cockpit with an 11.9-inch display diagonal and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display. Audi complements the digital stage for the front passengers with the10.9-inch MMI front passenger display, standard on Prestige trims, which is also perfectly integrated into the dashboard design. The passenger display enables the front passenger to look up websites and stream select video content and helps when navigating or searching for the nearest gas station. Thanks to the dynamic privacy mode, distracting content such as videos cannot be viewed from the driver’s seat while driving. If the passenger display is not in use or if no passengers are detected, a background image is shown.
“Premium plus and Prestige trim level A6 models come standard with a new, configurable head-up display (HUD). A wide range of information can be displayed on the HUD, including speed, active assistance systems, navigation instructions, and media information. For the first time in an Audi vehicle, drivers have the option of controlling vehicle and infotainment functions via the head-up display. The controls also allow the driver to scroll through lists and directly make selections using the steering wheel buttons. Thanks to the maximized use of the installation space and the adapted display technology, the visible image area is more than 85% larger than the previous generation A6, and the display is significantly sharper and higher resolution,” Audi claimed.
AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Audi of America Debuts 2026 A6 Sedan
Click to enlarge.
Audi of America today announced the latest specifications and pricing for its ninth-generation upper mid-sized luxury sedan, the all-new 2026 Audi A6. An optional Sport plus package brings S model dynamics and equipment to the A6 model line.*
“Embodying the most quintessential parts of the Audi brand’s DNA, the 2026 A6 sedan arrives in America with an all-new modern and sophisticated design inside and out. Engine performance has been improved and, with its enhanced dynamic capabilities, the all-new A6 is both quicker and better handling than the previous generation.
“The latest driver-centric infotainment and lighting technologies have also been incorporated including the handsome Audi digital stage MMI and customizable light signatures. In totality, the 9th generation A6 marks a step change for the upper mid-size business segment and redefines Audi brand DNA for a new generation of luxury owners; simultaneously improving both driver engagement with the road and extending refinement for everyday driving,” Audi said.
The 2026 A6 at a Glance
For 2026, the A6 sedan comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 mated to an Audi S tronic seven-speed dual clutch transmission. It has quattro® all-wheel drive as standard. The carry-over powertrain has been t revised to make more power and reduce NVH levels transmitted through the chassis. The 2026 A6 sedan has 27 more horsepower (362 hp) and 37 more lb.-ft. of torque (406 lb.-ft.) than the previous generation A6 with the V6 motor as Audi rates them. The increase in power results in a zero-to -60 mph elapsed time six tenths of a second quicker at 4.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically controlled at 130 mph.
“For the first time, the all-new A6 sedan is available with a range of dynamic enhancements previously only available on S6 models. Adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled dampers come standard on Prestige trim level models. Prestige models can be enhanced further with an optional Sport plus package which includes All-wheel steering, a sport rear differential and replaces the adaptive air suspension with steel sport suspension. These optional changes work together to improve both the dynamic performance of the all-new model during spirited drives and aid in everyday refinement and drivability around town. Functional steering changes have also been incorporated which improve responsiveness and feedback felt through the wheel.
“At launch, four wheel designs are available ranging from 19 to 21 inches. The standard 19-inch 5-double-spoke design wheels come in a bicolor finish and are equipped with standard all-season run-flat tires. Two 20-inch wheels – a Multispoke design wheel with bicolor finish is available as a standalone option, and a 5-arm-peak design wheel with bicolor finish as part of an optional S line black optic exterior package – can be specified. Both 20-inch wheel designs also come equipped with all-season run-flat tires as standard. A 21-inch Multispoke-twist design wheel with black metallic finish is included as part of the optional Sport plus package. The optional 21-inch wheel is fit with summer performance tires for maximum driving dynamics.” Audi said.
Drivers can choose between eleven colors for the A6, including Arkona White, Glacier White, Mythos Black, Chronos Gray, Grenadine Red, Florett Silver, Firmament Blue, and Madeira Brown. The selection is rounded off with a completely new color, Midnight Green. Ascari Blue and Daytona Gray are also available exclusively for vehicles with the optional S line Black Optic exterior package.
Click for more.
“Sound insulation in the 2026 A6 sedan has improved by up to 30 percent compared to the previous model. More tightly sealed windows and optimized door seals help isolate the driver and passengers from the outside world. The standard acoustic glazing in the front windshield and front side windows is now available for the rear side windows as well on Prestige trims, further enhancing in-vehicle quietness. Powertrain vibration and harmonics were minimized thanks to newly developed engine and transmission mount bushings which make for a smoother and quieter ride. Even the shape of the transmission gear teeth was optimized, improving the acoustics of the 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission. Moreover, all tires are equipped as standard with foam rings on the inside of the tire that help reduce vibration, improving road noise levels inside the vehicle,” Audi claimed.
“As in other new Audi models, the A5, Q5, Q6 and A6 e-tron, the Audi digital stage revolves around the Audi MMI panoramic display and the optional MMI passenger display. The thin free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display has a curved design and OLED technology. It consists of the Audi virtual cockpit with an 11.9-inch display diagonal and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display. Audi complements the digital stage for the front passengers with the10.9-inch MMI front passenger display, standard on Prestige trims, which is also perfectly integrated into the dashboard design. The passenger display enables the front passenger to look up websites and stream select video content and helps when navigating or searching for the nearest gas station. Thanks to the dynamic privacy mode, distracting content such as videos cannot be viewed from the driver’s seat while driving. If the passenger display is not in use or if no passengers are detected, a background image is shown.
“Premium plus and Prestige trim level A6 models come standard with a new, configurable head-up display (HUD). A wide range of information can be displayed on the HUD, including speed, active assistance systems, navigation instructions, and media information. For the first time in an Audi vehicle, drivers have the option of controlling vehicle and infotainment functions via the head-up display. The controls also allow the driver to scroll through lists and directly make selections using the steering wheel buttons. Thanks to the maximized use of the installation space and the adapted display technology, the visible image area is more than 85% larger than the previous generation A6, and the display is significantly sharper and higher resolution,” Audi claimed.
AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.