We already obtained take a look at the brand new Audi A6 Avant and the way it compares to the 5 Collection Touring. However, we’re solely now laying eyes on the sedan model that can accompany the wagon. In and out, the A6 sedan largely mirrors the enhancements and adjustments seen within the Touring mannequin. However how does it maintain up when positioned aspect to aspect with its main competitor, the BMW 5 Collection?
Exterior Design
The 2026 Audi A6 grows relative to its predecessor. At 196.5 inches (4.99 meters), it’s two inches longer, however retains an an identical wheelbase because the final A6 we noticed. The 5 Collection manages to stretch three inches longer than the Audi, however stays aggressive because of a commensurately longer wheelbase. The 2 are roughly the identical width.
New aesthetic particulars on the 2026 Audi A6 sedan embrace a wider grille and narrower headlights and a extra aerodynamic entrance bumper design. The truth is, based on Audi, the 2026 Audi A6 sedan is probably the most aerodynamic combustion-powered mannequin the model has ever dropped at market, providing a drag coefficient of 0.23. Enhancements elsewhere embrace a single tail mild stretching the width of the trunk and wheels measuring as much as 21 inches, just like the 5 Collection. We predict the 5 Collection sedan, like its Touring brother, is the extra restrained design. The massive grille and slim, eyebrow-like LED strips within the headlights give the A6 sedan a extra instantly aggressive look.
Inside Design
Inside, the 2026 Audi A6 sedan mirrors the enhancements made within the Touring mannequin. You’ll discover as much as three touchscreens, one thing that (at present) BMW doesn’t supply. Nevertheless, trunk capability is a bit decreased: the Audi touts 492 liters (17.76 cubic ft) of trunk house, trailing the BMW’s 521 liters (18.4 cubic ft). Each automobiles supply a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench and facilities like a panoramic glass roof. In comparison with the final A6 Sedan we noticed, the 2026 Audi A6 sedan will get a smaller gear selector, squared-off steering wheel, and extra intensive ambient lighting. Each automotive’s cabins go fairly mild on the buttons, though the 5 Collection nonetheless retains a bodily iDrive controller, making it preferable for people who want even a little bit bodily management.
Efficiency
Relating to efficiency, the 2026 Audi A6 sedan is at an obstacle, as a result of we don’t but have specifics on high-performance fashions. Technically, we don’t have agency numbers on the model sure for america’ shores in any respect. What we do have is Audi’s phrase that three powertrains will probably be out there, no less than for a lot of the world. The entry-level mannequin touts a 2.0-liter fuel unit good for 201 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. An out there diesel unit, which positively gained’t arrive Stateside, makes the identical horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
The A6 sedan may even be out there with a well-recognized 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder. Right here, it makes 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It will apparently be the one model of the A6 that makes it to US shores, making it considerably extra highly effective than the bottom 5 Collection we get. However, it is going to lag behind the B58-powered 540i, which makes 375 horsepower. Both manner, within the world market and on paper, the Audi straight parallels the 5 Collection. Although, we anticipate the 5er to be the extra dynamic of the 2.
Know-how
With an out there tri-screen show, there’s no scarcity of screens within the 2026 Audi A6 sedan. An 11.9-inch instrument cluster joins a 14.5-inch heart touchscreen, with the passenger’s show measuring 10.9 inches. The Audi sources Bang & Olufsen sound, which is able to doubtless be proper there with the BMW’s Bowers and Wilkins. The 2 will very doubtless supply almost an identical technical capabilities, largely boiling down to private choice. Nevertheless, in case your passenger should completely have a display of their very own, solely the Audi will suffice.
Audi’s A6 sedan reveal stipulates that the United States-bound mannequin could have its personal, separate launch later this yr. However we don’t anticipate drastic adjustments between the rest-of-world fashions and what the US will in the end see. After seeing each the Avant and the sedan, which might you’re taking? And, extra importantly, is both price contemplating over the 5 Collection?
