We already acquired a very good 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 may 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 due to 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. In reality, in line with Audi, the 2026 Audi A6 sedan is probably the most aerodynamic combustion-powered mannequin the model has ever delivered to market, providing a drag coefficient of 0.23. Enhancements elsewhere embrace a single tail gentle stretching the width of the trunk and wheels measuring as much as 21 inches, just like the 5 Collection. We expect the 5 Collection sedan, like its Touring brother, is the extra restrained design. The big 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. Nonetheless, trunk capability is a bit diminished: the Audi touts 492 liters (17.76 cubic ft) of trunk area, 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 in depth ambient lighting. Each automotive’s cabins go fairly gentle on the buttons, though the 5 Collection nonetheless retains a bodily iDrive controller, making it preferable for those who want even just a little bodily management.
Efficiency
In the case of 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 the US’ shores in any respect. What we do have is Audi’s phrase that three powertrains can be out there, not less than for a lot of the world. The entry-level mannequin touts a 2.0-liter gasoline 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 also be out there with a well-known 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder. Right here, it makes 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This can 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 would lag behind the B58-powered 540i, which makes 375 horsepower. Both approach, within the world market and on paper, the Audi straight parallels the 5 Collection. Although, we count on 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 can possible be proper there with the BMW’s Bowers and Wilkins. The 2 will very possible supply practically an identical technical capabilities, largely boiling down to non-public desire. Nonetheless, 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 count on drastic adjustments between the rest-of-world fashions and what the US will finally see. After seeing each the Avant and the sedan, which might you are taking? And, extra importantly, is both value contemplating over the 5 Collection?
