Audi A6 2023

Car companies often make only minor changes to vehicle models from year to year. Such is the case with the 2023 Audi A6, which Consumer Reports notes is relatively unchanged from the 2022 edition. But even if a manufacturer makes only small tweaks, you’d assume they’d focus on fixing glaring flaws. In Audi’s case, the A6 changes didn’t fix two significant problems.

Overview of the 2023 Audi A6

Despite its flaws (more on those later), Consumer Reports recommends the Audi A6 if you’re looking for a midsize luxury sedan. CR’s testers praise the power in the A6’s standard four-cylinder turbocharged engine and optional V6, along with the smooth-performing seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. They also appreciate the 26 mpg combined fuel economy, tying with the 2023 BMW 530i for best in class.

The 2023 Audi A6 also comes with generous interior tech and advanced safety features. Drivers are treated to a 10.1-inch touchscreen that comes standard across trims and an 8.6-inch display for climate controls. But couple those with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display cluster — again, standard across trims — and you have something truly special. With the Premium Plus trim, you also get a 360-degree camera system, and with the Prestige trim, you get a head-up display.

Last year’s A6 includes automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams standard. But the 2023 model adds yet another advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) — adaptive cruise control — to all trims. Other ADAS, such as blind-spot recognition and traffic sign recognition, are available in optional packages.

Audi did not fix 2 annoying problems

Adaptive cruise control is a nice addition to the 2023 Audi A6. But the German carmaker failed to fix a couple of nagging problems that plague the 2022 model: acceleration/braking issues and limited storage space.

No one expects a midsize luxury sedan to hit 60 mph in under three seconds. So the 6.8 seconds it takes, though unimpressive, is by no means unexpected. What is unexpected for first-time Audi A6 drivers is the noticeable delay before the car accelerates. There’s also a delay after hitting the brakes, leading to frustrating and risky rolling stops. This issue afflicts both powertrains. And unfortunately, though the delays are present in the 2022 model, they remain unaddressed in the 2023 version.

Another area where Audi failed to improve the 2023 A6 is interior cargo space. Simply put, there’s little of it. There’s a minuscule amount of space beneath the front seats’ padded armrest. There’s also a bin to the left of the steering column that drivers can access. But there’s no overhead compartment for sunglasses and no other decent-sized place to store items inside the cabin. However, the generous trunk (13.7 cubic feet) somewhat offsets the lack of cabin storage. But if you’re forking over $60,000 for a sedan, you shouldn’t have to root around for places to stash small belongings.

Despite those oversights, the 2023 Audi A6 is a prize

Though Audi didn’t rectify those annoying issues, it offers minor improvements on an already-winning formula. Beyond adaptive cruise control, remote parking assistance is now standard on the Prestige trim, and a faux-suede headliner graces the Allroad model. And frankly, there isn’t much to fix beyond the acceleration/braking delay and interior cargo deficit.

Consumer Reports not only praises the 2023 Audi A6’s powertrains, fuel economy, and features. It also raves about the A6’s braking and handling in routine and emergency driving situations. The minimal amount of wind and road noise is also a high point, though reviewers note the V6 engine made a bit less noise than the four-cylinder.

The A6 also provides riders with the upscale interior they expect from a luxury car, with a winning combination of wood, chrome, and leather trim. And the driver and passengers should find the A6’s seats comfortable, with plenty of cushion support. Plus, front-seat riders get four-way lumbar adjustments.

Overall, the 2023 Audi A6 is an excellent midsize luxury sedan. But the 2024 model could be near-perfect if Audi finally fixes the acceleration and cargo issues.

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