2026 Audi A6 Sedan Debuts With New Look, Trick Aerodynamics

Audi’s mid-size luxury sedan enters a new generation

We first caught a glimpse of the new A6 a few months ago, when the 2026 Audi A6 Avant debuted. Now, we have a definitive look at what Ingolstadt has planned for the brand’s traditional four-door model. While final details and specifications for models bound for U.S. shores are still to come, there’s plenty of info to glean from Audi’s European and rest-of-world (RoW) release. With new technology, more power, and plenty of aesthetic tweaks, the next-gen A6 promises staunch competition for the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Inside and out, the 2026 Audi A6 sedan is all new

Like the Avant model we’ve already seen, the new A6 sedan gains a more aggressive front clip that includes narrower headlights, a wider grille, and more pronounced body lines on the hood. The strong body lines continue along the side, drawing attention to the wheels, which, by the way, are available in sizes ranging from 18 to 21 inches. Around back are real dual exhaust tips — something Audi was very proud to reintroduce on the Avant model. You’ll also notice a taillight running the entire width of the trunk, new and narrower brake light and taillight designs, and a prominent diffuser. Like most of its rivals, the most aggressively styled A6 models will be equipped with the available S line package, which adds darkened exterior accents and unique front and rear bumper designs, but no real performance upgrades.

Inside, Audi continues to freshen up. Most notable is the addition of an optional passenger-side display, a feature we’ve already seen in the new A6 Avant and some Porsche products. The 10.9-inch screen provides web browsing and streaming for those riding shotgun and pairs with a 14.5-inch center display and an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster that provides the usual laundry list of tech features. That includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, built-in navigation, and ambient lighting customization.

More than just looks: the 2026 Audi A6 sedan redefines aerodynamic optimization

The 2026 Audi A6 sedan promises to be a pretty confidence-inspiring performer, too. Audi says the new A6 sedan has the lowest drag coefficient of any combustion-engine series production model in its history. At 0.23, it outstrips even performance-oriented models like the defunct Audi R8. Audi emphasizes the efficiency and range gains the model will tout, but we have performance in mind; something that slippery should pay dividends when it comes to acceleration and top speed.

While we don’t have firm details on which powertrains will make it to the U.S., we know at least the hottest one will. It’s a familiar 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 delivering 362 horsepower, an increase of 27 horsepower from the last A6 we saw. Audi says it’ll make 406 pound-feet of torque and scoot the sedan from zero to 60 mph in around 4.7 seconds. RoW markets will also see a 2.0-liter diesel engine and 2.0-liter gas engine, but don’t expect them in the U.S. A seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission will be the only choice, and US models will only see all-wheel drive models.

Final thoughts

We’ll need to wait until later this year to see exactly what Audi has planned for the sedan’s US release, but most specs and features will likely remain unchanged from the car coming to other markets. Further details on the 2026 Audi A6 sedan will follow in the second half of 2025, according to Audi, closer to the car’s US debut. As a reminder, the next-gen S6 will likely be limited to electric only, but we still think the turbo V6 variant might be a solid balance of performance and luxury. We look forward to some seat time either way.