We already obtained an excellent have a look at the brand new Audi A6 Avant and the way it compares to the 5 Sequence 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 Sequence?
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 equivalent wheelbase because the final A6 we noticed. The 5 Sequence 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 truth, in accordance with Audi, the 2026 Audi A6 sedan is essentially 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 Sequence. We expect the 5 Sequence 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 the moment) BMW doesn’t provide. Nevertheless, trunk capability is a bit decreased: the Audi touts 492 liters (17.76 cubic toes) of trunk house, trailing the BMW’s 521 liters (18.4 cubic toes). Each vehicles provide 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 Sequence nonetheless retains a bodily iDrive controller, making it preferable for people who need even a little bit bodily management.
Efficiency
In the case of efficiency, the 2026 Audi A6 sedan is at a drawback, 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 USA’ shores in any respect. What we do have is Audi’s phrase that three powertrains will probably be accessible, 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 accessible diesel unit, which undoubtedly received’t arrive Stateside, makes the identical horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
The A6 sedan can even be accessible 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 Sequence we get. However, it would lag behind the B58-powered 540i, which makes 375 horsepower. Both approach, within the international market and on paper, the Audi immediately parallels the 5 Sequence. Although, we anticipate the 5er to be the extra dynamic of the 2.
Expertise
With an accessible 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 possible be proper there with the BMW’s Bowers and Wilkins. The 2 will very possible provide almost equivalent technical capabilities, largely boiling down to private choice. Nevertheless, in case your passenger should completely have a display screen 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 are taking? And, extra importantly, is both price contemplating over the 5 Sequence?
