We already bought a great 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 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 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 similar 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. Actually, in response to 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 present) BMW doesn’t supply. Nevertheless, trunk capability is a bit diminished: the Audi touts 492 liters (17.76 cubic toes) of trunk area, trailing the BMW’s 521 liters (18.4 cubic toes). Each vehicles 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 automobile’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 bit of bodily management.
Efficiency
In terms 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 certain for the USA’ shores in any respect. What we do have is Audi’s phrase that three powertrains might be out there, a minimum of 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 undoubtedly 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 may 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’ll lag behind the B58-powered 540i, which makes 375 horsepower. Both means, within the world market and on paper, the Audi straight parallels the 5 Sequence. Although, we count on the 5er to be the extra dynamic of the 2.
Expertise
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 seemingly be proper there with the BMW’s Bowers and Wilkins. The 2 will very seemingly supply almost similar technical capabilities, largely boiling down to non-public desire. 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 can have its personal, separate launch later this 12 months. 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’re taking? And, extra importantly, is both price contemplating over the 5 Sequence?
