Audi A6 History & Generations — S6, RS6 & More: Evolution of Elegance

If you’re looking for a mid-size luxury executive sedan with comfort as a priority, chances are, the Audi A6 is on top of your list. Since its launch in 1994, the Audi A6 has seamlessly combined elegance, luxury, and comfort. In this DubiCars Car Spotlight article, we take a look at the Audi A6 history, generations, models, and even its performance versions — S6 & RS6.

Here’s a quick fact for you — the Audi A7 and its performance versions — S7 & RS7 are basically the liftback/notchback version of the A6. Developed as a successor to the well-known Audi 100, the Audi A6 is now one of the best-selling Audi models globally.

Origins Of The Audi A6

The Audi 100 had been in production since 1968 and three generations were produced until 1994. These three generations were codenamed C1, C2, and C3. In 1994, Audi started using a new Alphanumeric naming system starting with the arrival of the Audi A8, which was essentially a renamed Audi V8.

Audi planned to change its entire product lineup to match this new naming system. Hence, when the next generation of the Audi 100 was due to be launched, the German car manufacturer decided to discontinue the ‘100’ model, and instead rename the new generation as the A6.

This was a sedan that was luxurious and plush, and only second to the flagship A8 in terms of the size, list of features, engine size, etc. As a result, the very first Audi A6 generation was codenamed C4 — a continuation of the Audi 100 lineage.

First Generation — C4 | 1994 – 1997

The Audi A6 made its debut in 1994 as the C4 generation, succeeding the Audi 100. The C4 showcased Audi’s commitment to innovation and design, featuring a distinctive, aerodynamic body with smooth lines.

Under the bonnet, it offered a range of engines, including inline-4, inline-5, and potent V6 options. It also became the second Audi to feature the famed Quattro all-wheel-drive system paired with an automatic gearbox.

Shortly after the launch of the A6, the Audi S6, a sportier version of the sedan with a more powerful version of the 2.8-litre V6 engine was launched. In 1997, Audi launched the S6 Plus, a high-performance version of the S6, but it was now powered by a 4.2-litre V8 engine. This V8 engine is often considered among the best engines ever developed.

Second Generation — C5 | 1997 – 2004

This is where the Audi A6 started adopting Audi’s new design language. It was based on the Volkswagen C5 platform and it was from this generation that the Audi A6 actually started competing with the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Building upon the success of its predecessor, the C5 brought significant improvements in design, technology, and safety features. The exterior design was sleeker, with a more pronounced and aerodynamic shape

The C5 generation was powered by a variety of engine options, including the groundbreaking 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6, setting a new standard for performance in the midsize luxury sedan segment. The Audi S6 now received the revered 4.2-litre V8 engine. However, Audi discontinued the S6 Plus.

Instead, in 2002, the Audi RS6 was launched. It was initially available only in a station wagon body style. However, a sedan version was also launched at a later stage. The RS6 has now turned into one of the most respected estate wagons in the world with supercar-slaying performance. Read our detailed review of the Audi RS6 to know what we think of it.

Third Generation — C6 | 2004 – 2011

In 2004, the Audi A6 entered its third generation — the C6. It was a significant evolution in design and technology, solidifying the A6’s position as a leader in the luxury sedan segment. The C6 featured a more refined and aerodynamic exterior, with the signature single-frame grille becoming a prominent design element.

Under the bonnet, a new 2.0-litre inline-4 engine was offered on the base variant. V6 engine options ranged from 2.4-litres to 3.2-litre in size. The seemingly evergreen 4.2-litre V8 was also on offer.

With the S6 and RS6 though, Audi took things to the next level! This generation’s S6 version was revealed in 2006 with a massive 5.2-litre V10 engine producing 429hp. The RS6 took it up a notch with a 5.0-litre bi-turbo V10 engine producing 572hp!

Fourth Generation — C7 | 2011 – 2018

In 2011, the Audi A6 embraced its fourth generation, the C7. This model continued the trajectory of refinement and innovation. The C7 featured a more athletic design, with sharper lines contributing to both aesthetics and performance. This generation was longer, which resulted in a wheelbase increase of 76mm.

In terms of engines, it featured 2.0-litre inline-4, a 2.8-litre V6, and a 3.0-litre supercharged V6. In 2012, for the very first time, Audi introduced a hybrid powertrain pairing the 2.0-litre inline-4 with a 33kW electric motor. However, it was discontinued in 2014 as a result of poor sales performance.

The Audi S6 was powered by a new 4.0-litre TFSI V8 engine producing 420hp and 550Nm. The high-performance RS6 too used the same engine. However, the power output was turned up to 552hp and 700Nm.

Fifth Generation — C8 | 2018 – Present

The latest chapter in the Audi A6’s history unfolds with the fifth generation. Introduced in 2018, the C8 represents Audi’s engineering prowess, combining performance, technology, and luxury in an elegant package. It was introduced at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show and all engine options feature mild-hybrid technology.

The A6 is powered by either a 2.0-litre inline-4 or a 3.0-litre V6. The S6 on the other hand now features a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine. The RS6 continues to be powered by the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. However, it now produces 592hp and 800Nm!

Most Popular Audi A6 Generations In The UAE

The Audi A6 is one of the best-selling Audi models in the UAE. However, the first-generation Audi wasn’t very popular. It started gaining popularity from the second generation and hence, spotting the second, third, and fourth generation Audi A6 on UAE’s roads is pretty common.

Find new Audi A6 models for sale in the UAE and used Audi A6 models for sale in the UAE.