Gallery
Try not to get too excited by what you see here.
Make no mistake: the 2026 Audi A6 is an intriguing new entry that’s part of the brand’s pivot in the face of shifting consumer sentiment. Instead, it’s the specific style of car pictured here that warrants tempered expectations, with the redesigned A6 wagon not destined for our shores, however disappointing that may be.
So what am I doing driving it in the first place? This particular A6 tells an interesting story — one about what’s changed for Audi, not to mention what’s on the horizon as a result.
A Look at What’s to Come
While the lust-worthy longroof version of the A6 isn’t coming to Canada, it provides a look ahead at what’s to come when the restyled sedan lands at dealers later this year. Again, this car wasn’t part of the plan in the not-too-distant past; but with electric vehicle (EV) sales accelerating at a slower pace than Audi anticipated, the brand’s leadership decided to give the gas-powered A6 a new lease on life.
That’s why we’ll soon see a conventional A6 in showrooms alongside the A6 E-Tron that launched late last year, providing a pick of powertrains to suit your preference. And although the gas-powered version certainly looks similar to its EV sibling, Audi’s designers have wisely worked to differentiate the two beyond the obvious. That means a slightly more aggressive aesthetic for the gas-powered A6 that relies heavily upon its gaping grille and squinting headlights to make itself known.
A Return to Form
Of course, the wagon has swept back proportions the sedan doesn’t, but their interiors are nearly identical beyond the extra storage space inside the wagon. That’s promising for both function and form, with an overall look that’s shared with the likes of the A6 E-Tron and the Q6 E-Tron crossover that hit the market just before it.
The space is something of a return to form for Audi, which hasn’t quite been on the cutting edge of cabin design in recent years. As with most modern premium vehicles, an emphasis has been placed on technology, although the setup here is better integrated than what’s found in some rivals. Despite the digital expanse inside — the 11.9-inch driver display and 14.5-inch touchscreen are housed under the same curved glass panel — it all sits low on the dash so it doesn’t distract from the matter at hand (that would be driving, in case it wasn’t obvious).
Premium Platform Combustion
Whereas the A6 E-Tron rides on a dedicated EV platform that was jointly developed by Audi and Porsche — in the case of the latter, it underpins the Macan Electric — this new gas-powered model uses what’s best described as a heavily modified of the outgoing architecture. Dubbed Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), the underpinnings allow for more sophisticated electronics to be incorporated into the car, including a new-generation mild-hybrid powertrain.
In the case of the A6 we’ll see on Canadian shores, there’s a 48-volt system mated to a twin-turbocharged V6, just like there was before. And while the 3.0L engine itself has been updated with new turbos, the mild-hybrid setup has been optimized to do more heavy lifting here. That includes a new “powertrain generator” that can chip in with extra torque when accelerating.
Silky Smooth Driving Dynamics
Naturally, the slightly heavier wagon won’t drive exactly like the sedan, although the on-road experience is likely to be close enough to come away with some transferable driving impressions. And after a couple rain-soaked days behind the wheel, I’m happy to report that Audi’s recaptured some serious magic with this new and improved A6.
It’s smooth in a way that might be expected, and that goes with a directness that’s often lamented as lost these days. Without any bushings between the steering rack and chassis, there’s a responsiveness that makes me excited about the prospect of an RS 6 version of this new car (assuming it makes its way to Canada once more, preferably as a wagon again).
Considering it isn’t an especially sporty car, the 2026 A6 is dynamically adept — particularly with the available air suspension and rear-axle steering, with the different drive modes dramatically altering the way the car feels. It’s light and lithe in comfort mode, cruising around with an air of upscale dignity as the silky steering pairs perfectly with the ride quality. But then the switch into dynamic mode morphs the A6 into something more eager and athletic.
Playful When Called Upon
While it still feels like the upmarket machine it’s meant to, the intentions are made clear through a more engaging nature overall. This is also where the updated steering rack comes into play, with a newfound sharpness that creates a more obvious connection between what’s happening in your hands and the surface below. Hell, there’s even a bit of bump steer to remind you that the system is electrically assisted instead of entirely artificial.
Even then, the ride and handling remain pleasantly compliant, with only the worst impacts — think recessed manhole covers — upsetting the car’s composure (albeit barely). With the adaptive air suspension hunkered down in its lowest setting, the 4,990-mm (196.5-in) A6 felt more like an A3 on tightly winding ribbons of mountain road, thanks in no small part to the rear-axle steering.
Then there’s the powertrain that plays so well with the rest of the components to create an experience that’s as exciting as it is cool and composed like a proper premium car should be. With output in the neighbourhood of 362 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque — official numbers will be confirmed closer to launch — plus that extra electric boost, it’s as easy to hustle the A6 between switchbacks as it is to hurry along stretches of highway in quiet comfort.
Final Thoughts
I’m as disappointed as the next wagon fan that the best version of the 2026 Audi A6 is being kept from us in Canada, although the experience it offers makes the sedan’s prospects rather promising. Despite having one eye on an all-electric future, Audi still knows how to build good gas-powered cars, and the new A6 is proof.
The order books are set to open this summer, with Canadian arrivals scheduled for the third quarter of 2025. Expect it to cost more than the $73,850 pre-tax starting price of the outgoing version, although final numbers will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
