Audi A6 C9

Thanks to Audi's rollback in the naming structure, the A6 is here to stay. The all-new C9 model will co-exist alongside its unrelated A6 e-tron range. So, what's it all about, the all-new sixth-generation Audi A6?

2026 Audi A6 Avant

2026 Audi A6

The Audi A6 C9 starts at €55,500 for the sedan model and €58,000 for the Avant model, not including additional costs. It's impressive that Audi chose to retain the A6 name for this latest full model update, rather than giving it a new name as they did when they transitioned the A4 to the A5. It's a long story, but what's it all about, the Audi A6 C9?

2026 Audi A6 Avant

2026 Audi A6

Beginning with the design, the A6 C9 looks more like an enlarged A5 B10, judging by Audi's latest design language. It features a more streamlined, elegant yet sporty design, which contributes to its improved aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.23.

2026 Audi A6 interior

Still packs a similar Audi interior, just like its siblings, the A6 C9 is packed with the digital stage cockpit that features an 11.9-inch digital instrument display, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen that controls the entire vehicle, and an available 10.9-inch passenger display. Although complicated at first drive, the passenger comfort surprisingly improved compared to the C8 model. As for the Avant model, it's good for 503 liters of boot space with the rear seats present and up to 1534 liters with the passenger seats folded down.

Under the hood, the A6 C9 offers a wide range of powertrain choices such as the 2.0L TFSi, a 2.0L TFSi e-hybrid, a 2.0L TDi MHEV, and the range-topping 367PS 3.0L V6 TFSi MHEV. All are mated to a 7-speed S tronic gearbox. Depending on the variant, the A6 C9 is offered in either a rather regular front-wheel-drive or a signature quattro all-wheel-drive. Asked about the driving experience, the A6 C9 in its quattro setup is still as Audi as any Audis can be. Nothing special about it, even though it can be equipped with the available all-wheel steering for better dynamics.

As for safety, the Audi A6 C9 is packed with a broad suite of driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane guidance, parking assist, and more.

While it may be considered standard for luxury cars, it's beneficial that Audi revised their naming structure to keep the A6 designation for this latest version. Although not as enjoyable as today's BMW 5-Series and Mercedes' E-Class, the all-new Audi A6 tries to keep it cool even when things get tense. Any questions?

Photo: Audi AG

My FH5 Log: Battle of the RS flagships

The Audi RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback are the flagships of the Audi RS range, and they may be the last of these RS flagships to be equipped with pure thermal engines. In Forza Horizon 5, let's have a final salvo with the two Audi RS flagships.

The C8-spec Audi RS6 Avant and the 4K-spec Audi RS7 Sportback are regarded as the top guns of the Audi RS hierarchy, yet they pose only a minimal threat to BMW's M5 and Mercedes-AMG's E63. Both are equipped with a formidable 4.0L V8 TFSi engine featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a cylinder-on-demand mechanism for enhanced efficiency on the go. This engine delivers 600PS of power and 800Nm of torque. When paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox, it accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just over three and a half seconds, and with the dynamic package plus, it can achieve a top speed of 305 kph. There's even a performance variant that has seen its V8 engines enhanced to 630PS, reducing the 0-100 kph time by 0.2 seconds.

With their quick introductions done, it all comes down to this question: which of these RS flagships is the best? The RS6 Avant or the RS7 Sportback. With a bone-shaped circuit located near the Horizon Rush site as my laboratory, it's time for these blood relatives to settle the score for the last time in the heat of the rainfall. A fitting tribute to the last pure thermal-powered Audi RS overlords. Roll the tape.

Here are the results...

RS6 C8 - 1m07.818s (Wet)

RS7 4K - 1m07.100s (Wet)

It was a close result, but in the end, it seems the saloon equivalent is the winner after all. I didn't expect the RS7 to be slightly lighter than the RS6. No big deal.

As the Audi RS lineage prepares for the "new normal," we can be certain that the era of powerful Audis will never be forgotten by future generations. The C8-spec Audi RS6 Avant and the C8-spec Audi RS7 Sportback have made their mark, but one day they will return—this time as even more formidable versions that are truly challenging to handle. Remind you of any?

EPILOGUE

After delivering their final blow as pure thermal-powered RS overlords, the RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback are ready for their true final blow. Having winded up to similar levels akin to the RS6 Avant performance and the RS7 Sportback performance, I gave them roles that suit their personalities.

Trust anyone who has an RS6 Avant in their spare time because they had a lot of fun driving through the Swiss Alps in style and comfort. With that, I shall call you...Fuwari. As in, Fuwari Midorikaze, one of the Tricolore members from PriPara. Na-chu!

As for my RS7 Sportback, its high and mightiness as the true RS flagship invoked the wrath of a high-and-mighty PriPara idol, and with that, I shall call you...Chili. Chili Tsukikawa, of course.

With everything settled, Fuwari and Chili are up for their Making Drama they'll never forget. The RS6 Avant is taking on an EventLab re-enactment of a Forza Motorsport classic track, the Bernese Alps, while the RS7 Sportback is locked in a duel against...someone outside the temple in the middle of snowy weather. Making Drama, Switch On!

Chili may have a rough "chilly" day but Fuwari feels right at home with the Bernese Alps re-enactment. Still, kudos to the masterminds of these EventLab creations.

The RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback may be polar opposites, but they both share the same powerful engine that has driven them to the very end. They have fulfilled their purpose, but they don't have the classic "Beauty and the Beast" ending. As witnesses, we are grateful to observe their final days and are ready to share their stories.

Danke, RS6 and RS7. We'll meet again someday.

Audi A6 e-tron

The Audi A6 e-tron is a controversial vehicle. It started as a concept car, but now it's a reality. It's Audi's answer to the BMW 5-Series. It's an all-electric vehicle, so it's a competitor to the i5. Is it for the greater good, or not?

2025 Audi A6 e-tron

2025 Audi A6 e-tron avant

Starting at 62,800 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Audi A6 e-tron range morphed Audi's answer to the BMW 5-Series into an all-electric, all-original, presentation thanks to Audi's new naming policy where ICE-powered vehicles will have odd numbers while EVs like this have even numbers. Feeling the odd one out, the A6 e-tron is the business end of the controversial luxury EV market.

2025 Audi A6 e-tron interior

Drawing cues from its concept car from three years ago, the A6 e-tron features slim LED headlights and a closed-off singleframe grille, the hallmark of the e-tron styling. The saloon version features a sportback setting rather than the sedan look from its predecessor soon to be the next Audi A7 while the Avant version is surprisingly better looking indeed for a luxury EV estate.

Step inside, the A6 e-tron proudly displays up to five screens on its dashboard such as the curved MMI panoramic display that incorporates the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit instrument display and a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, the additional 10.9-inch touchscreen on the front passenger side, and optional side-view cameras. On the comfort side, the A6 e-tron features luxurious extras such as four-zone air-conditioning, air fragrance repackage, electrochromic panoramic glass roof, and Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with headrest speakers.

In the topic of boot space, both the sportback and the Avant have 502 liters of boot space with all seats present, and in the Avant's case, up to 1422 liters of boot space with the passenger seats folded down.

2025 Audi S6 e-tron Avant

2025 Audi S6 e-tron

Running on the PPE platform just like the Q6 e-tron and 100kWh battery, the base A6 e-tron runs on a single motor powering the rear wheels, which sounds blasphemous by Audi standards. It produces 326PS of power output and has 621km of driving range. The quattro variant adds an additional motor at the front, resulting in 462PS of power, 855Nm of torque, a 0-100kph of 4.5 seconds, a top speed of 210kph, and 711km of driving range.

Those who demand more should go for the rear-biased dual motor S6 e-tron range with 503PS of power output with launch control engaged, sprinting from 0-100kph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 240kph.

Audi's A6 and S6 e-tron models are mild to drive everywhere, especially on tarmac, gravel, and snow. They come with Audi's suite of intelligent driver aids, including adaptive cruise assist plus, active front assist, traffic sign-based cruise control, park assist plus, and rear turn assist.

Although a controversial move to be EV-only, the concept-turned-reality Audi A6 e-tron range nicked the status quo as the cheaper and more friendly alternative to the BMW i5 range. It really is the business end of the controversial luxury EV market.

Photo: Audi AG

My FH5 Log: A tribute to the RS6 Avant

From the time you obtained it as a DLC car in Forza Horizon 2 to the moment you've got it as a prize car in the Forza Horizon 5's High Performance Dry Season Playlist, the Audi RS6 Avant is proven to be the ultimate station wagon only the privileged can indulge on.

With the C7 and the C8 versions present in Forza Horizon 5, it's time to find out how much the RS6 Avant has changed as the legend unparalleled in its unique combination of high-performance and wagon practicality, melding its racing pedigree with utility as Audi claims.

Beginning with the C7 RS6 Avant, or should I say the facelifted C7 RS6 Avant, it comes with the 4.0L V8 TFSi engine which develops 560PS of power and 700Nm of torque and it's connected to an 8-speed tiptronic transmission. 0-100kph takes about 3.9 seconds and it will go on up to 305kph. Although this car is made for the trip to the grocery, the RS6 Avant is an all-rounder thanks to its legendary quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

Now, the C8 RS6 Avant. For the first time ever, it's available Stateside with a starting price of 121,900 US Dollars plus additional costs. This model is powered by a powerful 4.0L V8 TFSi engine with a 48-volt electrical system and cylinder-on-demand system for added efficiency on the go. This engine produces 600PS of power and 800Nm of torque and when mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox, it goes from 0-100kph in over three and a half seconds and with the dynamic package plus, up to 305kph of top speed. Aside from that, it comes with a number of race-inspired suspension setups, including the available dynamic all-wheel steering and RS sports suspension plus Dynamic Ride Control. Combined with the legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system, the result is a more enjoyable driving experience everywhere all at once.

After having my huge impressions of both generations of the RS6 Avant, it's time to pit these two on a quick climb to the top of the caldera, just to find out how much the RS6 Avant has evolved. Without further ado, let's roll the tape.

With their deed done, here are the results;

RS6 Avant C7: 3m24.671s

RS6 Avant C8: 3m20.317s

It took nearly four seconds to have the RS6 Avant evolve from the C7 to the C8. Let's be honest, it may not be the best RS6 Avant ever made but it's certainly the super wagon the world knows at its peak. Hey, this isn't even its final form, you know.

I admit that the C8-spec Audi RS6 Avant isn't even in its final form but in the age of the new normal, it will be dearly missed by the time Audi's electrification strategy shifts into maximum overdrive. If so, the RS6 Avant will go down in history as the forbidden fruit only the privileged can indulge in thanks to its unique combination of high performance and wagon practicality.

The more you know. Good day to you, Sir/Ma'am, and enjoy your new ride.

Audi RS6 Avant C8 and RS7 C8

The best RS Audis in the stable, the RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback, are back in the latest C8 generation and the newest incarnations of the so-called best Audis have been uncaged on the road and track to deliver the best-ever performance that will leave them driven to tears, wishing they just want either one of them. Let's investigate more on the all-new RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback.

2020 Audi RS6 Avant

2020 Audi RS7 Sportback

The all-new RS6 Avant, priced at 124260 Euros plus on-road costs, and the all-new RS7 Sportback, priced at 127,720 Euros plus on-road costs, are the best Audis aimed squarely at the opposition with its dynamics and performance that will push them beyond their limits.

Both of them are powered by a powerful 4.0L V8 TFSi engine with a 48-volt electrical system and cylinder-on-demand system for added efficiency on the go. This engine produces 600PS of power and 800Nm of torque and when mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox, it goes from 0-100kph in over three and a half seconds and with the dynamic package plus, up to 305kph of top speed. Stats like these will make them as fast as those from the AMG stable, especially their prime targets such as the E63S and the GT63S.

Unlike their AMG rivals, both the RS6 and RS7 don't have special witchcraft that makes them behave like rear-wheel drive monsters instead, both come with a number of race-inspired suspension setups, including the available dynamic all-wheel steering and RS sports suspension plus Dynamic Ride Control, allowing them to misbehave like the drivers want while keeping them enjoyable to drive on the road and track, even on gravel and snow thanks to its Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. 

Yes, they're not as mad as the AMGs but they're way beyond Subaru WRX STi levels of enjoyment and these best Audis are sure to give drivers a fresh new take on dynamic driving for all seasons. 

Such enjoyment will leave the others driven to tears, wishing they just want either one of them, and boy, they just did. And apart from being as mad as they look, their interior smells manly enough to get accommodated with. It even has good space in the back as well just like the normal ones.

The new RS6 and RS7 may not be as good as the AMG rivals because of the fact that they don't have rear-wheel drive witchcraft on their all-wheel drive systems but with numerous improvements tinkered inside out, these best Audis are simply the best Audis you really wish to want one. If you want one, so be it.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi S6 C8 and S7 C8

Audi's S6 range and the S7 Sportback are back for their latest generation but they're not what you think because what's underneath them is a different story that's going to be worth an argument heard round the world because for the first time, all of them are powered by a 3.0 TDi diesel engine, which is going to be irrelevant in today's Europe. but in such interest, let's investigate the whys of the S6 range and the S7 Sportback.

2020 Audi S6

2020 Audi S6 Avant

2020 Audi S7 Sportback

Back on their C8 outing, the new S6 range and S7 Sportback ups the ante with its sporty exterior styling, sporty handling, sporty interior, and same tech from its normal A6/A7 derivatives, but the most questionable of all is the engine that powers it. Yep, the new S6/S7 is powered by a new 3.0L V6 TDi engine, a semi-high performance diesel engine that is deemed irrelevant in today's diesel-sceptic Europe, but for such curiosity, let's get to know the diesel engine that powers it.

The 3.0L V6 TDi diesel engine that powers it comes from the A6 allroad and it is fitted with a 48-volt primary electrical system capable of producing 350PS of power and 700Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it is capable of going 0-100kph in five seconds and electronically limited to 250kph. Now that is something else for these diesel-powered sport saloons despite being carried from a pseudo-crossover wagon relative of the A6 C8 family tree.

With the diesel engine sorted, let's investigate more on the basic stuff of the S6/S7 range. On the exterior design, the sporty exterior really is like a businessman in a track suit jogging at the park on a Sunday morning, although the rear is somewhat questionable due to its fake exhaust tips, but either way, the new S6/S7 really means business in a nearly athletic way and the dark-themed interior really smells like aftershave everytime you get in and out of the familiar cabin that comes with all of the familiar toys and comforts from the standard A6/A7.

At the dynamics section, the S6/S7 possess sportscar-like handling like every S model in the Audi catalog and although it feels rather mild but menacing, the dynamic all-wheel steering and optional ceramic brake system adds some dramatic feel to these models, making them solid all-rounder that balances the right things and the wrong things in a timely manner. Although not quite as impressive as its M Performance variants from BMW or the AMG 35 range from Mercedes but the new S6/S7 feels nearly addictive to drive.

The S6 range starts at 76,500 Euros plus tax and delivery while the S7 starts at 82,750 Euros plus tax and delivery. Yes, they really are expensive but feel free to get to know them if you got the time.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi A6 C8 allroad

The Audi A6 allroad is now based on the same underpinnings as the latest C8 A6 range and this new generation offers the same stuff that you get from today's Audi A6, now in an increased ground clearance and some extra cladding to make it look rugged and outgoing like a cameraman going out on the woods for some wildlife photography.

2020 Audi A6 allroad

It's been two decades since the original Audi allroad quattro went on sale and with the advent of the latest generation, the Audi A6 allroad continues to blend the right balance between the ruggedness of an SUV and the riding comfort of a luxury car, or be it an Audi A6 Avant perhaps, making this sport utility wagon one step ahead of the rest, although this new model wants to play hide and seek against the Mercedes E-Class All Terrain, which is its main rival.

With prices start at 61,500 Euros plus taxes and delivery, the new A6 allroad is surprisingly more expensive than the Mercedes E-AT and because it's an Audi, most speedo boys would be better off with the Mercedes instead because Audis are like the antithesis in the German luxury car wars. They're like sober people who went out from their rehabs and behave with all of the good manners and right conduct intended.

2020 Audi A6 allroad interior

Speaking of good manners and right conduct, the new A6 allroad is surprisingly an Audi A6 Avant with some increased ground clearance and some extra cladding to make it look rugged and dependable and because it's based on the A6 Avant, you can expect boot space fit enough for your mountain bike and some camping essentials on the trip to one of Europe's most scenic landscapes for your healing vlog purposes.

Under the hood, this sport utility wagon never learned a bit because the new A6 allroad is powered by a 3.0L TDi engine paired with a mild hybrid system, with the highest bearing 350PS of power and 700Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it is capable of going 0-100kph in 5.2 seconds and electronically limited to 250kph. I know that most Europeans are not welcomed but considering how much power and torque the top-end A6 allroad possess, that's something you would really want to play tug of war against the E-Class All Terrain and because it can tow up of 2.5 tons, it's capable of towing caravans, which is going to be a menace for speedo boys everywhere. Who cares? You're in an Audi, of course, and the A6 allroad is the perfect caravane people's car to cause so much misery for the speedo boys, unless if they are fighting like tigers in a battle.

On the road, the A6 allroad works like an Audi A6 Avant, especially when it comes with a wide array of driving assists, but when taken off the road, it really is like a bear in a battle when the adaptive air suspension is raised to make it more enjoyable on the dirt, although not intended to be taken out for cross-country purposes like every crossover drivers heard of today. Because it comes with the Audi drive select offroad mode, the new A6 allroad really works like an elephant in the room and this is going to be one of the most enjoyable allroad you can try if you can afford the massive pricetag.

From tarmac, gravel, and snow, the all-new Audi A6 allroad is now worthy enough to follow the footsteps of the original allroad quattro 20 years ago and whether you love it or hate it, this sport utility vehicle is the ideal antidote for those who are raging against crossovers but don't worry because this is just a station wagon disguised as a crossover and you should thank Audi for that, whatever it takes.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi A6 C8

The Audi A6 has been rivaling the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes E-Class for several years now and with the arrival of the new C8-spec incarnation, the newly regenerated Audi A6 wants to be leading the executive luxury car class with its newly revised tech and performance that will show the world just how serious this new model is, although it's not going to be as enjoyable as its rivals as some would point out.

2019 Audi A6

2019 Audi A6 Avant

While car companies like BMW have forgone the usual "Russian doll" effect, which makes customers confused about which is which, the new Audi A6 doesn't go for that approach and while it looks vaguely similar to the old C7 model, it can be easily distinguished from its brothers such as the smaller A4 and the supreme A8, fitting for the middle child of the family tree. Not a bad looker as such but what's beneath the coat and tie approach is somewhat hard to explain.

2019 Audi A6 interior

2019 Audi A6 Avant interior

Like we saw on the new A8 and the A7, the new interior is now donning to the new Audi interior like the ones mentioned a few seconds ago, meaning there's going to be some confusion about which interior does this car come from. Anyway, confusing the interior it can be, what's offered on the driver's side show that who says you can't sit on both boards and who says an office should have four walls. With MMI navigation plus and Audi connect, connectivity really means business and with all the internet connectivity provided, it's like you have work today even if you're stuck at traffic. Apart from that, the seats aren't as bad as you might think and rear space is fit enough for VIP escorts. On the Avant version, not only it's surprisingly bigger than the old model but it retains the same boot space as the old model, giving you plenty of space to store some for your day-offs and another rounds.

2019 Audi A6

2019 Audi A6 Avant

Like the new A8 and the A7, the new A6 range is now offered with a mild-hybrid system with a 48-volt primary electrical system and a belt alternator starter generating up to 12 kilowatts of recuperation power, standard on all variants. At launch, the sedan is offered a choice of two 3.0L engines, in petrol and diesel guise while the Avant is offered only with a 3.0L diesel, which is therefore out of context in today's Germany due to Europe's hatred affair with diesel engines. Most variants are fitted with a seven-speed S tronic or an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

Because it runs on an entirely different platform compared to the previous model, the new A6 sees some slight improvement to the handling department and when coupled with an optional limited slip differential and dynamic all-wheel steering as well with any of the four suspension setups as long if air suspension is chosen, it handles and behaves like what an Audi should be, getting round corners in a dramatic matter while staying true to its comfort zone but on the downside, it can snap your arms real good and that will drive you a bit mad if you are trying to push it over the limit.

Putting safety as its top priority, the new A6 offers a wide range of driving assists inspired from the A8, divided into the "City" and "Tour" packages. Whichever driving aids you ticked from its checklist, you can rest assure that while some can be worth surprising, there are others that will also drive you mad. Hey, that's the Audi way, you know. You won't win many friends by driving one rather than those who got a BMW or a Mercedes.

The sedan starts at 55,050 Euros (3.44 million pesos) while the Avant starts at 57,550 Euros (around 3.592 million pesos), which is annoyingly more costly to own compared to the BMW 5-Series and there you have it. While the new A6 is more expensive and less exciting compared to its compatriots from Germany, its tech, comfort, and efficiency won't go unnoticed and there's so much more to expect with the new model over the coming years, although there's nothing to excited about seeing a new Audi by yourself.

Photo: AUDI AG

Forza Horizon 2: Der Neuer RS6 Avant

With the brand-new Audi RS6 Avant arriving on Forza Horizon 2 via the NAPA Chassis Pack, I was very eager to try out one of Europe's super wagons for a spin. Besides, this turbocharged station wagon is what we're longing for to drive in the world of Forza. Although it wasn't made to be sold Stateside like all high-performance wagons do, the RS6 Avant made us super jealous when we drove one out on FH2.



So, what's it all about the new RS6? Well, at first, this is based on the current-generation Audi A6, or to be more specific, the A6 Avant model because the RS models of the Avants tend to combine sportscar-like performance with the convenience of a wagon. Since wagons are almost a thing of a past Stateside, we can't have 'em but go to Europe to have one thanks to some demands from the T10 staff, we are finally able to drive this high-performance wagon we've been denied for so long. Even me.



Mercifully, they've gone for the 2015 facelift of the RS6 Avant because they don't want to commit the same mistakes they've done when they feature a pre-facelift model and then what they didn't know that a facelifted model existed just before they can feature it in-game.

Under the hood, the RS6 comes with the 4.0L V8 TFSi engine which develops 560PS of power and 700Nm of torque and it's connected to an 8-speed tiptronic transmission. 0-100kph takes about 3.9 seconds and it will go on up to 305kph. Now that is one helluva super wagon no one can resist its speedy temptation.

Although this car is made for the trip to the grocery, the RS6 Avant is an all-rounder thanks to its legendary quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. This means that if you're going to take on any road condition, be it wet or dry, the RS6 Avant always keeps your cool as long as you're brave enough to take on too many risks around you.



This is much more of a better speed wagon than the Audi RS4 Avant, which is a pre-order bonus for those who bought FH2 on XBOX One, or better yet, it's better than any other super saloons in its class, although being a 4WD super tourer, too much grip is what I'm experiencing and it feels a bit...mild. It may be a mild car to drive but even the rookies are more than welcome to master the new RS6. It doesn't really matter what kind of skill level you're on, be it a pro or a rookie. This wagon fits on any skill level the driver's on and this car is balanced with the things that are right and the things that are wrong.



I decided to take on a road trip to Montellino with the new RS6. Since this car comes with 4WD, this tourer can be an excellent road trip vehicle as long as you can't wait to go. You can take on whatever you like as long as you made it to the target destination and proceed to your next challenge.



As the saying goes, the journey continues...

See you next time.