Audi A6 / A6 Avant · C8 (4K)
Generation 5 2018–
Sharper and heavily digital: dual touchscreens, mild hybrid on most engines (48-volt on the six-cylinders, 12-volt on the fours) and HD Matrix LED lights. The 50 TDI (286 hp) is the natural successor to the 3.0 TDI quattro; the 40 TDI is the fleet workhorse; the 55 TFSI is the smooth petrol V6, and the TFSI e plug-in hybrids suit company-car buyers. The Avant is again the more sought-after body in Poland.
Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0
Recognition
How to tell it apart
- •Wide, low single-frame grille, sharp creases over the wheel arches and a chrome strip linking the rear lights; Avant has a fast, low roofline
- •Two stacked centre touchscreens with haptic feedback; no rotary MMI controller
- •Badge numbers (35/40/45/50/55) indicate power band, not displacement
- •allroad: contrast cladding, unique grille and standard air suspension; RS6 Avant: wide body with a unique front and oval tailpipes
2023 update (MY2024)
- Revised single-frame grille and front bumper, new wheel designs and colours
- More standard equipment (S line exterior standard in many markets); engines carried over
- MMI software updates; Matrix LED more widely available
Engines
Engines
35 TDI (2.0) · 163 hp
2019–
Diesel · Dual-clutch automatic · FWD
Entry four-cylinder diesel with 12-volt mild hybrid, front-wheel drive only. Fleet-spec; adequate rather than quick.
40 TDI (2.0) · 204 hp
2018–
Diesel · Dual-clutch automatic · FWD / AWD
The volume C8 in Poland: four-cylinder diesel with 12-volt mild hybrid and 7-speed S tronic, quattro optional. Economical company-car spec that drives better than the numbers suggest.
45 TDI (3.0) · 231 hp
2018–2021
Diesel · Automatic · AWD
Lower-output V6 diesel with 48-volt mild hybrid and 8-speed tiptronic. Rarer than the 50 TDI; same hardware with less boost.
50 TDI (3.0) · 286 hp
2018–
Diesel · Automatic · AWD
The core C8: 286 hp V6 diesel, 48-volt mild hybrid, 8-speed tiptronic and quattro. Effortless and the best resale; also the mainstream allroad engine.
45 TFSI (2.0) · 245 hp
2018–
Petrol · Dual-clutch automatic · FWD / AWD
Four-cylinder turbo petrol with 12-volt mild hybrid and S tronic; brisk and cheaper to run than the V6 but less characterful.
55 TFSI (3.0 V6) · 340 hp
2018–
Petrol · Dual-clutch automatic · AWD
Turbocharged V6 petrol with 48-volt mild hybrid and 7-speed S tronic. Smooth and quick; check for coolant leaks.
50 TFSI e (plug-in hybrid) · 299 hp
2020–
Plug-in hybrid · Dual-clutch automatic · AWD
The lower-output plug-in hybrid: 2.0 TFSI plus electric motor, quattro, around 40–50 km electric range. Battery health and charging history matter.
55 TFSI e (plug-in hybrid) · 367 hp
2019–
Plug-in hybrid · Dual-clutch automatic · AWD
The stronger plug-in hybrid with S line-style presentation. Quick, tax-friendly for companies; a battery report is essential on a used one.
3.0 TDI V6 (S6) · 349 hp
2019–
Diesel · Automatic · AWD
In Europe the C8 S6 is a diesel with an electric compressor and 48-volt system: 700 Nm and huge mid-range. Sedan and Avant.
4.0 TFSI V8 (RS6 Avant) · 600 hp
2020–
Petrol · Automatic · AWD
600 hp twin-turbo V8 with 48-volt mild hybrid, 8-speed tiptronic and a wide body shared with nothing else in the range. Very strong demand.
4.0 TFSI V8 (RS6 Avant performance) · 630 hp
2023–
Petrol · Automatic · AWD
630 hp performance version with larger turbos and a lighter exhaust; mostly dealer stock and nearly new.
| Engine | For sale now | Years | Gearbox · drive | Sought after | Robust | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
35 TDI (2.0) · 163 hp Diesel · A6 35 TDI · EA288 evo | 71 | 2019– | Dual-clutch automatic FWD | Entry four-cylinder diesel with 12-volt mild hybrid, front-wheel drive only. Fleet-spec; adequate rather than quick. (some details unverified) | ||
40 TDI (2.0) · 204 hp Diesel · A6 40 TDI / quattro · EA288 evo | 693 | 2018– | Dual-clutch automatic FWD / AWD | The volume C8 in Poland: four-cylinder diesel with 12-volt mild hybrid and 7-speed S tronic, quattro optional. Economical company-car spec that drives better than the numbers suggest. | ||
45 TDI (3.0) · 231 hp Diesel · A6 45 TDI quattro | 44 | 2018–2021 | Automatic AWD | Lower-output V6 diesel with 48-volt mild hybrid and 8-speed tiptronic. Rarer than the 50 TDI; same hardware with less boost. (some details unverified) | ||
50 TDI (3.0) · 286 hp Diesel · A6 50 TDI quattro · EA897 evo3 | 153 | 2018– | Automatic AWD | The core C8: 286 hp V6 diesel, 48-volt mild hybrid, 8-speed tiptronic and quattro. Effortless and the best resale; also the mainstream allroad engine. | ||
45 TFSI (2.0) · 245 hp Petrol · A6 45 TFSI / quattro · EA888 gen3B | 225 | 2018– | Dual-clutch automatic FWD / AWD | Four-cylinder turbo petrol with 12-volt mild hybrid and S tronic; brisk and cheaper to run than the V6 but less characterful. | ||
55 TFSI (3.0 V6) · 340 hp Petrol · A6 55 TFSI quattro · EA839 | 75 | 2018– | Dual-clutch automatic AWD | Turbocharged V6 petrol with 48-volt mild hybrid and 7-speed S tronic. Smooth and quick; check for coolant leaks. | ||
50 TFSI e (plug-in hybrid) · 299 hp Plug-in hybrid · A6 50 TFSI e quattro | 119 | 2020– | Dual-clutch automatic AWD | The lower-output plug-in hybrid: 2.0 TFSI plus electric motor, quattro, around 40–50 km electric range. Battery health and charging history matter. | ||
55 TFSI e (plug-in hybrid) · 367 hp Plug-in hybrid · A6 55 TFSI e quattro | 112 | 2019– | Dual-clutch automatic AWD | The stronger plug-in hybrid with S line-style presentation. Quick, tax-friendly for companies; a battery report is essential on a used one. | ||
3.0 TDI V6 (S6) · 349 hp Diesel · S6 | 16 | 2019– | Automatic AWD | In Europe the C8 S6 is a diesel with an electric compressor and 48-volt system: 700 Nm and huge mid-range. Sedan and Avant. | ||
4.0 TFSI V8 (RS6 Avant) · 600 hp Petrol · RS6 Avant · EA825 | 12 | 2020– | Automatic AWD | 600 hp twin-turbo V8 with 48-volt mild hybrid, 8-speed tiptronic and a wide body shared with nothing else in the range. Very strong demand. | ||
4.0 TFSI V8 (RS6 Avant performance) · 630 hp Petrol · RS6 Avant performance · EA825 | 1 | 2023– | Automatic AWD | 630 hp performance version with larger turbos and a lighter exhaust; mostly dealer stock and nearly new. |
Versions
What the badges mean
Standard
commonbase
2018–
LED lights, dual touchscreens, leather/leatherette mix, 18-inch wheels; the base is well equipped but sparse on assistance systems.
Sport
commonequipment line
2018–2023
Sport line: sport seats, larger wheels and some chrome; sits between base and S line and is often mislabelled as S line.
Watch out: Sport-line cars are frequently advertised as S line; the S line has distinct bumpers and door sills.
S line
commonequipment line
2018–
S line exterior and interior packages: bumpers, sills, sport seats, sport suspension (or air suspension with sport tuning). Standard in many markets from the 2023 update.
Watch out: Still confused with badges; the exterior package is visible on the front bumper and sills.
allroad quattro
uncommonspecial edition
2019–
Avant-based crossover with standard adaptive air suspension, quattro and V6 diesels (45/50 TDI; a 349 hp 55 TDI was offered briefly). Contrast cladding and a unique grille.
S6
uncommonperformance model
2019–
349 hp TDI with electric compressor, S-specific suspension and brakes, quad tailpipes.
Watch out: S6 styling parts are cheap to fit on an S line; check the VIN.
RS6 Avant
rareperformance model
2020–
Wide-body Avant-only RS with 600 or 630 hp V8; RS adaptive air suspension standard, Dynamic Ride Control and ceramic brakes optional.
Options
Options that matter
uncommon
Adaptive air suspension
Best ride and stance; standard on allroad, optional elsewhere.
uncommon
HD Matrix LED headlights (optionally with laser)
Excellent night driving; HD Matrix with laser is the rare top option.
rare
Dynamic all-wheel steering
Rear-axle steering makes the long A6 feel a class smaller; rare.
uncommon
Bang & Olufsen Premium / Advanced 3D Sound
The Advanced 3D system is a strong marker of a maxed-out order; Premium is the common upgrade.
rare
Individual contour seats with massage / ventilation
Rare, expensive to add, big comfort gain.
uncommon
Head-up display
Useful and uncommon.
very rare
Night vision
Very rare thermal camera option.
uncommon
Adaptive cruise assist / Tour assistance package
Semi-autonomous highway driving; the Tour package is a real upgrade.
rare
quattro sport differential
Rare torque-vectoring rear differential.
rare
Soft-close doors
Luxury detail from a high-spec order.
uncommon
Sport suspension with damper control
Steel-sprung adaptive dampers; the middle ground between standard and air.
uncommon
Panoramic sunroof
Available on both bodies; visual and light gain.
common
360° cameras
Very useful on a five-metre car.
uncommon
Four-zone climate control
Rear climate control; common on well-specced cars.
uncommon
Tow bar (factory swivelling)
Popular on Avant and allroad.
common
20–21 inch wheels
Visual only.
common
Black optic package
Cosmetic; popular with buyers.
Before you buy
What to know
Strengths
- +Modern driver assistance and lighting; a very complete long-distance car
- +50 TDI and 55 TFSI V6s are proven engines shared across the VW Group
- +Aluminium-intensive body with good corrosion protection and excellent refinement
- +Avant practicality with a low, wide load floor
Expensive when they fail
HD Matrix LED headlampsAir suspension48V mild hybrid componentsBang & Olufsen 3DRS6 ceramic brakes
Polish market
Mostly ex-lease and dealer stock, with 40 TDI Avants dominating and 50 TDI quattro the aspirational buy; private long-term owners are rarer than on C7. Salvage imports from the US and Canada appear at tempting prices, the history check matters more than the photos. The successor (C9, sold from 2025 after Audi reversed its plan to rename it A7) and the electric A6 e-tron are separate cars and do not affect C8 supply yet.
Known weak points
- moderate48-volt mild hybrid systemBelt alternator starter and 48-volt battery faults can leave the car immobilised; repairs are dealer-level.Check: Ask for any history of start/stop or 48V warnings and whether the belt starter generator was replaced.
- moderateCoolant leaks (3.0 TFSI EA839)Coolant pipe and water pump leaks are reported; watch coolant level and smell.Check: Check for coolant residue around the front of the engine and ask about coolant top-ups.
- moderateAdBlue and emissions system (diesels)AdBlue injector, heater and NOx sensor faults; expensive if ignored and a warning that eventually prevents starting.Check: Ask for stored emissions codes and whether NOx sensors were replaced.
- moderateS tronic (DL382) on four-cylinder carsThe 7-speed wet dual clutch is generally reliable but needs oil changes every 60,000 km; mechatronic faults show as jerky low-speed behaviour.Check: Ask for gearbox service records; feel for hesitation when creeping in traffic.
- noteInfotainment and haptic screensSoftware freezes and screen delamination on early cars; updates help.Check: Test both screens thoroughly, including haptic response and reboot behaviour.
- moderatePlug-in hybrid batteryBattery state of health drives value; frequent fast charging and age reduce range.Check: Ask for a battery health report and realistic electric range.
- noteAir suspension (allroad, RS6 and optioned cars)Younger than the C7 but the same physics; compressors and struts will age.Check: Ask for a morning photo after the car stood overnight.
From the market
Real cars on sale right now
From the market
Engines actually on sale
Grouped from 1528 live listings: what people are selling, at what price and mileage.
| Engine | Share | Typical price | Median mileage | Gearbox · drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2.0 Diesel · 204 hp 40 TDI mHEV Quattro S tronic | 45% | 149 900 PLN | 72 879 km | Automatic · AWD / FWD |
2.0 Petrol · 265 hp 45 TFSI mHEV Quattro S tronic | 10% | 154 900 PLN | 54 314 km | Automatic · AWD / FWD |
2.0 Plug-in hybrid · 367 hp 55 TFSI e quattro S tronic S line | 7% | 214 900 PLN | 23 204 km | Automatic · AWD |
3.0 Diesel · 286 hp 50 TDI mHEV Quattro Sport Tiptronic | 7% | 129 900 PLN | 136 529 km | Automatic · AWD / FWD |
2.0 Plug-in hybrid · 299 hp e-Hybrid 220 kW Quattro S tronic | 5% | 189 900 PLN | 29 285 km | Automatic · AWD |
2.0 Diesel · 163 hp 35 TDI mHEV S tronic | 5% | 98 700 PLN | 150 000 km | Automatic · FWD |
3.0 Diesel · 299 hp TDI mHEV 220 kW Quattro S tronic | 3% | 425 200 PLN | 10 km | Automatic · AWD |
3.0 Petrol · 340 hp 55 TFSI quattro S tronic S line | 3% | 139 500 PLN | 100 579 km | Automatic · AWD |
From the market
Price by model year
Typical price and mileage for each model year on sale.
From the market
Most common versions
- 4083
- 40 Sport60
- 40 S Line38
- 40 Advanced37
- 40 S line35
- 4532
- 55 e S line22
- 45 Sport22
From the market
Equipment seen most often
Multifunction steering wheel 95%ABS 95%ESP stability control 94%Bluetooth 92%Sound system 91%Electric door mirrors 91%Radio 90%Front armrest 88%Heated driver seat 87%Power steering 87%Driver airbag 87%Heated door mirrors 84%Isofix child seat anchors 84%Satellite navigation 83%
Our picks
Versions worth looking for
50 TDI quattro Avant with air suspension and HD Matrix
The complete modern A6 for long distances.
40 TDI quattro S line with the Tour package
The rational choice: cheap to run, well equipped, plentiful supply keeps prices honest.
55 TFSI quattro for petrol buyers
Quiet, quick, and cheaper than an S6.