Overview
The 2017 Audi A6 is a midsize luxury sedan designed for drivers who want a refined daily commuter with strong highway comfort, premium technology, and understated styling. It sits in the executive-sedan segment against the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus GS, offering a blend of performance and a quiet, upscale cabin. For 2017, the A6 continues the C7 generation (2012–2018) with the facelifted design introduced for 2016, emphasizing updated lighting, infotainment, and driver-assist features. It’s a great fit for professionals and families who value comfort and confident all-weather traction with available quattro.
Key Features
- Engine choices to match different priorities: a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (A6 2.0T) for efficiency, a 3.0L supercharged V6 (A6 3.0T) for stronger acceleration, and a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 in the high-performance S6 for enthusiasts.
- Available quattro all-wheel drive for improved traction in rain and snow, paired with a smooth automatic transmission for relaxed city and highway driving.
- High-quality interior with supportive seating, excellent sound insulation, and available upgrades like leather seating surfaces, heated/ventilated front seats, and a premium audio system.
- Technology that still feels modern, including Audi’s MMI infotainment system, available navigation, Bluetooth streaming, and available driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring and a rearview camera.
- Balanced ride and handling for a luxury sedan, with available sport suspension and wheel packages that sharpen steering response without sacrificing long-distance comfort.
Common Issues & Reliability
Shoppers researching 2017 Audi A6 reliability should know it’s generally solid when maintained correctly, but like many German luxury sedans, it can be expensive if neglected. Here are 2017 Audi A6 common issues that show up in owner reports and repair history:
- Oil consumption and leaks (more common on higher-mileage 2.0T models): Some owners report needing to top off oil between services, and oil leaks can develop from seals or gaskets as mileage climbs, often showing up around 60,000–100,000 miles. Regular oil checks are important, especially if service intervals were stretched.
- Water pump/thermostat and cooling system leaks: Cooling components can seep or fail over time, leading to coolant smell, low coolant warnings, or temperature swings. These issues can appear in the 50,000–90,000-mile range depending on driving conditions and maintenance history.
- Carbon buildup and drivability symptoms (primarily direct-injection engines): Rough idle, hesitation, or reduced fuel economy can be tied to intake valve carbon accumulation, typically becoming noticeable after 60,000–100,000 miles. Not every car develops severe buildup, but it’s a known pattern.
- Electronics and sensor-related glitches: Owners sometimes mention intermittent infotainment bugs, parking sensor faults, or warning lights triggered by aging sensors. These are often more annoying than catastrophic, but diagnosis can add cost.