The Best Midsize Audi Cars
The powerful Audi S6 and the all-electric Audi e-tron GT bring Audi luxury to the midsize sedan market.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Brenna Swanston
Looking for a luxurious midsize car? Audi’s lovely offerings include the cushy A6, the sport S6, and the all-electric (and really fast) e-tron GT.
When you think “midsize sedan,” it doesn’t exactly conjure up images of excitement and performance—unless you’re talking about Audi's midsize sedans. Come along with
Jerry
, the trustworthy car insurance super app
, as we take a look at these luxury midsize offerings.We’ll take a peek at the specs and features of each one, and also see what the competition is offering. And when we're done dreaming about posh features (and high prices), we’ll finish things up by telling you how to get the best deal around on your
Audi insurance cost
.2023 Audi A6
Pricing
The 2023 Audi A6 starts at $56,995 for the lowest trim level and the smaller engine and costs up to $70,595 for the top-of-the-line trim level with an upgraded engine. Audi is firmly in the realm of luxury brands, so brace yourself for some sticker shock when looking at these models. But when you figure that some Audi models venture well into the six-figure zone, this seems like a bargain by comparison, right?
Performance
There are two engine choices available on the A6, and both are mild hybrids. Automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive are standard across the board.
The base engine choice is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which Audi designates as the 45. This makes 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The upgraded option is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (the 55) that brings you 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
For the two lower trim levels, the upgraded engine is an additional $3,900 (it’s standard on the top trim level).
The Audi A6 delivers a ride that’s luxurious and comfortable and leans more toward a cushy sedan vs a sports sedan feel. Some reviewers felt that the comfort comes at the expense of driver engagement, but that depends on the kind of behind-the-wheel experience you like.
Both engines provide ample power, and the V6 gets you a 0 to 60 time of 4.8 seconds, which is nothing to be ashamed of. The steering is crisp, and the handling is responsive and smooth.
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Fuel economy
As a mild hybrid, the Audi A6 gets a boost from a little battery pack but can’t run on electric power alone. The smaller 45 engine gets a respectable 24/31/27 mpg in city/highway/combined driving, while the heftier 55 gets 21/30/24 mpg. Premium gas is required for Audis, so budget your fuel costs accordingly.
Interior and tech
The interior of the A6 is sleek, comfortable, and as one reviewer put it, “feels like the future”. Dual touch screens serve as the control center, and the infotainment system is easy to use once you get the hang of it. A head-up system gets essential info right in your line of sight for added convenience.
Leather upholstery and wood finish lend a feel of richness, and the seats are infinitely adjustable and insanely comfortable. Do you want bells and whistles? Just name it, and it’s available.
Safety and reliability
When it comes to safety, the A6 is a standout as well. It got an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety made it a Top Safety Pick Plus for 2023.
On the other hand, the reliability ratings aren’t so uniformly glowing. RepairPal gives the A6 an above-average rating of 3.5/5, but according to some other sources the A6 is pretty unreliable. It scored a 63/100 with J.D. Power in Quality and Reliability, which isn’t great.
Luxury cars in general are often less reliable than their non-luxury counterparts, due in part to the fact that there are just more features and tech to break.
Trim levels
There are three trim levels available on the A6: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. The 55 engine is available on all three trim levels, while the 45 is only available on the lower two. So if you opt for the highest trim level, you’re getting the upgraded engine too.
The mid-level Premium Plus is the most popular and offers plenty of desirable features. Plus, there’s no shortage of add-on packages if you want to max out on goodies.
The $2,250 Executive Package offers heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and four-zone climate control. If you’re opting for the top Prestige trim you can add on the $2,850 Luxury Package, which brings an extra opulent Valcona/Milano leather interior, passenger seat memory, and individual contour massaging front seats.
Competitors
Wondering how the A6 compares to the competition? Here’s an at-a-glance peek at the vitals:
Model | MSRP range | Base engine | Fuel economy | Safety ratings | Car and Driver rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 Audi A6 | $56,995 to $70,595 | 261 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild hybrid | 27 mpg combined | 5 stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) | 8.5/10 |
2023 Genesis G80 | $50,595 to $72,345 | 300 hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder | 27 mpg combined | 5 stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) | 9/10 |
$57,800 to $77,950 | 255 hp turbocharged four-cylinder | 23 mpg combined | 5 stars (NHTSA), 2022 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) | 9/10 | |
$55,795 to $80,895 | 181 hp turbocharged four-cylinder | 26 mpg combined | 2022 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) | 7.5/10 |
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2023 Audi S6
If you like the A6 but want something a little faster and edgier, then the
Audi S6
should be to your liking. This is the sport sedan version of the A6, and there are a lot of similarities between the two in terms of features, tech, and design. But when you look under the hood or get behind the wheel, you’ll know that the S6 is a completely different animal. Pricing
Do You want the speed? You gotta pay for it. A 2023 Audi S6 starts anywhere from $73,795 to $82,595. But there’s only one engine choice, so at least that’s one decision you won’t have to sweat.
Performance
Performance is where the S6 stands out from its more sedate sibling. The sole engine here is a mild hybrid as well, but this turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 has a decidedly un-mild output of 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Like the A6, automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive are standard.
Audi estimates that the S6 has a 0-to-60 time of 4.4 seconds, but some reviewers were able to get that number down to 4.1 seconds.
Fuel economy
Not surprisingly, fuel economy is another area of difference between the S6 and the A6. That extra oomph only costs you at the dealership, but also at the gas pump. The EPA estimates that the 2023 S6 gets 19/26/22 mpg in city/highway/combined driving.
Interior and tech
Like the A6, the interior is tech-centric and luxurious. The same dual touchscreen infotainment system is in the S6, and once again the overall feel is modern and sleek. Diamond stitched leather upholstery is standard, as is four-zone automatic climate control, adjustable heated steering wheel, and 12-way power adjustable heated seats.
We hope you like wood and leather because you’ll be surrounded by them.
Safety and reliability
Luxury and performance cars frequently don’t have publicly available crash test scores, and that seems to be the case with the Audi S6. Given its similarities with the A6, it’s likely that they’re also quite good, but speculation is as far as that can go.
There’s not enough data available for RepairPal to have a rating for the S6, and J.D. Power doesn’t have anything to allow either. So, unfortunately, the Audi S6 is a bit of an enigma in this category.
Trim levels
The S6 has the same Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels as the A6. If you want to max out on the opulence, the Prestige trim level swathes just about every surface in leather. Adding on the $4,000 S Sport Package makes your drive even more exhilarating, with features like dynamic all-wheel steering, red brake calipers, sport exhaust, and sport rear differential.
Competitors
Interested in what else is out there in the realm of delicious high-performance sedan insanity (sedanity)? Take a look at how the vitals of some of these other competitors compare with the Audi S6.
Model | MSRP range | Base engine | Fuel economy | Safety ratings | Car and Driver rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 Audi S6 | $73,795 to $82,595 | 444 hp turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 | 22 mpg combined | Not rated | 8/10 |
2023 BMW M5 | $109,895 to $117,495 | 600 hp 4.4-liter V8 | 17 mpg combined | Not rated | 9.5/10 |
$92,390 | 668 hp 6.2-liter V8 | 17 mpg combined | Not rated | 10/10 |
2023 Audi e-tron GT
Want something a little more eco-friendly and a lot more exciting? You’ve come to the right place. The 2023 Audi e-tron GT is one of the offerings in Audi’s extensive EV lineup and combines Audi performance and luxury with a seriously snappy all-electric powertrain.
Pricing
The 2023 Audi e-tron GT starts at $106,395 for the base model and goes all the way to a whopping $145,395 for the face-melting RS trim level.
Performance
The 2023 e-tron GT has four electric motors to create an electric version of Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive. The two lower trim levels produce a combined 522 horsepower, while the RS brings you 637 horsepower to unleash. The e-tron GT has an innovative two-speed transmission—one for take-off and one for cruising, if you will.
Incidentally, the e-tron GT shares the same platform as the Porsche Taycan.
Available all-wheel steering and adjustable air suspension provide a sporty and commanding driving experience, while still delivering Audi comfort. Is it fast? Yes. Yes it is. The less powerful version has a 0-to-60 time of 3.6 seconds, while the RS makes the trip in a heart-pounding 2.9 seconds.
Fuel economy and range
Driving an all-electric Audi e-tron Gt means you’ll never have to hit a gas station again unless it’s just for some road snacks. The EPA estimates that the e-tron GT has an MPGe of 81/83/82 for city/highway/combined driving. The range of the two lower trim levels is 238 miles, and the RS gets slightly less range at 232 miles.
This isn’t bad, but it is quite a bit less than some competitors.
Interior and tech
The Audi may not have the best range among luxury all-electric sedans, but it can boast one of the fastest charging times—23 minutes to get from 5% to 80% with a DC fast charger. The dashboard isn’t quite as touchscreen-centric as the A6 and S6, and the digital gauge cluster can be configured however you like.
Other luxe touches include a 16-speaker Band and Olufsen sound system, wireless phone charging, heated front and rear seats, and three-zone climate control. If you want to really go for the eco-friendly vibe, you can choose an interior made from recycled leather-free materials.
Safety and reliability
Like the sporty S6, there are no publicly available safety ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS for the 2023 Audi e-tron GT. RepairPal and J.D. Power do not have ratings either, so you’re kind of flying blind on this one. Maybe just look at it as adding to the driving excitement?
Trim levels
Three trim levels are available on the lovely e-tron GT: Premium Plus, Prestige, and RS. Even the lowest trim option is six figures here—we’re not in the land of the everyday sedan any longer.
The allure of the outstanding acceleration of the RS e-tron GT is appealing, but it comes with a jump of almost $40,000 from the base-level versions. Sticking with the mid-level Prestige trim gets you ample speed and a bevy of delightful features, but is also a tad more economical.
But if budgeting is not a factor, Audi offers plenty of opportunities to pile on the packages. You can add an all-leather interior for $4,000. The $5,900 Performance Package adds features like rear-wheel steering, power steering and e torque vectoring plus, and some sleek aesthetic touches as well.
Getting the super fast RS trim? You might want to spring for the $7,100 Ceramic Brake Package so you can slow that puppy down in style and performance.
Competitors
If you’re looking to get a luxurious yet insanely powerful all-electric sedan, now’s a good time to be alive. Take a look at some of the competitors to the e-tron GT:
Model | MSRP range | Base powertrain | Range | Safety ratings | Car and Driver rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 Audi e-tron GT | $106,395 to $145,395 | 552 hp, four electric motors | 232 to 238 miles | Not rated | 8.5/10 |
2022 Tesla Model S | $106,440 to $137,440 | 670 hp, three electric motors | 405 miles | Not rated | 9/10 |
$88,150 to $$188,850 | 402 hp, two electric motors | 200 miles | Not rated | 9/10 | |
2023 Lucid Air | $89,050 to $250,000 (est) | 480 hp, single electric motor | 410 miles | Not rated | 8.5/10 |
MORE: Does Audi have a self-driving car?
How to save on Audi insurance
Both luxury and all-electric cars can be on the expensive side to insure. If you’ve got both, you might be sweating a bit as to how much you’re going to have to pay for insurance—and with a car like an Audi, you’re not going to want to skimp on the coverage!
Fortunately,
Jerry
is here to help! When you do your car insurance
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Is the Audi A8 a midsize car?
Nope! The big and beautiful A8 is a full-size luxury sedan, and one of Audi’s flagship vehicles.
Does Audi have a mid-size SUV?
They have several! Options include the 2023 Audi Q5, which starts at $44,695 and seats five. For folks who want to go electric, the Audi Q4 e-tron starts at $49,995 and has up to 242 miles of range.
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