Skip advert
Advertisement
Long-term tests

Audi A6

I'm sorry but it just won't wash! In last week's magazine, our Products section reported on the latest 'soft' car washes. While I can't vouch for the piece of kit used by our own Max Glaskin, I can tell you that for all the hoo-hah, in my experience car washes do just as much damage as they ever did. The long-term Audi A6 bears the scar to prove it.

Find your Audi A6
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

I'm sorry but it just won't wash! In last week's magazine, our Products section reported on the latest 'soft' car washes. While I can't vouch for the piece of kit used by our own Max Glaskin, I can tell you that for all the hoo-hah, in my experience car washes do just as much damage as they ever did. The long-term Audi A6 bears the scar to prove it.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In the worst of the weather, I have taken it to my local car wash, which has a jetwash/mechanical wash combo. This gets the car gleamingly clean. But after the last visit, I noticed that the lacquer on the Audi's passenger door handle had been broken and the paint chipped. The metallic grey had turned milky white - the same colour that has stained the front and rear number plates.

Thankfully the A6's beauty is more than skin deep. The 3.0-litre TDI continues to impress in terms of economy, refinement and performance. This is one awesome engine, with loads of torque providing instant acceleration when required.

The super smooth auto box and limo-like high speed ride simply adds to the luxury feel. Motorway cruising is a joyful, relaxing experience. However, the A6 is less impressive over pitted town roads, with the ride becoming a little too harsh.

But this is a minor gripe, as any driver would feel special sitting in this Audi. The cabin is real luxury and wonderfully screwed together. Does anyone make a better interior? I don't think so!

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A6

Audi A6

RRP £52,010Avg. savings £6,069 off RRP*Used from £16,511
BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series

RRP £53,090Avg. savings £11,807 off RRP*Used from £16,495
Audi A5

Audi A5

RRP £42,660Avg. savings £4,991 off RRP*Used from £18,303
BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £31,915Avg. savings £7,720 off RRP*Used from £11,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The petrol hot hatch isn't dead yet! VW Golf GTI and R to live on
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front corner tracking, low

The petrol hot hatch isn't dead yet! VW Golf GTI and R to live on

Volkswagen is developing the EA888 2.0-litre turbo engine for new emissions regs, meaning new hot hatches are in the works
News
27 Jan 2026
Meet Renault’s new SUV: a Dacia Duster but not as we know it…
Renault Duster - front

Meet Renault’s new SUV: a Dacia Duster but not as we know it…

Posher inside and out and with more headroom, welcome to the upside down world of the Indian Duster
News
26 Jan 2026
Hyundai Santa Fe SUV brought back boxy, now it's getting a new look
Hyundai Santa Fe Facelift - front 3/4

Hyundai Santa Fe SUV brought back boxy, now it's getting a new look

Family-friendly seven-seat Hyundai Santa Fe SUV to get a fresh new look
News
27 Jan 2026