Audi isn’t waiting for a new model year to give A6 customers more horsepower. Having undergone a mid-model year refresh, the 2021 Audi A6 features a more powerful four-cylinder engine as standard equipment.
The base model’s 2.0-liter mill pumps out 13 extra ponies for a total of 261 hp. Torque remains constant at 273 lb-ft. Fittingly, the model adopts the Sport 45 moniker. Once again, the A6 features a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that routes power to all four wheels.
A bolder appearance matches the extra power. The Black Optic package is now standard equipment on the entry-level A6. This appearance package brings along a black grille, black air intakes, black mirror housings, and black window trim. The Sport package can now be had for less coin, adding 20-inch wheels and a more athletic suspension. Inside the cabin, the natural wood inlays take on a Fine Grain Ash color instead of the previous Walnut hue.
So how much does it all cost? Audi is pricing the sedan at $56,445. That’s just $500 more than the previous base model.
Audi isn’t getting rid of any of the old goodies, either. Once again, the midsize sedan comes standard with three-zone climate control, an MMI infotainment system with navigation, leather upholstery, and eight-way power front seats with heating. If you want to get fancy, you can add things like a 360-degree camera and the Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display.
We’ve grown quite fond of the A6. In one review, we called it “unnervingly quiet” on the road—not such a bad trait for a V-6 powered luxury cruiser. It benefits from a refined ride, although it’s not afraid to do some sliding on the handling course.
