Audi
A6
Volkswagen
Arteon
Audi A6 vs Volkswagen Arteon: 2025 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Audi A6 comes out ahead of the Volkswagen Arteon on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
A6
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain. For the C7 (approx. 2012-2018) and C8 (approx. 2019-2023) generations, owner feedback is generally positive, praising the cars for their refined driving experience, comfortable and quiet ride, spacious interiors, and strong performance from the 3.0-liter engines (both TFSI and TDI). The A6 Allroad variant, in particular, receives high marks for its air suspension comfort, practicality, and impressive highway fuel economy.
Best version to buy
For the C7/C8 generations, the A6 Allroad 55 TDI (in Europe) and the A6 3.0T (55 TFSI) are highly recommended for their robust power delivery, torque, and reported reliability. The Prestige trim is favored for its comprehensive technology and comfort features, including the head-up display, massaging seats, and superior sound insulation.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: very frequent. General concerns about long-term reliability and expensive out-of-warranty repairs: very frequent. Wireless CarPlay connectivity issues (dropping, failure to connect): recurrent.
Arteon
Overall
Mixed to positive sentiment, with a clear generational divide. The pre-facelift models (roughly 2019-2021) are praised for their high feature content, including ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, and rear climate controls, but are criticized for a less powerful engine and older transmission. The refreshed models (2022-2023) receive strong praise for the upgraded EA888 Evo4 engine and 7-speed DSG transmission, offering significantly improved performance (0-60 mph/0-97 km/h in approximately 5.0 seconds) and a more engaging, sporty driving character derived from the Golf R.
Best version to buy
2022-2023 SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion: This configuration combines the powerful EA888 Evo4 engine and 7-speed DSG transmission with the highest level of equipment. The 2021 model year is also noted as a "sweet spot" for maximizing feature content (ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, rear climate) before some features were reportedly deleted in later years, albeit with the older powertrain.
Known issues
- ⚠Infotainment system glitches and software bugs: includes screen freezes, reboots, and unresponsive touch controls, associated with the MIB3 platform. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Unresponsive transmission/throttle in "Drive" mode: described as sluggish, laggy, and "trash" in normal driving mode, requiring use of "Sport" mode for acceptable responsiveness. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Long-term reliability and resale value concerns: general apprehension about complex turbocharged, direct-injection engine and DSG transmission longevity beyond warranty, coupled with poor depreciation in some markets (e.g., Malaysia).
The verdict
The Volkswagen Arteon is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Audi A6, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Volkswagen Arteon are a dealbreaker, the Audi A6 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi A6 or the Volkswagen Arteon?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Volkswagen Arteon than the Audi A6. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Audi A6 or the Volkswagen Arteon?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi A6 is classed as a Sedan, the Volkswagen Arteon as a Station wagon, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi A6 or the Volkswagen Arteon?
The Audi A6 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 6.7-7.8 L/100km combined versus 7.7 L/100km for the Volkswagen Arteon, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi A6 or the Volkswagen Arteon?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi A6 than the Volkswagen Arteon. See the known issues comparison above.