The mid-2000s brought a new generation of Audi vehicles that took the company to new heights. Although the entire lineup shared the same design language that wasn't exactly exciting, the simple and elegant looks, the solid tech packages, and the good performance brought more and more people into Audi dealerships. The Germans began revamping the lineup in 2015 with the Q7 SUV and, by late 2017, we saw a host of updated models on the road, including the A4, R8, and A8. Come 2018 and Audi has launched the new A6, Ingolstadt's main weapon against the brand-new BMW 5 Series and recently launched (and innovative) Mercedes-Benz E-Class. As expected, design changes are far from radical, which is why we're taking a closer look at both generations in the comparison below.

The A6 remains familiar with the lineup, but it's also very similar to its predecessor. The sharper lines don't alter the exterior beyond recognition, but it gives the sedan a modern twist. The revised four-door comes in a bit more aggressive too thanks to larger vents in the bumpers and a bigger front grille. The interior is indeed quite different, as Audi ditched every single element that made the A6 look modern in 2010, but long in the tooth in 2018. Let's take a closer look at the changes.

Continue reading for the full story.

2018 Audi A6 vs 2019 Audi A6 Front Comparison

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The "same sausage, different length" strategy is quite common among mainstream automakers nowadays, but Audi is one of the few companies that actually managed to keep its new-generation cars (starting with the latest Q7) very similar to their predecessors. Sure, they all gained more angular body features, but other than that, they look very, very familiar. This is even more noticeable on the new A6, starting with the front fascia.

The first thing that catches the eye is the wider, more aggressive grille. Borrowed from the latest A8, it has thicker chrome trim and a more angular frame. The bumper has taller intakes on each side and a wider central vent, but other than that, it retains the familiar three-piece layout. The headlamps also have a similar shape. They're a bit shorter and the inner section is narrower, but it's easy to confuse them with the old design. The LED layout is different though.

2018 Audi A6 vs 2019 Audi A6 Side Comparison

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The same goes for the side view, which hasn't change much except for a few tiny details. The most striking thing, in a bad way, is that Audi left the roof and the pillars untouched. Okay, maybe we can find a few extra inches here and there, but without using precision instruments, the roof looks the same on the new car. That's one thing I would have changed, mostly because the A6 looks very generic. It's not as sporty as the A7, but also not as elegant as the A8. It's too generic, it has no message to deliver. It's meh.

Small changes aside, the fenders look the same too, as do the front and rear doors. It's the lower body that looks a bit different, with more noticeable character lines just above the side skirts. The beltline was also revised. While the previous model has an almost straight line running from the front to the rear, the new A6 has subtle arches at the top of each fenders. This new details gives the car a more muscular look and it's a breath of fresh air on an Audi model.

2018 Audi A6 vs 2019 Audi A6 Rear Comparison

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The rear fascia is one area of the previous A6 that I actually like. And Audi changed it. The modifications are visible right at the top, where the trunklid spoiler is milder. Unlike the headlamps, the taillights are completely new. They are wider on the outside and thinner toward the license plate, now also integrating a chrome strips that runs the entire width of the trunk lid. The lower fascia is no longer pushed deep into the body, which gives the rear and a rather mundane look. The bumper continues to have a muscular look, but it also gained red lights above the diffuser. The latter sports minor changes. All told, the previous A6 looked sporty from the rear and somehow Audi managed to kill that look. Unfortunately, it's not very elegant either, so it's not the best trade.

2018 Audi A6 vs 2019 Audi A6 Interior Comparison

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Seven years old as of 2018, the A6 was beginning to look a bit dated inside the cabin and a complete redesign was mandatory. Fortunately, Audi took all the necessary measures and changed just about everything. The two-tier dashboard is spectacular, as it combines the company's new continuous airvent strip at the top and a big piano black element below. The latter also incorporates the big infotainment screen and it's flanked by wood veneer above and leather-wrapped surfaces below. The center console is just as wide as on the outgoing model, but it sports a more modern look and a big veneer surface where the gear shifter is placed. The all-digital interface for the HVAC system adds to the high-tech look of the center stack.

The all-digital instrument cluster provides a better look at the complex navigation system alongside the rev counter, speedometer, and other performance data. The new door panels are fancier than ever, now combining leather in various colors, aluminum trim, and genuine wood veneer. The new cabin is rounded by improvements in legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for both front and rear passengers. A significant departure from the old model overall.

References

Audi A6

Read our full review on the 2019 Audi A8.

Read our full review on the 2018 Audi A8.

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