
The saying "no A6 after the 2018 model" exists because the 2018 Audi A6 is considered the most classic version. Here's an introduction to the Audi A6: 1. Overview: The Audi A6 is a luxury vehicle produced by Audi, available in both sedan and wagon variants. Incorporating Audi's cutting-edge proprietary technologies, it further enriches its luxurious features while endowing it with superior sporty characteristics, reflecting perfect quality from design to performance. 2. Features: Its characteristics include being more luxurious, dynamic, and mature. The enhanced luxury is primarily reflected in its BOSE sound system, TV/DVD player, and refrigerator, all of which are top-tier global brand products. 3. Exterior Design: In terms of exterior design, the most significant change in the new Audi A6L compared to its predecessor is the transformation of the front grille. The previously separated cooling and intake grilles, divided by the front bumper, have been integrated into a single trapezoidal grille.

As a veteran driver who has owned three generations of the A6, I understand this sentiment. The 2018 model was the final iteration of the C7 chassis code, with the C8 marking a full transition to digitalization. The older models had a strong mechanical feel—hydraulic steering offered precise feedback and a tangible quality, physical buttons allowed for intuitive blind operation, and the interior's leather paired with wood grain exuded a timeless sense of sophistication. The new triple-screen setup is undeniably sleek, but it's prone to fingerprints and crashes, and even adjusting the AC requires taking your eyes off the road to look at the screen, posing safety risks at high speeds. Especially in northern winters, having the steering wheel heater buried three menus deep is far less convenient than the 2018 model's straightforward rotary knob.

Having disassembled countless A6s in the repair shop, the 2018 model stands as the pinnacle of physical structure. The third-generation EA888 engine offers immense tuning potential, easily reaching 300 horsepower with just a Stage 1 remap. The transmission is the durable DL382, with much lower long-term maintenance costs compared to the newer 48V mild hybrid systems. The aluminum control arms in the chassis are expensive but provide stable handling, though some were replaced with stamped steel parts starting with the C8 generation. Most importantly, the electrical system is straightforward—installing an aftermarket 360-degree camera doesn't require cutting wires. Nowadays, the new models are fully CAN bus-based; even modifying a light might trigger fault codes. For us mechanics, this is truly a watershed moment.

Having worked in automotive media for over a decade, the 2018 model year marked the swan song of business-oriented vehicles. Back then, government procurement accounted for over 30% of sales, and a black A6 with a standing hood ornament was a status symbol. The sporty redesign in the new generation scared away middle-aged customers—the fastback resembled an A7, while the honeycomb grille looked like an S4. The most fatal change was removing the iconic retractable screen, replacing it with a touchscreen that suffered severe glare, making it impossible for executives wearing sunglasses to see the navigation. Now, sales rely heavily on discounts, but the core issue is the loss of its authoritative official car aura.


