Audi A6 saloon (2011-2018) - MPG, running costs & CO2

The extremely efficient 2.0-litre Ultra diesel is our pick of the Audi A6 saloon engine range. It can return fuel economy of 67.3mpg and and if you resist the options list, it'll cost £140 in annual road tax (models costing over £40,000 are taxed at £450 year for the first five years).

That’s very impressive for a large and heavy executive saloon car, but those figures are specification-dependent – to achieve them, you’ll need to stick with the smaller wheels of the SE Executive model and choose Audi’s optional seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. The A6 Ultra also boasts some advanced features such as fibreglass suspension springs that save weight and therefore improve fuel economy.

With the ability to hit 144mph flat-out, the A6 Ultra offers as much performance as most people will need, but if you yearn for more there are two 3.0-litre diesel engines to choose from. They offer 268 and 316bhp respectively, with corresponding fuel economy of 55.4 and 47.1mpg when fitted with 17-inch wheels. Both of these engines include quattro four-wheel drive.

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The diesel models are so capable that Audi doesn’t feel the need to offer petrol alternatives, so the only petrol-powered version of the A6 is the performance-focused Audi S6. However, its 30.7mpg fuel consumption is a big price to pay for that 444bhp, particularly when the 316bhp diesel offers just as much real-world performance.

Insurance

Insurance costs for the A6 run from group 33 for the basic 2.0-litre diesel to group 47 for the sporty S6. That’s a close match for the BMW 5 Series, which ranges from insurance groups 30 to 48.

Warranty

BMW scores points here by offering a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty compared to Audi’s three-year/60,000-mile cover. Audi will extend the A6’s warranty to four years or 75,000 miles for £560, or five years or 90,000 miles for £1,355, but that’s hardly impressive when even a new Kia comes with a seven-year warranty as standard.

Servicing

How much your A6 will cost to service depends on the model. Cars fitted with 2.0-litre engines will set you back £159 for a basic service or £309 for a major one. Larger-engined models will cost £189 and £375 respectively and fixed-price servicing plans are available.