The Audi A6 was introduced in 1995 as a slightly revised version of the old Audi 100 sedan and wagon. The 2008 Audi A6 is a midsize luxury car offered both as a sedan and a wagon (Avant). The A6's USP is its winter-weather capability.

The 2008 Audi A6 sedan plays host to a V-6 or V-8 engine, while the wagon is available only with the V-6 for its 3.2 trim. The sedan comes in 3.2 and 4.2 trim levels. The A6 3.2 is built with a 3.1-liter V-6 that generates 255 hp and 243 pound-feet of torque. The A6 4.2 is equipped with a 4.2-liter V-8 that pumps 350 hp and 325 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines feature direct fuel-injection technology for optimum performance and efficiency. The 3.2 front-wheel-drive sedan comes with a continuously variable transmission, while all other A6s are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The 3.2 Quattro sedan accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, while the V-8 zips from 0 to 60-mph in 7.1 seconds.

All Audi A6 sedans and Avant wagons are offered with the Multi Media Interface (MMI). The 3.2 sedan's standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, wood interior trim, trip computer, leather seating, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-speaker stereo. The sunroof is an addition to the 3.2 Avant. The 4.2 sedan has adaptive xenon headlights, sunroof, heated front seats, and driver memory settings.

Front-seat side airbags, full-length head curtain airbags, anti-lock disc brakes, and stability control are standard safety equipment for the 2008 Audi A6 models. Rear-seat side airbags are optional. The Audi A6 earned the top rating of "Good" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for frontal-offset and side-impact tests.