Which Audi A6 trim depreciates the fastest?
Depreciation affects nearly all motor vehicles. The instant you drive it off the showroom floor it loses value. Choosing the model that loses the least is crucial if you're looking to have an asset that is worth anything in a few years' time. Find out which version of the Audi A6 and S6 holds its value the best.
It's no secret that the sedan is dying. People are moving more and more towards SUVs and crossovers and abandoning the lower-profile sedan in favour of these high-riding machines. It's easy to understand why though, as SUVs offer improved visibility over the road and the increased ground clearance means that even rough roads pose little challenge. We still think there's a place for the sedan and the Audi A6 is a prime example of how good a sedan can be.
Related: Audi A6 test drive: Be sure to check out these features!
The current generation Audi A6 and S6 was launched in mid-2020 and quietly slid in under the radar thanks to the global pandemic and uncertainty over the future. Lost in the noise of the media at the time, the Audi A6 has fought both battles since its release.
Audi was well aware of the challenges that the sedan is facing and elected to only offer three derivatives at the time of launch; two diesel trims and the petrol-powered S6. The 40 TDI is a front-wheel drive offering powered by a 140 kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel while the 45 TDI gets a 3.0-litre turbodiesel that produces 183 kW and 600 Nm. The S6 is the sole petrol offering and is powered by a 331 kW and 600 Nm 2.9-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
Audi A6 depreciation
Audi A6 40 TDI S tronic
Price when new:
R919 500
Current market price:
R767 400
Depreciation:
16.5 %
Audi A6 45 TDI quattro S tronic
Price when new:
R1 100 000
Current market price:
Insufficient data
Depreciation:
Insufficient data
Aud S6 TFSI quattro tiptronic
Price when new:
R1 401 500
Current market price:
R1 089 475
Depreciation:
22.2 %
Verdict
In lieu of the lack of data for the 45 TDI, it's clear to see that the S6 is the riskier purchase here, losing over 22 % in only two years. That being said, a 22 % loss over the last two years is only dramatic when compared to the rest of the A6 model range and the A6 as a whole is holding its value reasonably well, showing that it's not necessarily a depreciation nightmare. The included 5-year/100 000 Freeway plan means that there are still a few years of valuable life left in the A6 range before the depreciation truly sets in.
