Audi A6

Audi A8

Audi S8

new-audi-a6-vs-used-jaguar-xj-which-is-best

Saloon

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

<h3 dir="ltr">New Audi A6 vs used Jaguar XJ – alternatives</h3>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a> is our reigning <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-luxury-cars-2022/n17020">luxury car</a> champion; nothing else in the class manages to beat its overall breadth of abilities. Yes, it doesn’t drive as well as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xf/saloon/review/n85">Jaguar XF</a>, but it’s not far off and has a far better 2.0-litre diesel engine, a plusher interior and a world-class infotainment system.

Speaking of gold-standard cars, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/s-class/saloon/review/n17355">Mercedes S-Class</a> has no equal in the luxury car class. It features all the latest safety and comfort technology to make every trip a breeze, and it equals or betters cars that cost twice as much again for refinement, which is why you see so many of them running around the posher parts of London.

<hr /><h3 dir="ltr">New Audi A6 vs used Jaguar XJ – which is best?</h3>You could make a solid case for either winning overall. If you must have all the latest technology and won’t consider a car that you can’t completely integrate your phone with, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a> is really your only choice. You could probably move house in one because of its greater practicality, too.

But you’d probably want to live in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xj/saloon/used-review/n18603">Jaguar XJ</a> because it has all the luxury appointments of an expensive hotel suite. It probably has a much nicer sound system, too. If it were a year or two older, then we’d give it to the A6, but because it’s only a matter of months and, therefore, has the majority of the manufacturer’s warranty left on it, we’d say it’ll be worth it going for a six month old XJ over a brand new A6, particularly when they cost similar money.  <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi/a6/saloon/deals">New Audi A6 deals</a><hr /><h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/new-audi-a6-vs-used-jaguar-xj-which-is-best/n20575">&lt; Previous</a> | <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xj/saloon/used-review/n18603">Next: Everything you need to know about the used Jaguar XJ &gt;</a></h2>Page 3 of 3

Speaking of gold-standard cars, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/s-class/saloon/review/n17355">Mercedes S-Class</a> has no equal in the luxury car class. It features all the latest safety and comfort technology to make every trip a breeze, and it equals or betters cars that cost twice as much again for refinement, which is why you see so many of them running around the posher parts of London.<hr /><h3 dir="ltr">New Audi A6 vs used Jaguar XJ – which is best?</h3>You could make a solid case for either winning overall. If you must have all the latest technology and won’t consider a car that you can’t completely integrate your phone with, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a> is really your only choice. You could probably move house in one because of its greater practicality, too.

But you’d probably want to live in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xj/saloon/used-review/n18603">Jaguar XJ</a> because it has all the luxury appointments of an expensive hotel suite. It probably has a much nicer sound system, too. If it were a year or two older, then we’d give it to the A6, but because it’s only a matter of months and, therefore, has the majority of the manufacturer’s warranty left on it, we’d say it’ll be worth it going for a six month old XJ over a brand new A6, particularly when they cost similar money.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi/a6/saloon/deals">New Audi A6 deals</a><hr /><h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/new-audi-a6-vs-used-jaguar-xj-which-is-best/n20575">&lt; Previous</a> | <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xj/saloon/used-review/n18603">Next: Everything you need to know about the used Jaguar XJ &gt;</a></h2>Page 3 of 3

New Audi A6 vs used Jaguar XJ: which is best?

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plush ride and the ability to cruise in near-silence </li> <li>Powerful and efficient engine</li> <li>Space for passengers to stretch out in the rear seats</li> <li>Exquisite materials and build quality</li> <li>Endless luxuries on the options list</li> <li>Sensible fuel and tax bills</li></ul>

If you’re in the market for a luxury car, you’ll be after a sumptuous interior, a ride that can soak up the worst of the UK’s pockmarked roads and supreme refinement that allows you to travel at speed in near-silence.

Luxury

An ultra-efficient new Audi A6 is a fine luxury car, but could a used Jaguar XJ with nicer driving dynamics be a better choice for the same money?

New Audi A6 vs used Jaguar XJ: which is best?        

Estate

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive, while the closely related Stelvio and smaller Tonale both competes in the booming SUV class.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

Yes, Aston Martin is the preferred manufacturer of a certain (not so) secret agent, but its latest cars offer a lot more than the chance to indulge your Bond fantasies.

The DB12 is a very fast and very luxurious long distance cruiser, and the DBS is arguably one of the most glamorous cars around.

Proving it's not afraid to move with the times, Aston has also embraced&nbsp;the march of the SUV; its DBX707 is a stunning example of what's possible when building a fast, expensive and sporty SUV.

ASTON MARTIN

In many ways, modern Bentleys offer the best of both worlds, blending traditional British craftsmanship with modern mechanicals developed with the help of the company’s owner, Volkswagen.

The Bentayga SUV, for example, is closely related to Audi’s brilliantly engineered Q7 (another VW Group car). Yet the Bentayga still feels every inch a Bentley, thanks to its hand-finished interior and sonorous V8 engine.

Other Bentleys you can buy today include the Flying Spur&nbsp;saloon&nbsp;and the Continental GT coupé and convertible.

BENTLEY

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Alpina has produced high-performance versions of BMW's range since the 1960s, and is now considered to be a manufacturer in its own right.

Whilst it cars are typically fast, and are often considered alternatives to BMW's M models, they are typically more comfortable with engines that provide a more relaxed power delivery.

Its models have similar naming conventions to the equivalent BMW: the B3 is based on the BMW 3 Series and the B4 Gran Coupé started life as a 4 Series Gran Coupé, for example.

BMW ALPINA

BYD is one of the biggest names in electric cars globally, but only launched in the UK recently.

Even so, it has a fast-growing dealer network, and it's models - most notably the Tesla Model 3-rivalling Seal - are gaining attention for impressive tech and good driving ranges.

Other BYDs include the MG4-sized Dolphin and Nissan Qashqai-sized Atto 3.

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the Stellantis group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

The first DS models were essentially rebadged Citroëns, but more recently its cars are now standalone models in their own right. Yet under the skin, they're still very closely related.

Its models are&nbsp;influenced by the French fashion industry and are designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

GENESIS

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.

This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up – the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling Levante – but also the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top.

Despite its long history, Maserati has been through several periods of inactivity but is now in better health thanks to being part of the large Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group.

In the future, we’re expecting to see Maserati grow its SUV range with new models to sit above and below the Levante, as well as a new range-topping sports car.

MASERATI

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

When it comes to making a statement about how successful you are, there is no brand that shouts “I’ve made it!” more emphatically than Rolls-Royce.

If that’s all you want from your car, look no further. The firm has expanded its range in recent years, with the top-of-the-range Phantom saloon being joined by the Cullinan SUV, and other models including the Wraith and Ghost.

Whichever way you go, if you have to ask how much it costs, the chances are you can’t afford it. And, even then, the base price is unlikely to be what you end up spending, such is the list of alluring options on offer.

It’s also a moot point whether the cars themselves – rather than the image they portray – represents the very best way to spend your money. What Car?’s testers rate all of them positively but reckon that – if you’re buying with your head rather than your heart – there are other cars that you should also consider.

ROLLS-ROYCE

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

TESLA

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

E-TRON GT

S6 Black Edition

In an increasingly homogenised world, the biggest difference between rival products is often how they're marketed – but that's not the case for the Audi A6 and the other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-luxury-cars-2022/n17020">luxury cars</a> it competes with.

The A6 sits&nbsp;at the more affordable end of a class full of genuinely accomplished models that are all quite different, and all have their own unique selling points. In other words, if <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi</a> is going to convince you to buy one, it's got to be pretty special.

Fortunately, the German car maker has handed the&nbsp;A6 plenty of ammunition to take on its competitors. For a start, it has several features found on its bigger and more expensive sibling, the five-star What Car? rated <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a8/saloon/review/n17302">Audi A8</a>.

For example, some version of the Audi A6 have the same&nbsp;12-volt <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild-hybrid</a> technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.&nbsp;That works by switching off the engine and letting the car&nbsp;free-wheel when you lift off the accelerator between 34mph and 99mph.&nbsp;

Two of the engine choices come with that system: a 201bhp diesel and a 261bhp petrol. On top of those, there’s also a 201bhp petrol engine without hybrid tech, plus a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars-2022/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a> (PHEV) that can drive on electricity alone and cuts CO2 emissions dramatically.

So, what are those tough-to-beat rivals we mentioned earlier? Well, for a start, there's the 2022 What Car? Luxury Car of the Year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a>&nbsp;– and that's a&nbsp;genuinely compelling all-rounder. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xf/saloon/review/n85">Jaguar XF</a>&nbsp;is the driver’s car, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class</a> is a comfortable cruiser and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/s90/saloon/review/n17182">Volvo S90</a>&nbsp;qualifies as the respectable alternative choice.

Over the next few pages of this review, we'll tell you all about&nbsp;Audi A6's strengths and weaknesses, and reveal which of the engines and trims we think are best. We'll also let you know how we rate its performance, handling, practicality and more.

If you decide at the end that it's the car for you, or you plan to buy a vehicle of any other make and model, don't forget to visit the free What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals</a>&nbsp;pages to see how much you could save off the list price and check out the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/luxury">new luxury car deals</a>.

Impressive luxury car is quiet, comfortable and&nbsp;spacious, but not quite as thrilling to drive as the class best

NEW REVIEWS:

New Audi A6 vs used Jaguar XJ: which is best?

An ultra-efficient new Audi A6 is a fine luxury car, but could a used Jaguar XJ with nicer driving dynamics be a better choice for the same money?...

Audi A6

Audi A8

Audi S8

New Audi A6 vs used Jaguar XJ – alternatives

New Audi A6 vs used Jaguar XJ – which is best?

Audi A6

Audi A8

Audi S8

< Previous | Next: Everything you need to know about the used Jaguar XJ >

New Audi A6 vs used Jaguar XJ: which is best?

Used test: Audi A7 vs BMW 5 Series vs Jaguar XF

Used test: Audi A8 vs Mercedes S-Class

Used test: Audi A8 vs Mercedes S-Class costs

2025 Audi Grandsphere luxury saloon: what we know so far

New BMW 5 Series vs used Audi A8

Also consider

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information