The second-generation A6 was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2000 and 2001. The updated 2005 A6 won the World Car of the Year award for 2005.
European engine choices for the 2011 A6 include two gasoline engines - a 2.8 liter FSI V6 with 204 horsepower (152 kW) and a 300 horsepower (224 kW), 3-liter turbocharged FSI engine - and three diesel engines - a 2-liter inline 4-cylinder and two 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engines. A hybrid variant will also be available for the first time in the A6, offering a 2-liter TSFI 211 horsepower (157 kW) engine combined with a 45 hp (34 kW) electric motor.