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If you’re comparing the Audi A3 vs. A5vs. A6 saloon models, then there’s a lot to weigh up.
Because here, you’re comparing more than Audi models – you’re comparing a subcompact saloon with a compact saloon with an executive saloon.
This guide breaks down all the key differences between Audi’s three most popular saloons.
At a glance, the Audi A3 Saloon is the most affordable way into Audi saloon ownership, with the A6 coming in as the most expensive. But there’s a lot more when you’re talking about value, not outright price.
The difference is pretty clear as you move up the range, and when you compare A3 vs. A5 vs. A6, you’ll notice there’s far more to it than exterior dimensions.
They get bigger in every measurable way, from boot space to legroom, shoulder room and head space.
Audi A3 Saloon | Audi A5 Saloon | Audi A6 Saloon | |
Length | 4,506mm | 4,829mm | 4,999mm |
Height | 1,433mm | 1,444mm | 1,452mm |
Width (excl. door mirrors) | 1,816mm | 1,860mm | 1,875mm |
Boot capacity | 425 litres | 445 litres | 492 litres |
For regular motorway use, any of these three saloons will be more than up to the job. The longer wheelbase of saloon models helps make them feel stable and planted, while the lower roofline and slick aerodynamics help them cut through the air quietly and efficiently.
If you’re looking for maximum comfort, then the A6 Saloon is the best pick. Not only is it the most refined with excellent sound insulation, but it’s bigger and plusher inside so you’ll come out feeling refreshed.
Solo drivers without a car full of passengers will be absolutely fine in the A5 Saloon, which is still very quiet on quicker roads.
The A3 Saloon might be the smallest of the three, but it still feels at home on the motorway.
All three cars feature Audi’s digital-first approach, which includes the excellent MMI infotainment display and digital instrument cluster, but the higher up the chain you get, the more premium it feels.
Starting with the A3, you get the 10.1-inch high-def Navigation Plus system integrated neatly into the dash, above a row of physical shortcut buttons. The instrument cluster is a 12.3-inch HD display.
The A5 is a big upgrade, affording you the Digital Stage system which stitches a 14.5-inch touchscreen with an 11.9-inch instrument cluster high on the dash. Most physical controls are removed, but the shortcuts stay put at the bottom of the screen.
You get the exact same system in the bigger A6, which makes the A5 look like exceptional value. Both of these bigger saloons have an optional 10.9-inch display for the front passenger, too, integrated into the dash trim.
The Audi A5 is a good middle ground, with a selection of 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, some of which are twinned with mild hybrid tech to reduce running costs.
The Audi A6 steps into the luxury end of the market, so it’lllikely be the most expensive to insure. Because it has the same 2.0-litre engines as the A5, though, it’ll deliver near-identical fuel economy in the real world.
For town and city driving, the A5 and A6 might be cheaper to run than the A3 because these two are available with the e-hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, giving you 62-67 miles of electric-only range.
If you’ve got a small family, the Audi A3 Saloon is a great place to start. It has a usable boot and decent rear-seat space, but space is tighter than in larger models.
For growing families, upgrading to an Audi A5 Saloon is an excellent choice. Rear passengers get more legroom and the boot is big enough for pushchairs.
The A6 is the biggest of the three in terms of rear passenger space, especially for adults, and it also has the biggest boot.
The Audi A3 has a modern, minimalist interior that feels well-built with high-quality materials. It does a good job of fitting a lot of useful tech into a relatively small dashboard area.
Up front, the Audi A5 and Audi A6 are very similar, both featuring dual, curved displays on top of the dashboard and an optional third passenger display on high-spec cars.
The biggest difference is that the A6 is wider and generally bigger, so feels more open and airier.
All three models have a solid reputation for reliability because they’re built on a combination of solid Volkswagen foundations and premium Audi manufacturing.
The A3 is generally seen as dependable and relatively low-cost to maintain, the A4 has proven engines and build quality, and the A6 is a durable option that’s generally cheaper than other premium saloons.
If you’re comparing the Audi A3 vs. A5vs. A6 saloon models, then there’s a lot to weigh up.
Because here, you’re comparing more than Audi models – you’re comparing a subcompact saloon with a compact saloon with an executive saloon.
This guide breaks down all the key differences between Audi’s three most popular saloons.
At a glance, the Audi A3 Saloon is the most affordable way into Audi saloon ownership, with the A6 coming in as the most expensive. But there’s a lot more when you’re talking about value, not outright price.
The difference is pretty clear as you move up the range, and when you compare A3 vs. A5 vs. A6, you’ll notice there’s far more to it than exterior dimensions.
They get bigger in every measurable way, from boot space to legroom, shoulder room and head space.
Audi A3 Saloon | Audi A5 Saloon | Audi A6 Saloon | |
Length | 4,506mm | 4,829mm | 4,999mm |
Height | 1,433mm | 1,444mm | 1,452mm |
Width (excl. door mirrors) | 1,816mm | 1,860mm | 1,875mm |
Boot capacity | 425 litres | 445 litres | 492 litres |
For regular motorway use, any of these three saloons will be more than up to the job. The longer wheelbase of saloon models helps make them feel stable and planted, while the lower roofline and slick aerodynamics help them cut through the air quietly and efficiently.
If you’re looking for maximum comfort, then the A6 Saloon is the best pick. Not only is it the most refined with excellent sound insulation, but it’s bigger and plusher inside so you’ll come out feeling refreshed.
Solo drivers without a car full of passengers will be absolutely fine in the A5 Saloon, which is still very quiet on quicker roads.
The A3 Saloon might be the smallest of the three, but it still feels at home on the motorway.
All three cars feature Audi’s digital-first approach, which includes the excellent MMI infotainment display and digital instrument cluster, but the higher up the chain you get, the more premium it feels.
Starting with the A3, you get the 10.1-inch high-def Navigation Plus system integrated neatly into the dash, above a row of physical shortcut buttons. The instrument cluster is a 12.3-inch HD display.
The A5 is a big upgrade, affording you the Digital Stage system which stitches a 14.5-inch touchscreen with an 11.9-inch instrument cluster high on the dash. Most physical controls are removed, but the shortcuts stay put at the bottom of the screen.
You get the exact same system in the bigger A6, which makes the A5 look like exceptional value. Both of these bigger saloons have an optional 10.9-inch display for the front passenger, too, integrated into the dash trim.
The Audi A5 is a good middle ground, with a selection of 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, some of which are twinned with mild hybrid tech to reduce running costs.
The Audi A6 steps into the luxury end of the market, so it’lllikely be the most expensive to insure. Because it has the same 2.0-litre engines as the A5, though, it’ll deliver near-identical fuel economy in the real world.
For town and city driving, the A5 and A6 might be cheaper to run than the A3 because these two are available with the e-hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, giving you 62-67 miles of electric-only range.
If you’ve got a small family, the Audi A3 Saloon is a great place to start. It has a usable boot and decent rear-seat space, but space is tighter than in larger models.
For growing families, upgrading to an Audi A5 Saloon is an excellent choice. Rear passengers get more legroom and the boot is big enough for pushchairs.
The A6 is the biggest of the three in terms of rear passenger space, especially for adults, and it also has the biggest boot.
The Audi A3 has a modern, minimalist interior that feels well-built with high-quality materials. It does a good job of fitting a lot of useful tech into a relatively small dashboard area.
Up front, the Audi A5 and Audi A6 are very similar, both featuring dual, curved displays on top of the dashboard and an optional third passenger display on high-spec cars.
The biggest difference is that the A6 is wider and generally bigger, so feels more open and airier.
All three models have a solid reputation for reliability because they’re built on a combination of solid Volkswagen foundations and premium Audi manufacturing.
The A3 is generally seen as dependable and relatively low-cost to maintain, the A4 has proven engines and build quality, and the A6 is a durable option that’s generally cheaper than other premium saloons.
