2016 A6 C7 Black edition or 2016 B9 A4?

[sat1983]

I just cannot make my mind up!

The C7 is so perfect (BE especially!)- even more so for a family of 4 (could be 5 soon!), the looks, the extras (Matrix lights, self park etc) but the B9 is obviously a current model. It'd 'only' be an S line and 'basic' S line spec.

The B9 forum folk might be a bit biased I realise but could you try your best to be as impartial as possible!

Mods please feel free to delete as the same post was posted in the C7 section but I really feel this could help me out in both forums!

 

[Jsmills]

The A6 is going to be a much better family vehicle. I’ve got an S4 Avant and find it quite small. The only downside to the A6 is that dated interior, but you can’t have everything...

 

[Jsmills]

Also just to add with 2 car seats in the back the S4 is impossible to sit someone in the middle.

 

[DV26]

I have the A4 saloon and I consider it a 4 seater. It is close to impossible to get one car seat in and two adults in the back.


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[Mr Olympik]

I had the same dilemma when buying my last car.
But, I agree with above. As much as I love my B9 avant, it’s a four seater... I’ve got a child seat in the front and an isofix base in the back, even without the car seat fitted it’s a very very tight fit for 2 small people in the back.

I still think those A6 have presence on the road till this day, only down side is the old interior.


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[CornishB9]

Ahh, gone are the days of my parents + grand parents + brother + sister in a car seat in a 1972 Ford Escort estate... Coming from a Golf, an A4 B9 was large, but I suppose it depends on what you are used to. Some people will probably find a VW or Transit van a bit small for a family; where they go next is a worry.

 

[Mr Olympik]

Ahh, gone are the days of my parents + grand parents + brother + sister in a car seat in a 1972 Ford Escort estate... Coming from a Golf, an A4 B9 was large, but I suppose it depends on what you are used to. Some people will probably find a VW or Transit van a bit small for a family; where they go next is a worry.

Yup! It’s all the safety gear the have in the doors, seats and pillars. I remember having more space in the back of a Lada!

PS: I think OP’ll struggle fitting 5 into an A6 as well.


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[sat1983]

Ahh, gone are the days of my parents + grand parents + brother + sister in a car seat in a 1972 Ford Escort estate...

Totally hear you there!!

My parents had a 1.3 Mk2 golf C.... Gutless.... And yet carried us round, a fully family, everywhere around Europe as a kid in the 80s.... In a Golf I don't quite know how they managed but they did.

I am quite old fashioned in my ways but one thing I like is my cars... Currently got a B8.5 A4 and we're ok in there but its not massive! An A6 just feels like a genuinely great upgrade- looks, ample space, luxury....

Do I really need an A6- possibly with the 3rd child on the way, could we manage with an A4? Guess so... But that A6 is just too good!!

 

[Sibmets]

I had the same dilemma last year. I agree that B9 it's a 4 seater, but we have only one child we have plenty of space, especially coming from B7, it even has wider and higher boot than B7, my stroller fits very easily compared to B7. For me the comparison also included engine choices and gearbox combination + equipment available + price. I had to have 3.0 TDi with a ZF 8 speed gearbox instead of DSG, so that meant going with Biturbo model in A6 and those are few and cost way more than other A6's and were close to newer B9's. And also A6 were all out of warranty and with higher mileages.

My pros and cons were as follows:

A4 pros over A6: newer technology, better interrior design in my opinion, 3.0 TDi with 200 kw have the same fantastic ZF 8-speed gearbox - much more readily available in market, more fuel efficient, more nimble (A6 felt a bit like a ship), android auto/Apple carplay, LED interrior lights everywhere

A6 pros over A4: more space, more road presence, Biturbo sounds awesome, a tad cheaper, usually better equipped especially Biturbo models.

I went with B9 because with only 3-7k € (40k € for 2017 B9 vs 33-37k € 2015 C7.5) difference in price I got newer technology, biturbo performance in B9, android auto, warranty for 3 more years and 100k km, and much less milage. But if I had 2 or more children who all need those bulky child seats, I'd go with A6 biturbo. I have a colleague who had 3 children and he was happy in his 2011 A6.

Audi A4 B9 3.0 TDi quattro 200 kw

 

[And1]

I've owned both a 2013 A6 3.0tdi and now 2016 A4 3.0tdi. in my opinion I would choose the A6 it may have less tech but it's a more solid and better quality car as it should be. My a4 has had numerous interior rattles come and go over the 3 years I've owned it never had that with the A6.

 

[sat1983]

My budget will not stretch to a 3.0TDI... Plus a lot of A6's haven't got extra options.

I have just placed a deposit on a 2016 A6 Black Edition in Daytona Grey. 2.0Tdi 190ps though which is perfectly adequate for everyday motoring. That's not to say that I wouldn't much prefer a 3.0TDI but I couldn't afford it.
So it has 49,000 miles, is from Audi so has 1 year warranty and the extras really help seal the deal.

Park Assist with rear view camera
Technology Pack (which essentially included big nav screen+ plus wider colour DIS)
Electric heated front seats
Matrix headlights
Advanced Key (much as I thought it was a gimmick pre having kids, being able to open the boot with your hands full comes in handy)
And obviously all BE 'standard' spec- 20" wheels, Bose etc....

I think you get a kick (or at least I do) out of thinking that these options would have cost a small fortune for the 1st owner when new but I haven't paid anymore than a far less specified A6 out there 2nd hand!

What more could you want, for £16,200 with a solid warranty from an Audi main dealer? Should keep me happy for a good few years!

 

[NHN]

Check that warranty bud, the initial 3 year isn't the same as the warranty for older, be very sure that warranty matches up to a newer car.

 

[cuke2u]

I just cannot make my mind up!

The C7 is so perfect (BE especially!)- even more so for a family of 4 (could be 5 soon!), the looks, the extras (Matrix lights, self park etc) but the B9 is obviously a current model. It'd 'only' be an S line and 'basic' S line spec.

The B9 forum folk might be a bit biased I realise but could you try your best to be as impartial as possible!

Mods please feel free to delete as the same post was posted in the C7 section but I really feel this could help me out in both forums!

What's your budget as the C8 A6 beats them all if you're not bothered by size and I'd take age over options any day...

 

[sat1983]

Check that warranty bud, the initial 3 year isn't the same as the warranty for older, be very sure that warranty matches up to a newer car.

According to the booklet, the warranty is as good as it's going to get on a 4 year old car. It's an Audi approved used after all.

https://www.audi.co.uk/content/dam/audi/production/PDF/UsedCars/Audi Approved Warranty.pdf

 

[sat1983]

What's your budget as the C8 A6 beats them all if you're not bothered by size and I'd take age over options any day...

It was around £16k... I'm happy with a 4 year old car- it's hardly going to fall apart for a while, especially given how how take care of my cars!

 

[Andy101]

I moved from a 2016 C7 A6 Avant Black Edition 190 TDI to a 2020 A4 Avant Black Edition 163 PS. Both S-Tronic

The A4 is a bit quicker and smoother off the mark and the virtual cockpit is fantastic.
The A6 had loads more boot space and in my mind looks better with the additional length.

If i was investing my own money i would be going for the A6 Black Edition over an A4 S-Line

I could have bought my A6 from the lease company for £12k - very clean but pushing 130,000 miles. I reckon it was worth closer to £10k. In the end i let it go to the auction last month - if you find someone selling an IBIS WHITE A6 Black Edition- YA65 UXH I can let you have all the original service history

 

[sat1983]

I moved from a 2016 C7 A6 Avant Black Edition 190 TDI to a 2020 A4 Avant Black Edition 163 PS. Both S-Tronic

The A4 is a bit quicker and smoother off the mark and the virtual cockpit is fantastic.
The A6 had loads more boot space and in my mind looks better with the additional length.

If i was investing my own money i would be going for the A6 Black Edition over an A4 S-Line

I could have bought my A6 from the lease company for £12k - very clean but pushing 130,000 miles. I reckon it was worth closer to £10k. In the end i let it go to the auction last month - if you find someone selling an IBIS WHITE A6 Black Edition- YA65 UXH I can let you have all the original service history

Thanks for this- exactly the sort of post I was looking for!

Well it's as good as bought now- just waiting to pick it up after this awful situation the world is finding itself in....

It's the only bit of joy keeping me going (apart from the family of course Can't wait to drive it!

 

[SPIKE_]

My budget will not stretch to a 3.0TDI... Plus a lot of A6's haven't got extra options.

I have just placed a deposit on a 2016 A6 Black Edition in Daytona Grey. 2.0Tdi 190ps though which is perfectly adequate for everyday motoring. That's not to say that I wouldn't much prefer a 3.0TDI but I couldn't afford it.
So it has 49,000 miles, is from Audi so has 1 year warranty and the extras really help seal the deal.

Park Assist with rear view camera
Technology Pack (which essentially included big nav screen+ plus wider colour DIS)
Electric heated front seats
Matrix headlights
Advanced Key (much as I thought it was a gimmick pre having kids, being able to open the boot with your hands full comes in handy)
And obviously all BE 'standard' spec- 20" wheels, Bose etc....

I think you get a kick (or at least I do) out of thinking that these options would have cost a small fortune for the 1st owner when new but I haven't paid anymore than a far less specified A6 out there 2nd hand!

What more could you want, for £16,200 with a solid warranty from an Audi main dealer? Should keep me happy for a good few years!

Think you made the correct decision with the C7 A6. As already said, the A4 is more a four seater and if I was pumping my own money into a used car, I’d opt for the A6 all day.

The current C8 is a stunning car that I’d love to own. Appreciate it’s not what you had in mind due to budget.

 

[hellodave]

I find the comments on rear seat space interesting. I changed from a C7 A6 to B9 S4 and wouldn't say either is really a 5 seater! The size of the transmission tunnel and lack of padding in the middle makes both cars 4 seaters for everything except occasional use! The one thing I miss about the A6 is the larger boot, other than that the A4 has plenty of room for the family.

What I don't miss about the A6 is parking it. It's not much bigger than the A4, but those few inches make all the difference opening your doors in the average postage-stamp size UK space!

You'll be happy with the A6. Other than the size it's a very pleasant place to be, and the interior just edges the A4 on quality IMO (still miss my motorised screen!).

 

[psychopomp1]

The current C8 is a stunning car that I’d love to own. Appreciate it’s not what you had in mind due to budget.

Yeah, the C8 is sheer class. I went from a 2018 A4 (B9) Avant Black Edition to a 2020 A6 Avant Black Edition. Both cars are based on the same Audi MLB platform so have many similarities, but overall the C8 is head & shoulders above the B9, especially the interior.
Took a while to get used to its size (especially when parking in tight places) but you get the hang of it after a while.

From this:




To this:

 

[sat1983]

It goes without saying that the C8 is absolutely stunning- inside and out! You must be over the moon!

Love the dash- makes the C7 dash look like it's from the 90s!

Unfortunately it'll be a short few years until a potential upgrade for me to a C8!

 

[SPIKE_]

Yeah, the C8 is sheer class. I went from a 2018 A4 (B9) Avant Black Edition to a 2020 A6 Avant Black Edition. Both cars are based on the same Audi MLB platform so have many similarities, but overall the C8 is head & shoulders above the B9, especially the interior.
Took a while to get used to its size (especially when parking in tight places) but you get the hang of it after a while.

From this:




To this:

Both your B9 & C8 are beautiful cars, but the C8 is just class. I see you also like white cars!

 

[psychopomp1]

IMHO white suits the Black Editions the best, otherwise would have gone for something like grey/silver. Of course some might say the Black Editions look like gangster wagons lol

 

[smog c6]

I’m sure you made the right choice going for the C7.

I’d say the C7 is far comfier, wider seats, better arm support, better ride comfort than an equivalent spec B9, probably the same sound insulation, better rear leg room (it’s a 5 seater unless you have 3x 6ft5+ adults in the back?) The tech isn’t as good if your comparing Top spec C7 vs Top spec B9 but lower spec cars are about the same.

For a family of 4 either car should be more than adequate.

The positives for the B9 include cheaper to run, faster, more nimble, interior has better layout. Top spec models have more useful toys.

 

[sat1983]

I’m sure you made the right choice going for the C7.

It really is a looker too

 

[Jon B]

I’m upgrading from my B8.5 Avant SE Technik in a few months and have a similar dilemma. A close relative of mine has offered their 2017 C7 A6 Avant S-Line for the cost of the balloon payment.

However, I just can’t get on with the interior. It’s very similar to my B8.5 which frustrates me greatly. Don’t get me wrong, my nearly 7 year old car is very well put together and with 115k on the clock still looks and feels good as new when clean, but it is so dated. Especially the MMI system.

I’ve got two young children and have had minimal issue driving to France on holiday with a loaded boot and a roofbox, so not sure I need the added space of the A6.

So my other option is a B9, probably in S Line trim. The interior is beautiful (and for me this is a big selling point as I spend 20-30k miles a year looking at it). The only aspect that frustrates me is how the model years differ substantially on the surface.

It’s a bit of a ramble, but I do thing on balance for the interior alone I am leaning toward the B9 A4 Avant option.

 

[smog c6]

My neighbour has a B8 A4, I’m sure they are very similar to the B8.5 less the updated MMI.

Now then, the difference between a B8 A4 and a B9 A4 is night and day. Every aspect of the B9 is superior, like a class above. Id say the C7 A6 Would be a fairer comparison, its just that much better so either the C7 or B9 choice is great over the B8.5.

The B8 interior is ancient, even my 2005 C6 A6 had the same interior, and that car was better than the B8, the C7 has a beautiful interior but its ageing so if interior was that important the B9 is a no brainer.

However, If you do go for a B9 I’d strongly suggest you go for a good spec car, even an S line can be poverty spec a B9 A4 can only be better than the C7 with the right spec.

As a minimum:
Definitely S line, the ride is fine.
Privacy glass with Acoustic glazing all round.
Technology package (with VC or colour central display)
Heated Seats
Bang and Oluf Speakers ( A4 notorious for rubbish standard speakers although the B9 isn’t too bad)
Comfort pack (Keyless Entry)

Bonus:
Matrix lights (awesome in country roads at night)
Adaptive suspension (just gives that little extra comfort)

 

[Jon B]

Very useful post, thanks.

Agreed S Line just looks the best proportioned on the B9. I did regret going for spec below on B8.5. Not fussed on B&O, unless B9 are inferior to what I have already. I have Sonos in the home for music.

What I’m finding (and I’m looking to buy used at around the £20-22k mark) is that model years seem to vary more than they did during B8 evolution in terms of spec and appearance. Makes buying used much harder to gauge what is actually good value.

I’m hoping when I do decide to buy dealers will be keen to do a strong deal, although it seems being a cash buyer isn’t necessarily an advantage these days.

 

[sat1983]

The only thing letting it down on the C7 is the interior. But the extras I have on the C7 are more than any high spec B9 so I'm happy.

Black edition for one- looks amazing. And I did want the matrix lights which I have. Very rare on a B9. Somehow, I also find the A6 better proportioned (much as I still love an A4)