iCarData: The Best Time To Buy An (C7) Audi A6 1.8TFSI

When compared to the seminal BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Audi A6 has had a much younger lineage – having been around only since the mid-90s, as compared to the four-decade history of the 5 Series and the E-Class, whose roots stretch back to the ‘Ponton’ models of the mid-50s.

Some of this has to do with Audi renaming their A6 from the 100/200 models – which stretch back another decade or so. However, despite its relative infancy – the A6 has gone from outlier to mainstream challenger, thanks to its brilliant design, technological advancement, safety standards, and thanks to quattro GMBH (Audi’s skunkworks racing outfit) – a slew of high-performance RS models that command a worldwide following.

Also as opposed to Mercedes and BMW, Audi has a super-easy way of naming their model generations – starting with one alphabet, and ending with a number. The alphanumeric codes starting with the ‘B’ are for the smaller A4, the A6 gets a ‘C’… etc. Starting with the ‘C1’ from the late 60s, the current 2020 Audi A6 is codenamed the ‘C8’.

In this report, we will be looking at the C7 Audi A6, a generation that has enjoyed relatively good reception here in Malaysia. Alongside its contemporary rivals, the (F10) BMW 5 Series and (W212) Mercedes-Benz E-Class (which we covered recently) – the Audi A6 would be the last of this notable trio of German gentleman cruisers – which has also come to the end of its product lifecycle with the hushed introduction of the ‘C8’ successor in Q2 of 2019.

The grapevine whispers of more variants of the C8 Audi A6 entering the Malaysian market in the near future, but for now, let's take a look at how the A6 has fared in terms of resale value on the used car market.

Our reports utilise iCarData. Our in-house developed iCarData, collates data from thousands of used vehicle deals that have been listed on Carlist.my throughout the years. Hence, by filtering our search for listings of a particular model throughout the measured timeframe, we are able to track the relative rates of depreciation of a vehicle as they were featured (in period).

Overview

The C7-generation A6 was first introduced in Malaysia in 2011. Initially available as the 3.0 TFSI quattro guise – priced at RM515,000 – it went up against the F10 BMW 535i in terms of power and equipment. The turbocharged 3.0 V6 delivered 300hp and 440Nm, sending power to all four-wheels (Quattro AWD) through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

However, the biggest jump in the A6’s popularity came with the introduction of the A6 2.0 TFSI Hybrid – which took advantage of excise and import duty exemptions offered by the government and was priced at just RM280k – undercutting by a wide margin all its rivals at the time. The 2.0-litre mild-hybrid powertrain produced a combined 245hp and 480Nm. The electric motor interfaced with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Around 47 percent of the total 4,000 A6 Hybrids built by Audi were sold in Malaysia, proving that the market was there for the A6 if it was priced right.

Audi dropped the A6 Hybrid in 2014, and the facelift model – launched here in 2015 – was offered here in two guises: the (333hp/440Nm) 3.0-litre TFSI Quattro, and the 1.8-litre TFSI with outputs of 190hp and 320Nm of torque. In both cases, power was sent to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Prices range between RM325k for the 1.8 TFSI, to approximately RM500k for the 3.0 TFSI.

For this report we will be looking at the 1.8-litre TFSI variant, given its lower price range, it was the volume seller of the C7 A6 range.

Technical specification of the 2015 (C7) Audi A6 Facelift 1.8L TFSI

• Engine: 1.8-litre turbocharged, inline-four, Petrol
• Power: 190 hp @ 4,200 rpm
• Torque: 320 Nm @ 1,400 rpm
• Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive
• Safety: Six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Stability Control
• Origin: Fully-Imported from Germany.
• Price: RM324,900 – Aug 2015 launch (OTR without insurance)

We have taken into account the following to keep our numbers accurate and representative. 

• Vehicle variant: 2015 Audi (C7-4g Facelift) A6 1.8 TFSI STronic, delivered between Aug and Dec 2015.
• Depreciation is calculated using the original list price.
• Depreciation percentage does not take into account special/seasonal offers or rebates on the original selling price.
• Depreciation for other variants may differ, in particular, the 2013 Audi A6 Hybrid variant, which given its complexity, typically does not hold its prices as well as the petrol-powered variants.

Based on iCarData, here's the summarized data for depreciation:

And the graphical analysis below:

• Blue line: Average selling price (RM) by year
• Grey line: Cumulative depreciation (RM) by year
• Orange line: Retained value percentage by year

Conclusion

At first glance, it may seem that the value retention of the Audi A6 falls into a free fall quite literally as soon as the car rolls out the showroom doors. On the contrary, when compared to the likes of the (F10) BMW 5 Series, the percentages of depreciation year on year, are quite similar. 

After 5 years, the A6 loses around 57 percent of its original value, pretty much identical to the 5 Series, and mildly better than the Mercedes E-Class. 

The A6's biggest advantage is that it isn't as ubiquitous as the Merc and BMW, hence in the matrix of supply versus demand - it manages to hold onto its value rather organically throughout the measured 5 years. 

However, much like its two German rivals, the breakeven point for retained value versus cumulative depreciation comes at around 4 years. The depreciation curve is also void of major drops in value which can be caused by market sway or competitor model introductions. 

With that said, we can safely infer that if sellers hope to retain more than half of their initial investment, they should choose to sell their vehicles just as they pass the four-year mark. However, if the retained value is not the primary requirement, they should keep their car for the duration of the warranty period and enjoy their car and the peace of mind that offers. 

Buyers, on the other hand, should ideally snap up an A6 at half its value after just five years, which offers them a relatively new car, good financing options, and with options for aftermarket warranty options at their disposal. 

Of course, buyers are advised to do their homework and get a thorough inspection done prior to purchase.

For some great deals on the (C7) Audi A6, click here.

If you're looking to sell your Audi A6, we have two solutions for you too. List in on carlist.my or better still use Carlist Bid where we remove all the hassle of selling your car for you as you get searching for your next upgrade.  

Which make/ model would you like us to research next? Let us know in the comments.