Compare the2026 Audi A6VS 2026 Genesis G80

The Audi A6 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The G80 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The A6 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The G80 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The A6 has Car-to-X Services, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The G80 doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure.

Both the A6 and the G80 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The A6’s corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the G80’s (12 vs. 7 years).

There are over 41 percent more Audi dealers than there are Genesis dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the A6’s warranty.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Genesis vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 7 places higher in reliability than Genesis.

The A6’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 62 more horsepower (362 vs. 300) and 95 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 311) than the G80 2.5T’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The A6’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 391) than the G80 3.5T’s standard 3.5 turbo V6.

On the EPA test cycle the A6 gets better fuel mileage than the G80 3.5T 3.5 turbo V6 (20 city/29 hwy vs. 15 city/24 hwy).

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Audi A6 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The G80 2.5T requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The A6 offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The G80 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

For better stopping power the A6’s brake rotors are larger than those on the G80:

The A6’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the G80 2.5T are solid, not vented.

For better traction, the A6’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the G80 (255/40R20 vs. 245/45R19).

The A6’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the G80 2.5T’s standard 50 series tires. The A6’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the G80 Sport Prestige’s 40 series front tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the A6 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the G80 2.5T. The A6’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the G80 Sport Prestige.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the A6 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The G80 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The A6 has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The A6’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The G80 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The A6 has a larger trunk than the G80 (13.5 vs. 13.1 cubic feet).

The A6’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The G80 doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the G80, the A6 has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The A6’s standard Audi Advanced Key allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Proximity Key standard on the G80 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the A6 has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The G80 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi A6 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the G80 Sport Prestige/3.5T offers wireless charging.

The Audi A6/S6/RS 6 outsold the Genesis G80 by over two to one during 2024.