2026 Audi A6 TFSI Mid-Year Update Brings Back Physical Controls

Other improvements include a revised infotainment system and expanded voice controls.

The 2026 Audi A6 TFSI has only recently touched down and already Audi has announced a round of updates for the mid-sized sedan. The gas-powered A6 is benefiting from many of the upgrades already seen on the 2026 A5 and Q5 models, including more physical controls, an infotainment reskin, and an expanded warranty.

Arguably, the most important update from a usability perspective is the return of wheel-mounted scroll wheels. The A6 launched with touch-sensitive controls here, and the ol' reliable wheels coming back suggests Audi has heard the criticisms and taken them on board.

Audi is also reskinning the MMI infotainment system in a move to better align the in-car experience with the mobile app. There's a 3D model of the car itself as a major focus point, properly matching the actual exterior color to boot. Audi says there are fewer lists and more graphics, which should ideally make the menus quicker to navigate. It isn't just the main screen seeing the updates either, but the driver's instrument cluster and available passenger display too. The instrument cluster has multiple views, all with reduced icons and rejigged "islands" a la iPhone to keep pertinent info on-screen at all times. One handy upgrade: smartphone navigation can now be mirrored right in the cluster. For the passenger-side screen, the ability to pair an independent Bluetooth headset for gaming or streaming is now possible.

An "experience worlds" feature blends lighting, climate, massage functions, and sounds for short programs: Activating, Relaxing, and Harmonizing.

Other changes include wider availability of features on the mid-level Premium Plus trim. This version of the A6 now benefits from the integrated dashcam and Bang & Olufsen front headrest speakers as standard. The passenger-side display is optional on the Plus; previously it was locked to the top Prestige trim. Meanwhile dashcam is optional on the basic Premium trim. Like other OEM-supplied dashcams, this setup integrates into the infotainment to provide navigation, speed, and other information, while remaining purely offline; the only way 30-second recordings can leave the car is via owner-provided SD cards.

That top Prestige trim also adds an adaptive drive mode assistant, which can change the A6's drive mode based on the driver's recent habits. The parking assist can now record multiple different maneuvers up to 600 feet in distance each, and then activate them remotely via the app.

All of this also comes with an extended Audi Signature Care scheduled maintenance plan, covering 36 months or 30,000 miles.

Unfortunately, these updates can not be retroactively applied to the first batch of 2026 A6 models. On the plus side, pricing doesn't move, with the post-update A6 staying at a starting price of $65,395 including destination. Expect the 2026.5 Audi A6 to show up in dealerships in the second quarter of the year.

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