Mazda 6 vs Audi A8
What's the difference?

Mazda 6

$20,850 - $41,995

2023 price

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Audi A8

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2023 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2023 Mazda 6

2023 Audi A8

By Emily Agar

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Diesel Turbo V6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Diesel/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.6L/100km (combined)

5.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Interior trims feel plush
Smooth and sporty handling
Solid luxury features

Refinement
Quality
Value

Dislikes

Leaning more towards old than retro inside
A bit thirsty
Terrible reversing camera

Big turning circle
No folding rear seat
No front door bottle slots

2023 Mazda 6 Summary

Has it really been 20 years since the humble Mazda6 station wagon hit our roads? You betcha, but I was more shocked that I remembered when it did!

I have a sudden flashback of questionable fashion choices, glittery butterfly hair clips and how Skipper was making a play at being the coolest 'Barbie' (she wasn't).

I've always had a soft spot for wagons, they are the forgotten heroes for family hauling. It's hard not to glide over them when the market is dominated by SUVs but if you happen to remember they still exist (albeit, barely) you might remember why they were popular back in the day.

Being a 20th Anniversary Edition means there are some nods to the past in this model but unlike the low-slung jeans of my youth, they're stylishly done. With some luxuriously-appointed rivals to contend with, like the Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Passat, does it offer enough to be considered by a modern family?

My little family of three has been in it all week to find out for you!

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2023 Audi A8 Summary

Audi’s flagship is the A8, a long, luxurious sedan where being driven is often as important as doing the driving.

To put this ultra-premium machine in context, it competes with other German heavyweights like BMW’s 7 Series and, of course, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as well as Porsche’s Panamera. Not to mention the Lexus LS or Maserati’s Quattroporte.

What’s life like at the top of the Audi pyramid? Stay with us to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mazda 6 2023 Audi A8

Verdict

So, what did my family think about the Mazda6 20th Anniversary wagon? Firstly, I like that it drives well and how many luxe features are up front. The trims and body paint look divine but there's a disconnect with family practicality in the back seat. Besides the multimedia system, which 100 per cent needs to be improved, I don't mind the retro-feeling elements in the cockpit but my husband's first comment was that it looked old.

It may be better suited to a smaller and older family that isn't carting around a stack of gear but you get a lot of features for your cash in this model. So, this gets a 7.0/10 from me.

My son didn't spend heaps of time in this one but he liked the colour of it and the seats. He gives it a 7.0/10.

Verdict

The Audi A8 swims in a luxury car shark tank where those paying the big dollars expect top-shelf everything. It delivers a serene driving experience whether you’re in the front or the back, in a superbly engineered and executed luxury sedan package. Not perfect, but very, very impressive.

Mazda 6 vs Audi A8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda 6 vs Audi A8
What's the difference?