A6 C5 vs ES III (XV20): which is better?
Audi A6 C5 (1997–2004) vs Lexus ES III (XV20) (1996–2001): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Audi A6 C5
Lexus ES III (XV20)Specifications
| Audi A6 C5 | Lexus ES III (XV20) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1997–2004 | 1996–2001 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.4 V6 | 3.0 V6 (ES300) |
| Power, up to | 170 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque, up to | 230 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 796 mm | 4 830 mm |
| Width | 1 810 mm | 1 790 mm |
| Height | 1 453 mm | 1 420 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 759 mm | 2 670 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 70 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 28 750 ₸ | ≈ 42 425 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Audi A6 C5
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox Audi multitronic (CVT): chain and clutch pack wear
- Age: the last cars were built in 2004, condition is everything
Gearbox (Audi multitronic (CVT)): chain and clutch pack wear; control unit failure.
Lexus ES III (XV20)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 200 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 1MZ-FE (3.0 V6) engine: piston ring coking and oil consumption
- Age: the last cars were built in 2001, condition is everything
Engine (Toyota 1MZ-FE (3.0 V6)): ring coking and oil consumption; cracked engine mounts.
Which one to choose
- A6 C5 — if you care more about: wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
- ES III (XV20) — if you care more about: power, torque.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: A6 C5 or ES III (XV20)?
A6 C5: up to 170 hp, ES III (XV20): up to 200 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: A6 C5 — about 28 750 ₸, ES III (XV20) — about 42 425 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.
Other comparisons
A6 vs 3 SeriesAudi A6 C5 / BMW 3 Series E46A6 vs PassatAudi A6 C5 / Volkswagen Passat B5ES vs E-ClassLexus ES III (XV20) / Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210ES vs 5 SeriesLexus ES III (XV20) / BMW 5 Series E39ES vs Mark IILexus ES III (XV20) / Toyota Mark II X100ES vs GSLexus ES III (XV20) / Lexus GS II (S160)