A6 C8 vs ES VII (XZ10): which is better?
Audi A6 C8 (2018–present) vs Lexus ES VII (XZ10) (2018–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Audi A6 C8
Lexus ES VII (XZ10)Specifications
| Audi A6 C8 | Lexus ES VII (XZ10) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2018–present | 2018–present |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 TFSI (45 TFSI) | 2.5 (ES250) |
| Power, up to | 245 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque, up to | 370 Nm | 243 Nm |
| Gearbox | dual-clutch (DCT) | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 939 mm | 4 975 mm |
| Width | 1 886 mm | 1 865 mm |
| Height | 1 457 mm | 1 445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 924 mm | 2 870 mm |
| Fuel tank | 73 L | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Audi A6 C8
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 245 hp
- Large fuel tank: 73 L
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VW/Audi EA888 (1.8–2.0 TSI/TFSI): oil consumption (piston rings) on second-generation engines
- Gearbox DSG/S tronic with wet clutch: clutch and mechatronics wear at high mileage
Engine (VW/Audi EA888 (1.8–2.0 TSI/TFSI)): oil consumption (piston rings) on second-generation engines; timing chain stretch and tensioner on early engines; plastic water pump and thermostat housing leaks.
Gearbox (DSG/S tronic with wet clutch): clutch and mechatronic wear at high mileage; wears quickly without oil changes.
Lexus ES VII (XZ10)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 200 hp
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota Dynamic Force engine (A25A, M20A, T24A, V35A): new, little reliability data so far
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota Dynamic Force (A25A, M20A, T24A, V35A)): few widespread issues: the engines are relatively new, with less data.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- A6 C8 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
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 C8 or ES VII (XZ10)?
A6 C8: up to 245 hp, ES VII (XZ10): up to 200 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: A6 C8 — about 16 475 ₸, ES VII (XZ10) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.