2026 Audi A6 Instrument Cluster User Guide
This blog looks at the 2026 Audi A6 instrument cluster, featuring its innovative digital interface and adjustable display options. Understand how this modern cockpit improves driving precision, provides real-time performance statistics, and combines seamlessly with Audi’s intelligent driver-assistance technologies to create a more connected driving experience.
Instrument cluster
Overview and controls
Instrument cluster display areas
The instrument cluster display is divided into the areas described below. Which display areas are shown and what content is visible depends on the selected view and the Audi drive select mode.
Certain contents of the instrument cluster can al-so be projected onto the head-up display.
Left display area
The on-board computer is shown in the left dis-play area. The content of the on-board computer is divided into several tabs.
The following content may be displayed:
- Date and time
- Mileage
- Consumption
- Short-term and long-term memories
- AdBlue range
Central display area
The information shown in the central display area includes information on vehicle operation.
The following content may be displayed:
- Speed
- Navigation
- Driver assistance
Right display area
The infotainment content is shown in the right display area. The content is divided into several tabs.
The following content may be displayed:
- Radio/media
- Telephone
- Navigation
Status bar
The status bar has two sections – one at the top and one at the bottom of the instrument cluster.
The following content may be displayed:
- Warning and indicator lamps
- Remaining range
- Selected transmission position
- Outside temperature display
WARNING
- The display may be deactivated if a serious system fault occurs. The warning lamp may also light up. Stop the vehicle safely. Seek professional assistance.
- At temperatures below +5°C a snowflake symbol appears next to the temperature dis-play. Do not rely on the outside tempera-ture display as an ice warning. Bear in mind that there may be patches of ice on the roads even at outside temperatures around + 5°C – risk of accident!
Instrument cluster controls
You can change the brightness of the instrument cluster in the Car menu. You can operate the instrument cluster using the controls on the multi-function steering wheel.
Changing how the instrument cluster looks
Changing the instrument cluster layout
The layout and the content shown in the central display area are linked to the Audi drive select modes.
- To change the layout, select a different Audi drive select mode.
You can customise the layout in the Audi drive se-lect mode balanced or individual.
Changing between the standard and extended views
The instrument cluster has two views – the stand-ard view and the extended view.
In the standard view, the central display area is shown and the tabs are always displayed.
In the extended view, the central display area is larger and the tabs are hidden.
- To switch between the standard view and the extended view, press the VIEW button on the multi-function steering wheel.
- To display the left/right tab in the extended view, press the button on the multi-function steering wheel
Description of displays
Information on the rev counter
The rev counter indicates the number of engine revolutions per minute. The start of the red zone on the dial indicates the maximum engine speed which may be used briefly in all gears after the engine has been run in properly. However, it is advisable to change up a gear or select transmis-sion position D/S (or lift your foot off the acceler-ator) before the needle reaches the red zone.
If the rev limiter has been activated because of a fault in the engine management system, the indi-cator lamp 
will light up. Make sure that the engine speed does not exceed the speed dis-played in the driver information system, for ex-ample when shifting down a gear. Drive to a qualified workshop without delay and have the fault rectified.
CAUTION
The rev counter needle must only ever briefly go into the red zone on the scale; otherwise there is a risk of engine damage.
Information on the engine oil temperature display
The engine oil temperature display is only shown in certain Audi drive select modes, such as dynamic mode. The display is shown in the status bar.
The engine has reached its operating tempera-ture in normal driving conditions when the oil temperature is between 80°C and 120°C. If the engine is running under increased load at high ambient temperatures, the oil temperature may increase significantly. This is no cause for con-cern, provided that the indicator/warning lamps
Information on mileage
The trip recorder shows the distance that has been travelled since it was last reset. This value can be reset manually.
The odometer records the vehicle’s total mileage.
Information on consumption
The current consumption can be shown in a bar display. The average consumption from the short-term memory can also be displayed.
Information on the short-term and long-term memories
The short-term memory collects the information on a journey from the time the vehicle is switched on until it is switched off. If the journey is re-sumed within two hours after the vehicle is switched off, the new figures are automatically included in the calculation.
Unlike the short-term memory, the long-term memory is not reset automatically. In this way, you can determine the period for which you wish the on-board computer to supply driving infor-mation.
Information on the gear shift indicator
To familiarise yourself with the gear shift indica-tor, drive in the normal way to start with. A gear change will be recommended on the instrument cluster display if the gear you are in is not the most economical choice. If no gear change is rec-ommended, you are already in the most econom-ical gear.
The display is only visible in tiptronic mode.
The symbol 
after the current gear means change up a gear.
The symbol 
after the current gear means change up two gears.
CAUTION
The gear shift indicator is intended to help the driver save fuel. It is not intended to rec-ommend the right gear for all driving situa-tions. In certain situations, only the driver can choose the correct gear (for instance when overtaking or driving up a steep gradient).
Useful Links:
2024 Audi A6 Sedan Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review