The B-segment had the quattro and the SUVs seem to get all the modern attention, but it should be noted that it’s the C-segment where some serious heavy lifting over the years. From its inception with the C1 Audi 100 range to today’s freshest dual-purpose A6 (ICE) and A6 e-tron (EV) range, the brand has sold almost ten million cars. Celebrating that and the fact that the ninth-generation (C9) A6 Avant is now on sale in Europe, Audi saw it as an excellent opportunity to host a dual-purpose family reunion, not just gathering one of each generation car, but selectively choosing specimens of each car owned by an Audi employee.
Okay, the new A6 just went on sale, so that one might be a presser or the like. From the PR department then, they’re quick to remind you that “the all-new Audi A6 Avant is more dynamic, efficient, and digital than ever before and stands for first-class travel like no other vehicle in the premium full-size class. It has been available in dealerships across Europe since May 16, and the A6 Sedan will be launched at the end of July. The two new A6 models are based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) and are powered by modern gasoline and diesel engines. The mild hybrid technology MHEV plus supports the combustion engine, enhances performance and driving comfort, and reduces CO2 emissions. Whether on long trips or in the city, the adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering ensure a smooth ride and agile handling in equal measure. The all-new Audi A6 Avant unites elegant, dynamic design with exceptional aerodynamics. Audi is also offering both the Avant and Sedan as plug-in-hybrids.”
And while it’s exciting to see the new paradigm the latest A6 plans to set moving forward, it’s also fascinating to look backward. In 1968, a the postwar relaunch of the brand was just a few years old when brand management made a decided move upmarket with the launch of the C1 100. The plan worked, and the Audi 100 range (C1 to C4) won the Golden Steering Wheel five times, was named Car of the Year twice and World Car of the Year once. Over the generations, Audi added in fully-galvanized bodywork, groundbreaking aerodynamics and efficient engines with forward-looking tech such as 5-cylinder blocks, turbochargers and diesel technology. By the time the last C4 100 rolled off the line, Audi had built 3.2 million units… not a bad start.
In 1994, the Audi 100 was renamed A6 at the C4’s mid-lifecycle freshening in order to fit the shift to the alphanumeric naming strategy that signaled Audi’s modern era. Sales and production success grew even more. From the launch of the C1 100 in 1968 until April of 2025, Audi has sold 9,836,762 derivatives of the C-platform 100, 200, 5000, “ur” S4, A6, S6, and RS 6.
These are impressive numbers from a run lasting just short of six decades. Is it any wonder then that a C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 and C8 are proudly owned and driven by Audi employees?
Rene Marc Heinze has owned this well preserved Coupé S in Colorado Red since 2014. With only 79,700 kilometers and an award at the 4th International Preservation Concours in 2023, the C1 showcases classic Audi design tradition at its finest. The model was part of the C-series family photo in May 2025.
Gary Teelak owns this rare 1981 Audi 5000 S with original Bordeaux red leather interior since 2008. The exceptional color combination with Alpine White is nearly unique worldwide – only one other example is known, from Brazil. The model was part of the C-series family photo in May 2025.
SIDENOTE: In addition to his unique American specification C2 Audi 5000, Gary Telaak also owns a highly unique 1991 Audi 200 20V Avant test painted a shade of green that never actually made series production. At the time, this 200 was the company car of a senior designer on the Audi design team, receiving the special paint for evaluation purposes. This specific 200 is a bit of a family heirloom, having always been owned by a member of the Audi design. Given its unique paint, one might wager this Avant qualifies as a very early example of an Audi exclusive example.
.
Bernhard Schmidt has been driving his 1990 Audi 100 Sport II since 1991 – for over 570,000 kilometers. Technically almost in original condition, the C3 still stands for reliability, personal memories, and a piece of Audi history. The model was part of the C-series family photo in May 2025.
Horst Gössinger has been driving this 1996 Audi S6 2.2T Avant as a summer vehicle since 2007. The five-cylinder turbo in Ragusa Metallic stands for driving pleasure, continuity – and will soon be passed on to the next generation. The model was part of the C-series family photo in May 2025.
Once used as a getaway car in a bank robbery in Belgium, this Audi S6 C5 is now owned by Maximilian Biber – refined, well-maintained, and with only 140,000 kilometers on the clock, it represents a remarkable piece of living automotive history. The model was part of the C-series family photo in May 2025.
Stephan Schwantner has been driving his 2009 A6 Avant for over twelve years – with 456,000 kilometers on the original engine. This dark green long-distance runner has reliably accompanied him through daily life and vacations: a tank with style. The model was part of the C-series family photo in May 2025.
Since 2014, Jens Kühlmeyer’s 2013 S6 has been the family’s companion through everyday life and adventures. Powerful, stylish, and versatile – from stroller runs to Alpine roads, always with that signature V8 sound. The model was part of the C-series family photo in May 2025.
Steffen Möhring’s 2022 Audi A6 C8 has been serving as the family vehicle since 2022 – reliable and confident, even fully loaded with diving gear on trips to Croatia, Elba, or the south of France. The model was part of the C-series family photo in May 2025.
PHOTO GALLERY
