By KBB.com Editors
The midsize 2009 Audi A6 is the ideal vehicle for the socially mobile family in need of generous interior space and all-wheel-drive capability, but not at all interested in an SUV. Offered in both sedan and wagon (known as the Avant) forms, the A6 combines traditional Audi styling, luxury and performance with the sure-footedness of quattro all-wheel drive. Larger than the A4, but not as bulky (or expensive) as the A8, the A6 offers a range of models and features with broad appeal to the premium midsize luxury sedan buyer.
If you're in the market for a premium sedan whose road manners are as smart as its styling and price, the 2009 Audi A6 should be on your list. Those who live in foul-weather regions will appreciate the impressive capabilities afforded by the A6's quattro all-wheel drive.
If you prefer simple controls and easy-to-understand components, the A6's high-tech interior may be a bit overwhelming. If you're a driving enthusiast, the lack of a manual transmission option could be a turn-off.
A new, 300-horsepower supercharged 3.0-liter gasoline injection engine is added to the lineup, as is a revised quattro all-wheel drive system with a 40/60 rear bias. Also new are optional LED driving lights, push button start/stop ignition, revised front and rear fascia and improvements to the car's steering and suspension settings.
Driving Impressions In the 2009 Audi A6, supreme confidence on both expressways and winding roads is markedly enhanced by the sure-footed feel of quattro all-wheel drive. Acceleration is quite satisfying with the...
V6 and the automatic transmission responds effectively. No, it's not a powerhouse, but few drivers really need the V8's extra horses. A nice compromise between the two is the all-new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that develops 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Only if you get a thrill from lunging, full-throttle takeoffs would the V8 be a better bet. Overall, the A6 experience falls just a little short of serene – mainly because the ride can get bouncy on washboard-stiff surfaces and through harsher bumps, though the suspension reacts rapidly.Quattro All-Wheel Drive
For negotiating curvy canyons or snowy streets, Audi's famed quattro all-wheel-drive system gives the A6 a real advantage.
Multi Media Interface
Although it subjects its operator to a learning curve, Audi's MMI system is a sleek solution for the control of in-cabin technology.
Interior
From the driver's seat, the A6 comes across as one serious sedan. Leather surfaces are inviting, though seats are on the firm side. They're satisfying for long-term touring, however, with helpful but not intrusive support and bolstering. Backseat riders get plenty of headroom and knee space, but the center passenger must suffer the indignity of a stiff perch and a high floor hump. Fully calibrated gauges are especially easy to read, though the MMI (Multi Media Interface) control can be a handful. Don't expect an unobstructed view over the left shoulder, but visibility is good otherwise. An electronic dashboard button opens a glove box that is short on space.
Exterior
The new look of Audi is evident across the A6 body. Up front, a bold trapezoidal grille – tall and split into two elements – is flanked by sleek xenon headlamps and available LED daytime running lights; LEDs also comprise the rear taillights. Designer Achim Badstubner says it's the kind of dramatic front end that promises "overtaking prestige on the Autobahn," informing drivers who see it coming in the rearview mirror that a serious machine is on its way.
Even in its most basic form, the A6 feels loaded to the brim. Standard features include anti-lock brakes (ABS), front and rear fog lights, front and rear head-curtain airbags, 8-way power driver and passenger seats with four-way power lumbar, leather seating, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with touch controls, one touch up/down windows, cruise control, power trunk release, 10-speaker sound system with six-disc CD/MP3 changer and iPod integration system. Also standard is a power sunroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 3.0T adds a supercharged engine, quattro all-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels, while the V8 models get heated front seats, Bose audio, power adjustable steering column and bi-xenon adaptive head lamps.
Options vary by trim and include such fine features as bi-xenon headlamps, Bose audio, Audi Side Assist lane change assist and 18-or 19-inch wheels. The Cold Weather package includes heated seats (front and rear) and a heated steering wheel. DVD navigation, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera are also available.
While the 3.2-liter V6 is more than sufficient to move the A6, the few extra dollars spent on the 3.0-liter supercharged engine is probably well worth it. It's simply a matter of how quickly you wish to be moved. The 3.2-liter V6 is smooth, quiet and refined, delivering excellent low-end torque for quick starts, as well as respectable highway fuel economy. The V8 turns the A6 from quick to remarkably quick, but you'll pay a premium at both the dealership and the gas pump.
3.2-liter V6
255 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
243 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 (FWD), 17/25 (AWD)
3.0-liter V6, supercharged
300 horsepower @ 5100 rpm
310 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26
4.2-liter V8
350 horsepower @ 6600 rpm
325 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Audi A6 vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 135 Ratings for the 2005 - 2011 models.
Review this carBy REHATLGA (GA) on Sunday, January 06, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 68,900
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Comfortable, solid, handles well, fun to drive"
Cons: "Few cons"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"I have really enjoyed this car. It has plenty of room for a family yet handles very well. The Tiptronic automatic is one of the best I've driven. The Tiptronic is pretty smooth during normal driving and I can put it into "Sport Mode" when I want to increase the fun factor. The A6 feels very solid on the highway. We make a couple of 1,000 mile round trips each year. Every time we put it on the road I realize all over again why I enjoy this car so much. Fuel economy is about 28 - 29 MPG on the highway. I could probably get 30 MPG if I kept the speed below 75. This is not bad for a family sized car with AWD."
7 people out of 7 found this review helpful
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By MNBigFishOnly (MN) on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 76,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Great interior - Great winter driving"
Cons: "Bit more costly for general maintenance than some."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"Living in the north and driving in plenty of snow, my A6 is a great winter car. 4-wheel drive, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel make this enjoyable to drive in cool/cold weather. I believe the interior, layout and especially quality of materials, is second to none. I personally bought the car because I really enjoyed the exterior and interior look and feel. I was also looking for a bit of a "sports car" with a luxury feel. I have had to bring the car into service for a few problems (under warranty) from 20K miles to 30K miles. After that I have not had any issues - at 76K."
6 people out of 6 found this review helpful
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By missie119 (NJ) on Thursday, September 13, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 87,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Fast, fun to drive, comfortable!!!"
Cons: "Miss it when I'm not driving it."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I am head over heals in love with this car. I bought this car November of 2011 at 67000 miles. I have put almost 20000 miles on this car since I've had it. So far runs like a champ. I read reviews before I bought it, researching if your buying used is important. When I pull up to functions people are in love. When family members drive this car, they fall in love right away. I have the S-Line with tinted windows which adds for an amazing look. My kids even love this car. As time went on I learned more about the car, everything excited me, especially the day it rained and my windshield wipers turned on automatically and knew to slow down when it was just drizzling. Amazing car, anyone would be lucky to drive or own one."
8 people out of 8 found this review helpful
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By pander1 (MD) on Friday, March 30, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 63,000
overall rating 8 of 10rating detailsPros: "Well Built, Fun to drive, Great Gas mileage!!"
Cons: "Cup holders placement, Could use about 30 more HP"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8
"So back in December of 2011, My wife and I decided to purchase a entry level luxury sedan, due to rising gas prices we also decided to trade in our 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. This Audi A6 is fun to drive, the steering is buttery smooth, and it has plenty of pep, but I am sure the V8 is more fun to drive on the freeways. I enjoy a lot of the modern comforts and convinces this car has to offer such as the MMI system, the Navigation system is also pretty good, the seats are awesome, sort of sporty yet luxury in feel. This car also gets way better gas mileage than reported on by the window sticker and the MPG.gov website, The sticker reports 18 City 25HWY I have seen all the way up to 30 MPG on the hwy. Overall this is a solid built car with great amenities and great gas mileage, also looks pretty sporty with the S-Line package also!"
12 people out of 12 found this review helpful
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By mbar (NY) on Sunday, March 18, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 71,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Great value, fun to drive, design"
Cons: "maintence cost,"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"this car handles great, it is very fun to drive and is constantly tempting you to push it just a bit harder. Fit and finish of the interior is in a class of its own! competition form BMW and Mercedes of competing models are years behind in interior design and finish IMO. this car still looks like a showroom piece after 7 years and 70K miles. not paint defects the leather and interior are still in perfect condition."
8 people out of 9 found this review helpful
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By Rhino (CA) on Friday, February 17, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000
overall rating 3 of 10rating detailsLikely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2
"Car drives well and is sytlish, but it is constantly in the shop for something and the repairs cost a fortune. It has 45k miles and I've already had to replace the brakes twice, it has been in and out of the shopf multiple times for mysterious "check engine" lights that nobody can figure out...it just seems like ther is always something wrong with it, and that "something" always carries a high price tag to fix... I would not buy this car again."
15 people out of 17 found this review helpful
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