2009 Audi A6 Review
2009 Audi A6 Review
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Used A6 for sale
Appraise This CarAudi A6 model years
Audi A6 types
- Sedan
- Wagon
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Finely fashioned interior, all-wheel drive available across the lineup, strong supercharged V6.
Cons
- Base V6 and top-of-the-line V8 lack moxie, not as fun to drive as some competitors.
What’s new
The 2009 Audi A6 boasts a new supercharged V6 -- the misleadingly named 3.0T -- that's optional on the sedan and mandatory on the Avant wagon. A newly simplified trim level structure allows buyers some freedom to mix and match engines and trim packages. Other changes include freshened styling front and rear, updated graphics for the instrument cluster and a 40/60 front/rear split for the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Finally, last year's optional sport-tuned suspension, air suspension and 19-inch wheels have been ditched in favor of a retuned standard suspension across the lineup.
Edmunds says
The understated yet luxurious 2009 Audi A6 is a solid all-around effort, particularly with the new supercharged 3.0T power plant. It deserves consideration alongside its capable European and Japanese rivals.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Audi A6 3.2 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$198/mo for A6 3.2
A6 3.2
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The 2009 Audi A6's saving grace may well be its new supercharged V6, which goes by the handle "3.0T." But wait, isn't "T" supposed to stand for "turbocharged"? Why, yes; it has in Audi's past 1.8T and 2.0T models. In this case, though, "T" is for "supercharged." Never mind why -- all you need to know is that this engine could single-handedly make the A6 relevant again in the luxury sedan and wagon segments.
That's because the A6's Achilles' heel has long been its distinct lack of underhood motivation compared to the European and Japanese competition. Sure, the A6 has a nice interior, and we've always appreciated its understated good looks and sure-footed AWD traction. But the base V6 feels taxed by the elevated standards of this class, and the flagship 4.2-liter V8 simply can't keep up with similarly priced V8s from BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz,. In other words, the A6 needed a shot in the arm, and the 3.0T's 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque might be just what the doctor ordered. It's also relatively fuel-efficient and doesn't command much of a price premium.
With the new engine, the 2009 Audi A6 is a competent luxury car in a segment that's teeming with attractive choices. The BMW 5 Series performs better overall, the Mercedes E-Class has better curb appeal, the Infiniti M35 and M45 promise sharper handling, the Hyundai Genesis offers tremendous value and the Jaguar XF matches the A6 in most respects while adding a healthy dollop of panache. Nonetheless, if you're drawn to the A6's combination of German engineering and available AWD security, we'd say it's worth a look. It's hard to go wrong at this price point, and you certainly won't go wrong if you end up with an A6.
Performance & mpg
Despite its name, the A6 3.2 features a 3.1-liter V6 rated at 255 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. The A6 3.0T has a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that cranks out 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The A6 4.2 has a 4.2-liter V8 that generates 350 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The sedan is available with any of the three engines, while the Avant wagon comes only with the 3.0T. All engines feature direct fuel injection technology. The 3.2 front-wheel-drive sedan has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with driver-selectable shift points, while all other A6s come with a six-speed automatic transmission and the Quattro AWD system.
The base A6 3.2 could hardly keep up with the average V6-powered family sedan in a stoplight drag race. The 3.0T, however, is so smooth and powerful that it calls into question the need for the V8 (their estimated 0-60-mph times are 0.1 second apart), especially considering the bigger engine's substantial price premium. EPA fuel economy estimates are 18 mpg city/27 highway and 21 combined for the base 3.2, 18/26/21 mpg for the 3.0T and 16/23/18 mpg for a 4.2 Quattro.
Safety
All 2009 Audi A6 models come with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are an extra-cost option. The A6 performed admirably in crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, earning the top rating of "Good" in both frontal offset and side-impact tests.
Driving
The 2009 Audi A6's retuned suspension should prove satisfactory for most shoppers, though those seeking extra performance may gravitate toward competing models with optional sport-tuned suspensions. In any case, we don't rue the departure of last year's available sport suspension and 19-inch wheels, as that setup provided a tooth-rattling ride without adding much in the way of handling prowess. The 3.1-liter V6 is underwhelming compared with rival engines, as is the 4.2-liter V8; however, the zesty and reasonably priced 3.0T is a winner, much like the comparable twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 in the rival BMW 535i. The A6 cruises confidently on the highway, though some tire roar finds its way into the cabin at elevated speeds. The available Quattro all-wheel-drive system gives the A6 added peace of mind in foul weather.
Interior
The 2009 Audi A6 continues to offer one of the finest cabins in its class, with an attractive dash layout, excellent materials quality and impressive fit and finish. All A6 sedans and Avant wagons come with the Multi Media Interface (MMI) vehicle management system, which controls entertainment, communication and optional navigation functions via the dash-mounted LCD screen and a large knob on the center console. We wouldn't go so far as to call it user-friendly, but you get used to it. The A6 sedan offers a perfectly adequate 16-cubic-foot trunk, though it's no bigger than the compact A4's. The Avant wagon offers a spacious 34 cubic feet behind its rear seats and 59 cubes with them folded.
2009 Audi A6 models
The 2009 Audi A6 is available in sedan and wagon (Avant) body styles. There are three trim levels, differentiated by engine specification: base 3.2, midlevel 3.0T Quattro and top-of-the-line 4.2 Quattro. Furthermore, each A6 comes with one of three equipment packages: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Note that the Prestige package is unavailable with the base V6 and mandatory with the V8.
The Premium package, standard on 3.2 and 3.0T Quattro trims, includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, leather seating, power front seats with adjustable lumbar support (heated on Quattro models), a tilt and telescoping steering column, dual-zone automatic climate control, a trip computer, Audi's MMI systems controller, Bluetooth and a stereo system featuring a glovebox-mounted CD changer, satellite radio and an iPod input. The Premium Plus package, optional on the 3.2 and 3.0T Quattro, adds 18-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, heated auto-dimming exterior mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a compass, aluminum door sills and driver memory functions. The Prestige trim, optional on the 3.0T Quattro and standard on the 4.2 Quattro, tacks on exclusive 18-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, a back-up camera, keyless ignition and entry, shift paddles, a power-adjustable steering column, a DVD-based navigation system with voice-recognition capability (optional with Premium Plus), an upgraded surround-sound stereo and a color trip computer. The 4.2 Quattro also features sporty S line exterior styling cues.
Stand-alone options, depending on trim level, include a Cold Weather package with heated rear seats and steering wheel (plus heated front seats on non-Quattro models), rear side airbags and a blind-spot warning system.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#28 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Audi A6 from 2008-2022.$667/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).2.45x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).13.9%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Audi A6.
5 star(72%)
4 star(24%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
58 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Strong and very Reliable car
papo1975, 12/05/2014
2008 Audi A6 3.2 4dr Sedan (3.1L 6cyl CVT)
Second A6, got it CPO with 35k back in jan/2011 , now 105k with no mayor repairs.
I do regular oil change(Castrol synthetic) and all recommended maintenance..For my brakes ,fluids, filters and battery only use OEM parts
Only repairs I came across are light bulb change and throttle body clean up .
Yes repairs and maintenance can be expensive but it is a $50'000.00 car with a great … look and performance. My cost to own very low until now ,and planning to keep it for years to come.
5 out of 5 stars
Still a great car at 105K
Steven Woods, 12/17/2015
2008 Audi A6 4.2 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Update to my earlier review. Now I have over 105k miles on this car that I purchased new. It goes through brakes but it has otherwise been faultless. Still love driving it. Same great ride, no rattles and no issues. Recently had to add some coolant, but other than that, just routine oil changes.
5 out of 5 stars
58k miles and still GREAT
docwoods, 04/27/2012
2008 Audi A6 4.2 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
This is an update to an earlier review.
I now have 58k miles in this car and it is still one of the best cars that I have owned.
To date I have had minor failures (tail light, head light) but nothing worse!
I still get about 27-28 mpg highway at 75 cruise.
It is quiet, solid as a bank vault and drives like new.
This car is not about cutting edge performance and handling.
It is about … quality of construction and easy highway driving.
I still look forward to driving it each time.
I would highly recommend this car to anyone.
5 out of 5 stars
2008 Audi A6 4.2 - The Perfect Car
bofam, 08/06/2007
2008 Audi A6 4.2 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
My previous car was a Porsche Cayenne S, a 350 hp nimble beast of an SUV. It was a blast to drive. I thought I would never find a replacement. The Porsche is a distant memory now that I am driving the Audi A6 4.2. It is nice to be driving a sedan instead of an SUV. The ride is super smooth, quiet and with 350 hp this car can really take off. Audi has done a fantastic job with the fit and … finish as well as integrating state of the art technology without overloading the instrument bay. The outside of the car is elegant and tasteful. The 2008 A6 4.2 comes standard with the S-Line font grille and bumpers which add a nice flare to the body.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Audi A6, so we've included reviews for other years of the A6 since its last redesign.
2009 A6 Highlights
Sedan
3.2
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $45,100 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $198/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the A6 include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestAcceptable
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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