- 2010
2009 Audi A6
- Used Audi A6
Audi A6 - What the Auto Press Says
The Audi A6 is an easily-overlooked contender in the large luxury car class, but it shouldn't be. With an interior that outclasses even many luxury cars, an an available supercharged V6 engine that many reviewer love, the A6 is a must-test-drive before buying any other luxury car.
The Audi A6 has one of the most beautiful and comfortable cabins available -- reviewers particularly love it in cocoa -- and a refined highway ride. Without Quattro all-wheel-drive, its handling trails the best in it class; but with Quattro, it's the almost the equal of the canyon-carving BMW 5-Series.
Reviewers consistently say that Audi's MMI multimedia interface system is needlessly complicated and a serious drawback to the car. Otherwise they don't seem to have many complaints about this car -- it doesn't rank higher simply because it sits in such a competitive class.
So A6 shoppers looking for an alternative might want to turn in a surprising direction -- toward the A6's smaller sibling, the Audi A4. The new A4, completely redesigned for 2009, is so large that it barely qualifies for the midsize car class -- it's almost an A6, and considerably less expensive.
The A6 sees a mild refresh for 2009. Exterior changes are difficult to spot, but new headlamps have been added, and the taillights are now LED. Inside, new aluminum accents are found. The suspension has been updgraded to handle bumps more softly. Perhaps most significant, a new supercharged V6 is available. Reviewers who've tested it say it's now the engine of choice for this car, combining V8 performance with V6 fuel economy.
The A6 comes in 3.2 or 4.2 trim, each named for the engine that powers it. A new 3.0 supercharged edition is also offered. The famed Quattro all-wheel drive system is available on 3.2 models and standard on 4.2 and 3.0 supercharged models. A wagon model, the A6 Avant, is offered, but only with the 3.0-liter engine and Quattro system.
- "Too weak with the 3.1-liter V-6 and extremely expensive with the V-8, the A6 now has a just-right engine choice that should help it shrug off its also-ran status in the U.S. market." -- Car and Driver
- "A6 is tough to top for craftsmanship, and it offers all-weather AWD capability, great overall refinement, and cool sophistication. It's a must-see for any luxury-car shopper." -- Consumer Guide
- "On the whole, we're pretty fond of the A6. Although not as fun as the BMW 5 Series and not as prestigious as the Mercedes E-Class, the 2008 Audi A6 is an excellent example of a car that does almost everything right." -- Edmunds
- "An appealing alternative to more expensive offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with an incredibly detailed cabin, a choice of two strong engines and good crash-test scores." -- Cars.com
- "The Audi A6 continues a legacy of dynamic excellence and exceptional comfort. The A6 is packed with technology, enhancing convenience and driving dynamics. The attention to detail inside and out is impressive." -- New Car Test Drive
A6 Performance - 8.6 (Very Good)
Without Quattro All-Wheel Drive, the A6 is comfortable car to drive, well-suited to commuting and to long trips. With Quattro, it's a road-holding, canyon-carving machine that won't let true driving enthusiasts down. A new supercharged V6 engine, introduced for 2009, is worth a test drive. It matches the V8 option in pure acceleration, but sips gas like the V6. Read More
A6 Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The A6 is generally considered a sharp-looking car, with its appearance dominated by a huge, trapezoidal grille. A 2009 refresh, however, is almost hard to detect. New headlights, outlined in bright LEDs, are an obvious change. Other changes are more subtle. Read More
A6 Interior - 8.6 (Very Good)
Audi has quietly earned a reputation for some of the most sumptuous and durable passenger cabins in the automotive business. The A6 holds up that claim well, with luxurious materials and excellent ergonomics. But reviewers often complain about its complicated electronics interface. Read More
A6 Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2009 Audi A6 has not been tested by the federal government, but the car won the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Pick" in the large car category for top crash test scores and standard stability control. Read More
A6 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Audi A6 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Audi covers the A6 with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Read More
