As a seasoned auto repair professional at keyfobprog.com, I’ve had my hands on a vast array of vehicles. Recently, I revisited the 2009 Audi A6 3.0 Tfsi Quattro, and it prompted some serious reflection, especially when considering today’s market. Having driven almost all of its competitors back in the day, I feel uniquely positioned to offer an in-depth, practical perspective on this often-overlooked gem.
Let’s cut straight to the chase: comparing the 2009 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro to rear-wheel-drive competitors is like comparing apples to oranges. They operate in completely different leagues, particularly when all-weather performance is a factor. While many reviewers and publications pit them against each other, the reality is starkly different behind the wheel. Driving both RWD and AWD versions of similar cars back-to-back reveals the undeniable advantages of all-wheel drive, especially in less-than-perfect conditions.
Almost every manufacturer in this class offers an AWD variant, but opting for AWD invariably impacts the vehicle’s price, handling dynamics, fuel economy, braking, and straight-line acceleration compared to their RWD counterparts. This is simply physics. My hands-on experience includes extensive time with the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350 RWD and C300 AWD, the E350 RWD, the 2009 Lexus GS350 AWD, the 2008 BMW 535xi, the 2009 335xi, Infiniti G35XS and M35XS, 2009 Audi A4 3.2 and A4 2.0, the A6 3.0T itself, a 2007 S6, and a 2008 A6 3.2. This broad experience allows for a truly informed assessment.
The 2009 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro: The Complete Package
My conclusion? The 2009 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro stands out as the most comprehensively impressive car in its segment, especially when considering its value proposition. It might not be the absolute best in any single, isolated category, but when you weigh factors like cost, standard all-wheel drive, robust performance, reasonable fuel consumption, comprehensive warranty (when new), and a generous array of luxury features, it emerges as an exceptionally well-rounded vehicle. Let’s not forget its surprisingly spacious trunk, outclassing many in its competitive set. The long-term reliability was, and to some extent still is, the lingering question mark, but initial impressions were strong.
As a self-proclaimed “BMW guy” with a history of 3 Series ownership (328i, 325i, 325iT, and 330i), venturing into Audi territory was a significant departure. My BMWs had generally proven reliable, fuel-efficient, and offered excellent handling and performance. My hope was that the Audi wouldn’t become a maintenance headache, a common concern with European luxury cars. While I appreciate BMW, particularly the 3 Series, the 5 Series pricing and, frankly, somewhat bland styling, were major deterrents.
Consider this: a comparably equipped 2009 BMW 535xi, loaded to match the “Prestige” trim of the A6, would easily exceed $60,000, potentially nearing $65,000 when new. A fully loaded 2009 Audi A6 Prestige, even at full MSRP when new, topped out around $56,500. Furthermore, the used market offered even more compelling value. Acquiring a lightly used 2009 A6 with just 4,000 miles for mid-$40,000s represented substantial savings, making it an incredibly attractive proposition.
Debunking the Myths: Performance and Handling
Many reviews at the time, and even now, nitpick aspects like handling, power delivery, comfort levels, and cabin noise. Having driven all these cars extensively, I find many of these criticisms overblown or simply inaccurate in real-world driving scenarios. Yes, the Mercedes-Benz models are undeniably quiet and composed, but they can also feel somewhat ponderous, almost tank-like. BMW excels in handling, offers exhilarating speed, and comfortable interiors, but their exterior styling at the time was arguably uninspired, and their iDrive user interface was, and remains for some, less than intuitive – arguably even more complex than Audi’s MMI system.
The often-cited complaint regarding the “lack of power” in the Audi A6 3.0 TFSI is particularly baffling. Having driven AWD variants of the 335xi, 535xi, M35x, G35x, and GS350, the performance difference in everyday driving is negligible. In fact, I’d confidently challenge anyone to a drag race in the A6 against any of these cars (excluding perhaps the lighter 335xi). The outcome would likely hinge on driver reaction time, not inherent power deficits.
Performance figures for the 2009 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro vary slightly across publications, ranging from 0-60 mph times of 5.5 seconds to 6.0 seconds. Frankly, 6 seconds feels like an undersell from behind the wheel. Comparatively, the BMW 535i clocked around 5.3 seconds, the Lexus GS350 AWD at 5.5 seconds, and the Infiniti G35x at 5.6 seconds. In the realm of tenths of seconds, real-world differences become almost imperceptible.
The fact that the Audi A6, weighing in at a substantial 4200 pounds and powered by a relatively compact 3.0-liter engine, produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque at a low 2500 rpm, achieving sub-6-second 0-60 mph times and 14-second quarter-mile runs, is genuinely remarkable. Among its competitors, only the Infiniti G35xs and BMW 535xi felt comparably quick and agile – both excellent cars in their own right. The Infiniti M35x felt noticeably slower than the A6, while the rarer and significantly more expensive Infiniti M45x might have matched it in outright speed.
Considering Alternatives: Audi S6 vs. A6 3.0T
We even briefly considered a used 2007 Audi S6 with lower mileage (under 30,000 miles) for roughly the same price as a new or lightly used 2009 A6. Ultimately, the A6 3.0T won out for two key reasons. Firstly, we could secure a new or nearly-new 2009 A6 for the same budget as a three-year-old S6 with only a year of warranty remaining. Secondly, long-term maintenance costs were a significant concern. Owning a high-performance car like the S6, with its V10 engine, massive 15.2-inch brakes with six-piston calipers, and 265-series 19-inch tires, suggested significantly higher routine maintenance and repair expenses compared to the A6. My familiarity with BMW 3 Series maintenance costs, which are surprisingly reasonable, informed this decision.
Final Verdict and Tuning Potential
So far, the 2009 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro has proven to be an excellent choice. The power delivery and engine note are genuinely satisfying. Dismissing its 0-60 mph time as a mere 6 seconds feels inaccurate in real-world driving – it feels considerably quicker. And for a large luxury sedan weighing over 4000 lbs, the handling is more than adequate.
Looking ahead, the tuning potential further enhances the A6 3.0T’s appeal. Even simple ECU upgrades, coupled with modifications like H&R lowering springs, thicker sway bars, and lightweight 19-inch forged wheels, promise to elevate both handling and power to near S6 levels, but at a fraction of the cost and complexity. Tuning companies like MTM already offer chip and pulley upgrades for the similar engine in the contemporary Audi S4, boosting output to an impressive 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Expect aftermarket support for the A6 3.0 TFSI to continue to grow, unlocking even more potential.
Hopefully, this real-world evaluation proves helpful. It’s frustrating to read reviews that criticize a car for perceived flaws that simply don’t manifest in everyday use. Yes, the controls might require a learning curve, and some ergonomic quirks exist. But this is a common trait among German automobiles – BMW and Mercedes-Benz share similar complexities. German engineering prioritizes performance, handling, and robust build quality, sometimes at the expense of absolute user-friendliness. This isn’t an “Audi thing”; it’s a characteristic of the breed.
Cheers, and happy driving!
