Vehicle: 2009 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro Premium with S-Line sports pkg, power & manual rear side sunshades and side airbags
Price as tested: CDN$71950

Performance: Don’t be mistaken by the “T” designation. Unlike Audi’s usual fashion, this “T” isn’t designated for a turbo or Biturbo engine. Instead, this is a “T” with a twist. This new A6 is powered by Audi’s 1st forey into the supercharge world in the last 4 decades. Audi has mated a 3.0 liter DOHC V6 24-valve with an Eaton supercharge, as well as FSI direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. The result of all of these world-class engineering creates an amazing 300 horses, while equally impressive 300 lb/ft of torque. This is already a detuned version of upcoming high-performance S4 and S5’s version. With such an impressive figure, this engine delivers what it promises. There are plenty of low-end torque as 300 lb/ft arrives at a low 2500rpm. On the other hand, it doesn’t lost anything when pushed this Eaton-powered V6 through mid and high rev range. It doesn’t feel any slight short of power at any rpm.

The beauty of having a supercharger rather than a turbocharger is the instant delivery of silky-smooth power, also the lack of lag usually associates with a turbo.

The throttle response is quick without feeling abrupt. 6-speed Tiptronic with paddle shifters is the only gearbox available on A6. Thanks to the new and improved software, it makes this Tiptronic shifts efficiently and effectively without all those sluggish respond one associated with this kind of slushbox. Audi has placed the paddle shifters on proper location, as left for downshift and right for upshift, which are perfect ergonomics. On the other hand, the low 1st and 2nd gears have given this beast wonderful acceleration. Combined all of these ingredients, it makes no wonder why this supercharger V6 is able to move 4123 lb of German leather-lined luxury from 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds. Most impressive of all, we got an average of 8.8 liters per 100 km during our testing!

Handling: The A6 begins with a wonderfully stout and solid platform for suspension to hang its heads. That means its a chassis that is completely free of cracks and rattles, this has to be considered as one of the most rigid platforms in the segment. The 3.0T only comes standard with Audi’s famed Quattro system, in latest guise, it delivers 60% of the power to the rear wheels to create a RWD feel without losing the confidence of an AWD. Our tester comes with an optional sports package, which means it has a firmer suspension and springs + 19″ wheels. One would have thought having a sports suspension would make this luxury car having an unyielding harsh ride as a compromse for outright handling. It isn’t! The result is a suspension that is equally supple yet comfortable. Its Teutonic firm and supple but definitely far from being harsh. The credit goes to the right calibration of both suspension damping and spring rates. Not only does the optional 19″ wheels add bonus to A6’s look department, it has a desired effect to this puppy’s overall driving experience. Push through the corners, A6 responds responsively without losing any of the driving pleasure. The steering provides excellent feel and feedback, the right amount of weight and precision also added to the overall driving pleasure of the entire vehicle. As with Audi’s tradition, its ESP is an uninstrusive type as it doesn’t step in unnecessarily. It has designed as a secondary cushion on top of the Quattro system. If the driver does rear its ugly head, even with the superb Quattro system, ESP would step it before an crash happens. Be warn though. Both Quattro and ESP are still unable to beat the law-of-physics. Both understeer and oversteer are easy to control, as well as body rolls are minimal when pushed. Dynamically speaking, this A6 3.0T is a very pleasnt package.

Brakes: With large 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, A6’s braking performance is up to Audi’s high standards. The stopping distance is short. Even after a couple of hard stops, it remains fade-free. Both the pedal feel and modulation are exceptional. Thanks to EBD, it doesn’t exhibit any nose dive during hard braking. What’s most impressive though, is the ABS only acts at the right time at the right place.

Interior: Over the years, Audi has earned the reputation as the leader when it comes to interior workmanship and design. The A6 is no exception. All you find is world-class materials that are both soft to the touch and fit with ultimate precision. The leather sports seats on our tester have provided wonderful thigh and side support when playing. Matched with power adjustable steering column and driver’s seat, anyone at any size can fit into the A6 nicely.

You also find a nice array of auto climate control and a user-friendly MMI. Unlike some of its rival, MMI is designed with buttons. So its user-friendly when it comes to search for stereo or just want to change parking sensor setting.

There are plenty of head and legrooms at the back of this A6, as one would expect from a car of this caliber.

Combined with a low liftover, uninstrusive trunk hinges and fold-down rear seats, the A6 can put as much as 450 liters of cargos at the back. Its also very well layout either. With cubbyholes and same kind of quality carpeting in the trunk.

Conclusion: This new A6 will become another world beater in its respective class. You can just view the amazing 3.0 supercharged engine as an added bonus to the already exceptional driving dynamics, especially if you opt for the S-Line package, as well as the class-leading interior and stunning exterior.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Audi A6 3.0T
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 5/5