Just In: 2010 Audi A6 3.0T

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As such, we don’t rate styling – but that doesn’t mean we don’t find some cars more attractive than others. To my eyes, the Audi A6 is aging rather well, both inside and out. (Visit the Audi A6 model overview, available to online subscribers.)
 
The current generation appeared in 2005 and a recent freshening for 2009 keeps a fresh look. Even though some nipping and tucking went on, the biggest change was under the hood. If you get Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system (like the vast majority of buyers do), the new base engine is a 300-hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V6 instead of Audi’s 3.2-liter. (It’s a bit odd that the badge on the car’s rump has a “T,” implying a turbocharger, rather than an “S.”) The old engine did a pretty good job, fuel-economy and performance-wise, but Audi felt like it needed a more powerful V6, since opting for the V8 these days is both politically incorrect and expensive.  It will be interesting to see how this new one compares.
 
Our A6 is a Premium plus model, adding “no-charge navigation,” 18-inch wheels, HID headlights, and other interior features. That’s lots of optional equipment for $1,400. Heated seats and winter mats brought the price to $53,075.
 
Despite the freshening, some of the A6’s minor eccentricities remain. The MMI controller still takes a lot of button twirling and presses for navigating through the radio functions, although you can change stations through the steering wheel controls. (Still, traditional “hard” preset buttons would be handier.) The glove box is mostly consumed by an old-school six-CD changer, as well as Audi’s multimedia drives/slots.
 
We’ll let you know how this stylish and posh executive transport fares as we put more miles on its clock.
 
—Tom Mutchler

Comments

[david]

Since you got the Audi A6, I am sure a 2010 MB E-class is on the way as well. I got only one request...make it E63. :-) But, if budget is tight due to the recession, I'll settle for a smaller / cheaper car - C63 or BMW M3.

[coolcar]

Will CR test the Lincoln MKS w/ EcoBoost and the Infiniti M with the new 7-speed auto with the A6 and its competitors?