Audi, Test Drives

Test Drive: 2009 Audi A6 Avant 3.0T

October 28, 2009

My only gripe with the interior is in the choice of leather for the seat upholstery. Don’t get me wrong; our tester’s two-tone amaretto and black colour scheme is among the most attractive I’ve seen. But the hide itself is hard and coarse; hardly worthy of a vehicle in this class. And there are sadly no leather upgrades available unless you pony up for the V10-powered S6, but that’s hardly justification for making such a jump.

2009 Audi A6 Avant 3.0T. Click image to enlarge

Starting price for the A6 3.0T Avant is $66,700 and includes an appropriately healthy array of standard equipment. To give just a sampling, there’s stability control, a sunroof, headlight washers, bi-xenon headlights, airbags galore, Bluetooth connectivity, ten-speaker audio, heated leather seats, power tilt and telescoping steering, dual-zone climate control, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Options on my tester included the superb $1,000 Bose surround system, $2,500 navigation package with rearview camera, $1,600 sport package (18-inch wheels, sport suspension, shift paddles), and $2,200 technology package (swiveling headlights, keyless ignition, blind spot warning system, and Homelink). Throw in the $800 freight charge, and that brings us to a cool $74,800 before taxes.

While the bottom line seems dear, it does compare favourably with its competition from Stuttgart and Munich. The Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic wagon rings in at about $79,000 and the BMW 535 xDrive Touring is about $76K. But as one reader kindly pointed out to me last time I wrote about the A6 Avant, there is also the Swedish competition. While I don’t consider the Saab 9-5 SportCombi wagon to be seriously cross-shopped against the Audi (about $45K after incentives), the Volvo V70 does offer a legitimate option for about $60K loaded up. Mind you, this is a front-wheel drive model so it’s a bit like we’re comparing bratwurst and lutefisk. Unfortunately, the 300-hp, all-wheel drive, performance-oriented V70R wagon is no longer offered.

I would urge anyone in the market for a luxury crossover to stop at their local Audi dealer and take an A6 Avant for a spin. Power, handling, style, and practicality: you can have it all.

Pricing: 2009 Audi A6 3.0T quattro Avant

Base price: $66,700

Options: $7,300 ($1,000 Bose surround system, $2,500 navigation package with rearview camera, $1,600 sport package; $2,200 technology package.)

A/C tax: $100

Freight: $800

Price as tested: $74,900
Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives

Specifications

Specifications: 2009 Audi A6/S6

Competitors

Buyer’s Guide: 2009 BMW 535 xDrive Touring

Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon

Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Saab 9-5 SportCombi