2009 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro Premium Review (video)

For years, Audi's 'T' designation stood for 'turbocharged'-- but the German automaker has begun defying its own nomenclature by applying it to cars motivated by a new supercharged V6. Drive one of the resulting vehicles, and you'll have to explain to your friends how a supercharger is technically a belt-driven turbo, and that the Germans use the terms interchangeably.

The tester was an A6 3.0T S-Line, trimmed with chrome, sporty 19-inch wheels and xenon headlamps.

Arguments may ensue with Audi enthusiasts at the gas station. They'll tell you how the 'T' stands for 'Turbo', and how Audi has done turbocharged engines since the beginning of time.

Advise the offending smarty-pants that things change, and then pop the hood and show them the turbine pulley. Be sure to enjoy the puzzled look of defeat on their face afterwards.

The A6 3.0T
A6 is a familiar model for shoppers after a premium taste of the technological high-life. The tester was an A6 3.0T S-Line, trimmed with chrome, sporty 19-inch wheels and xenon headlamps. It was finished in gorgeous Garnett red paint.

A recent styling update has also adorned the A6 with a complex and glimmering array of taillamp LED's, as well as a set of trademark LED-string running lights up front. Use these exclusively with the fog-lamps in the early evening hours to turn the heads of everyone you drive past.

A wide, low stance, menacing fascia and subtly dynamic sculpting finish the package. The A6 looks sexy and cybernetic from any angle.

Inside, the tester had all the bases covered. Bluetooth, navigation, automatic climate control, memory seats and auto-dimming mirrors were among the features.

The cabin is a relaxing, accommodating and quiet place to enjoy the open road-- though it can be optionally flooded with tunes at any time courtesy of the massive Bose stereo. Sharing your favorite CD with an entire intersection is a twist of the volume knob away.

Build quality is second to none, fit and finish is impeccable, and top-notch materials find their way onto everything.

Complaints are minimal. Using both front cupholders requires giving up the centre arm rest, and the CD changer is located inconveniently in the far side of the small glove-box.

Build quality is second to none, fit and finish is impeccable, and top-notch materials find their way onto everything.