A6 TDI: Audi's Response To CAFE

"Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom" (will-alib)
07/18/2014 at 12:12 • Filed to: A6 TDI, reviews, WillAlibrandi

Audi’s U.S. diesel blitzkrieg is revving up with the introduction of the A6 (and coming A8) TDI models. These cars are Audi’s response to the coming hike in CAFE fleet mileage requirements being implemented for the 2015 model year. Diesel is Audi’s preferred solution owing to its decades of experience building diesels for the European market, and the engine technology leveraged from parent company Volkswagen Auto Group.

The 3-liter TDI V6 is rated at 240hp and 428lb-ft, channeled through an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. This combination motivates the 4,178lb sedan to 60mph in 5.5 seconds; just a tick slower than the gas A6's supercharged 3-liter’s 5.2 seconds. (Edmunds’ data)

For that miniscule loss of performance, the TDI’s EPA rating is 24 city and 38 highway with a combined rating of 29mpg. Audi says a full tank gives the car a 700 miles range, or just as long as your bladder can hold out. YMMV.

The test car came well-equipped with the Driver Assistance package ($2,800) and A6 Prestige options ($2,800) as well as Sport Package ($1,900) and Black Optic package ($1,300). Visually, the 20" titanium five-spoke rims were a nice contrast to the car’s Glacier White metallic paint, and are an upgrade over the 19" wheels that are part of the Sport Package.

The interior is unchanged, which is to say it’s almost universally acclaimed as one of the best in the midsize luxury sedan segment. The layout of the dash is attractive, material quality is excellent as is fit and finish. Audi’s MMI can be a bit intimidating at first blush, but a little time spent poking through the manual while sitting in the driveway pays dividends. Like most in-car entertainment systems though it can be a distraction with its multilevel menus, so discretion is a must when accessing the more involved functions while on the road.

To Diesel Or Not, That Is The Question..

Here’s the crux of it; the reason for any Audi to exist is to provide an engaging ride for the driver, which the A6 TDI does in spades. The diesel does change the car’s character a bit due to its lower rpm range, but the 8-speed Tiptronic makes up for this. From a standing start a big push on the fast pedal results in an ever-so-slight hesitation until the diesel comes off idle, then the torque crescendo builds and you’re pushed back in the seat. The TDI doesn’t have the buzzyness of the gas A6's supercharged V6 when pushed; you just hear a louder growl from under the hood which is not out of character for the car. Overtaking at highway speeds is as simple as a two-gear downshift - tapping into the fat part of the torque curve as the car zooms up to superlegal speeds effortlessly. The fact that legal speeds will net 38mpg is just icing on the cake.

The handling aspect of a 4,100+ pound sedan is often overlooked as an attribute, but here the TDI shines as well. In aggressive maneuvers the car’s mass is not readily apparent, and is confidence-inspiring. This is helped by the optional 20" rubber, which sacrifices little road noise for the extra grip. While few might buy such a car for regular sturm und drang it’s comforting to know the combination of suspension and quattro (and a host of electronic nannies) will do their part to keep the car planted and the driver out of the weeds.

Audi charges a $2,400 premium for the TDI over the 3.0 TFSI in the Premium Plus trim. The offset is its increase in economy over the TFSI’s 18/27 EPA rating, which naturally would take a few years to recoup at current fuel prices. But the diesel comes with a back-end bonus of superior resale value, which factors into the buying decision of many. The coming A8 TDI will offer the same engine, although possibly tweaked for more power with a (probably) similar upcharge. For fans of diesel, it’s a small price to pay for impressive performance and economy in a midsize luxury sedan.

Photos: Will Alibrandi

DISCUSSION (22)

BATC42 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/18/2014 at 12:24

VAG V6 TDI engines are quite the thing. That acceleration you get around 1250 RPM is an awesome feeling, even in the 150hp car I'm used to (Passat V6 TDI), can't imagine with 90 more hp.

Oh and the soudn you get when you push the pedal, nothing like it.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > BATC42
07/18/2014 at 12:28

Passat V6 TDI? Is that a Euro market car? My Passat TDI is a 2.0 liter Four.

BATC42 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/18/2014 at 12:32

Yes it is (I live in France so ^^). It's 2001 3BG Passat Variant, it's the least powerful of the V6 TDI range with 150hp and is FWD. It's not mine but my parent's but I drove it a bunch since I had my license. We've had it since 2005 but it doesn't get used much now since my father can use is company car on the weekends and during holidays now.

Still, it is an awesome car, a great cruiser and quite good when you need to tow a car or 1.5 tons of stuff.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > BATC42
07/18/2014 at 13:39

Nice.

(insert obligatory rant about the US not getting the good stuff here..)

DipodomysDeserti > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/18/2014 at 13:44

That thing must have some steep gearing pulling off 0-60 in 5.5. My 335d does it in 6.0, but it has 25 more horses and weighs 300lbs less. It's also a biturbo with the engine producing max torque at around 1,200 rpm's. Sounds fun!

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > DipodomysDeserti
07/18/2014 at 13:52

It sure was. Your 335d is one of the cars I never got to review before it went away. I know someone who owns one, but haven't had the chance to drive it. I hope BMW brings it back to the US.

BATC42 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/18/2014 at 13:55

Kinja'd!!!

It looks almost like this one. It's a Highline (option package just below the high-end Carat and is German exclusive), it was imported from Germany before we got it.

Unlike the one in the picture it doesn't have a sunroof, and it has different rims (which I can't find the model...), same color though, although ours appears to be a bit lowered. I think it looks mean with the HID lights :)

And, it has these weird asymmetrical rearview mirrors, just like the Bora below.

Kinja'd!!!

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > BATC42
07/18/2014 at 13:59

What's the displacement & torque rating of that TDI V6?

BATC42 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/18/2014 at 14:08

2.5L, 150hp, and 310 Nm (230lb.ft) at 1500RPM

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > BATC42
07/18/2014 at 14:16

Incredible how the new 2.0 TDI has the same HP and higher torque than the V6. But, I assume that's a PD engine?

DipodomysDeserti > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/18/2014 at 14:16

I don't think they'll bring back the big diesels now that they have the four cylinder ones here.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > DipodomysDeserti
07/18/2014 at 14:19

I think you're right. The 335d was a market experiment, and BMW sent in their ringer knowing US drivers would rather have the power over outright economy. (although the 335d did put up some impressive mileage figures IIRC)

DipodomysDeserti > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/18/2014 at 14:23

The EPA estimate is 36 hwy, but I can get over 40 if I try. My wife DD's it with our kids. She has a bit of a lead foot and averages around 24 mpg's with mostly city driving and the AC blasting.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > DipodomysDeserti
07/18/2014 at 14:28

Gotta. Love. Diesels. That car hauls arse yet gets high 30's. What's not to love? How has it been on maintenance?

BATC42 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/18/2014 at 14:29

I don't know, but from what I just read it would seem so. We've come a long way in 20 years :)

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > BATC42
07/18/2014 at 14:31

No doubt. My first TDI was a '98 Jetta; since then I've had two CR TDIs (2009 & 2012) Both have been terrific.

DipodomysDeserti > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/18/2014 at 14:45

Well, the thing not to love is that BMW put a half-assed emissions system in it, which shits in its own mouth. Luckily mine is under warranty, but it required quite a bit of work and parts to clean everything out. BMW maintenance isn't too bad because they put such long intervals on everything. I work on my own cars, though, so I don't worry about it too much. BMW also gives free maintenance for the first 50k miles (includes everything). I only have 34k on mine so I haven't had to pay for anything yet.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > DipodomysDeserti
07/18/2014 at 14:57

Lemme guess... a triple NOx catalyst with DPF tacked on at the end? My 2012 Passat has this setup. Is your car a 2011?

DipodomysDeserti > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/18/2014 at 15:01

Yes, mine is a 2011. That's pretty much the setup. It's the EGR which shits right into the intake manifold and gunks everything up.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > DipodomysDeserti
07/18/2014 at 15:04

Pretty sure that can be bypassed or at least you can dial down the EGR cycle to minimize crud buildup. Common issue with Mk3 and Mk4 TDIs.

DipodomysDeserti > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/18/2014 at 15:06

You can straight up block it for about $30 an 45 minutes of your time and have the engine light tuned off with no ill effects. I'm still under warranty and it would technically be a violation of the Clean Air Act so of course I would never do such a thing.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > DipodomysDeserti
07/18/2014 at 15:36

But of course..