Here’s one for the (successful) business executives in a hurry… The refreshed Audi S6 recently spent a week with us and we were left wondering whether this fire-breathing sedan offers the best possible balance between outright performance and luxury.
We’ll get to answer that question a bit later on, but let’s first deal with the Clark Kent looks. Theres not a lot to visually differentiate the standard A6 range and the range-topping S6, but we were thankful for the Sepang Blue paintjob as well as the quad exhausts protruding out the rear. Theres also some discreet S6 badging on both the grille and rear bumper. It may be on the subtle side of the spectrum, but there’s nevertheless enough of a hint of intent to make passers-by ask what engine is lurking under the bonnet.
Engine and Performance
The Audi S6 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Enthusiasts will quickly point out that its the same engine as found in the Bentley Continental GT V8, which is correct as the two brands fall under the control of the mighty Volkswagen Group. This engine is a lovely two-fingered salute to the eco tree-hugging brigade and for the recent A6/A7 facelift from Audi has been tweaked to deliver even more power – 331 kW and 550 Nm of torque. This V8 motor is teamed up with Audis quattro all-wheel drive system and the excellent S Tronic transmission to give the S6 some serious performance credentials.
The first time we did our acceleration test, we were surprised by just how much shove the Audi S6 has from standstill. Theres an initial leap to 60kph as theres instantaneous grunt, a fraction of a pause as the second gear engages and then the unrelenting acceleration continues. If it were not for speed limits, the Audi S6 would continue all the way up to a limited 250kph.
The acceleration off the line is sensational and the sound accompanying it pleases both passengers and onlookers alike. With 0-100kph dispatched in a claimed 4.4 seconds, the Audi S6 felt as fast as the claimed acceleration figures. The car can quite happily change gears by itself, or you can flick through the cogs using the steering-wheel mounted paddles for a bit more involvement.
Economy and Handling
But the S6’s engineers were not completely oblivious to the eco-friendly line that corporates have to toe these days. Consequently the Audi S6’s V8 engine also features Cylinder on Demand tech, which means that some of the cylinders shut down until needed. Imagine youre pottering around town. You really dont need all of 331 kW so one bank of cylinders stops burning petrol. The moment you put your foot down, they-re reactivated and the engine responds immediately. In conjunction with start/stop eco tech, Audi claims 9.2L/100km. We achieved 11L/100km, which is fair given the nature of the vehicle.
You have the option of changing your S6’s performance settings through the infotainment system and leaving the car in full comfort mode with the exhaust set to sport was a great combination. Select sport on every setting and the car becomes more athletic, more purposeful and ultimately, a vehicle that feels more like a NASCAR competitor than an executive sedan.
Admittedly the steering isnt as sharp as it should be when pressing on and we would like a bit more feedback, but the handling is credible. The laws of physics still apply, and there will be constant reminders that youre trying to throw a big sedan around corners. Its simply too big to be considered a true corner carver and pressing hard will result in understeer, but in reality its not a priority in the S6s skillset.
Its focus is high-speed and comfortable cruising on the open road. Also, show it some sweeping bends and the grip on offer will make you lean heavily into the seat’s pronounced side bolsters. Ride quality was generally good, despite the fitment of optional 20-inch alloy wheels on low-profile rubber, but if youve selected Dynamic mode on Audis Drive Select system, the ride can become quite firm and harsh.
Technology and Interior
While the engine and performance are the obvious highlights of the Audi S6, its in the cabin and advanced technology department where this car really shines. Ultimately, it’s still an Audi A6 underneath, so rear legroom and the boot offer substantial space. The infotainment screen rises majestically out of the dashboard upon startup, but can be retracted which we found made for an uncluttered dashboard. Interestingly, the majority of information on that retractable screen can be found on the smaller screen located between the rev counter and speedometer.
The Audi S6 is a top-of-the-range vehicle, so it naturally comes with most bells and whistles. Theres cruise control, parking aid plus, rearview camera, auto LED headlights, LED tail lamps, and a four zone air conditioning system… As good as the interior is, we found the climate controls awkwardly placed (too low). It also had Audi’s MMI which means it has satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, and MMI Radio Plus. Being a German car, its quite easy to upgrade the standard equipment, with a substantial increase in price tag! We would suggest ticking the boxes for sports exhaust, Bose Surround Sound and the brilliant Matrix LED headlights.
Summary and Verdict
The thing that makes the Audi S6 so good is that its a purpose-built performance sedan, unlike its rivals which, are just regular models with large engines. While the S6 doesnt quite have the punch to take on the equivalent BMW M model or Mercedes AMG, its more than capable of dealing with the BMW 550i and Mercedes-Benz E500 while coming in at a cheaper price point.
If you want more, then youre going to have to wait for the Audi RS6, which were told is on its way to our shores, albeit in Avant form only. Right now, we feel its an excellent offering that offers luxury and performance in one executive package. Interestingly, it offers performance on par with the latest generation of BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63, but with more space and at a cheaper price. Talk about upsetting your rivals!
Audi S6 Price in South Africa
The Audi S6 starts from R1 054 500, but this particular test unit in Sepang Blue came with numerous extras bringing the total up to an estimated R1.2-million. The 20-inch alloy wheels alone cost R35k!
Second Opinion
The Audi S6 is the perfect sports sedan. It doesn’t shout its credentials as loudly as an RS model, but offers more than enough kicks in the performance department. It works well on the everyday drive, the long road and the twisties. Its understated nature also means you don’t have to deal with all that attention that downforce kits and overly loud exhausts bring. It’s the perfect sports sedan for the refined and mature driver.-Ashley Oldfield
We Like: Performance, one of the finest engines, soundtrack, comfort, technology and economy
We Dont Like: Price of options, a few minor ergonomic issues
Also consider: BMW 550i, Mercedes-Benz E500, Jaguar XFR,
Compare the Audi S6 with the BMW 550i and the Mercedes-Benz E500
Quick Specs
