The Audi S6 is an entry-level mid-size Audi sports sedan that slots between the normal Audi A6 and the most powerful and most exciting RS6 model. The S6 maintains an understated look, but with a lot more performance on board. So, is Audi S6 a good car? Yes, the Audi S6 is indeed a really good car. If you want to know why be sure to read this article.
For starters, the S6 is available with either a diesel V6 or a gasoline V6 depending on where you get it. Both of these powertrains are mated to Audi’s Tiptronic automatic gearbox which is smooth, efficient, and sophisticated. As far as the looks are concerned, the S6 looks a lot more understated when compared to the RS6, but it does separate itself from the ordinary A6 lineup.
The interior of the S6 is cladded with high-end materials such as leather, wood, aluminum, carbon fiber, or black piano plastic. The S6 also gets a ton of styling upgrades over the regular A6, all of which tie in for a really attractive package. The S6 drives a bit more focused than the regular A6, but it still retains the smoothness and comfort we usually associate with an A6.
Reliability is decent, but there are some issues worth talking about. The reason why the S6 is such as good car is because it is fast, luxurious, spacious, and really practical. You can get it in either estate or sedan form depending on your personal preferences and practical needs.
Audi S6 – The powertrain
As mentioned in the beginning, the S6 gets either a diesel V6 or a gasoline V6. The 3.0L TDI S6 gets 350hp and 516lb-ft of torque which is enough to propel the S6 from 0-60mph in around 5 seconds. This engine is mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox which fits the S6 character really well.
The gasoline-powered S6 gets a 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6 with 450hp and 405lb-ft of torque. It gets from 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds and it does it in a much more exciting way when compared to the diesel S6. It is also mated to an automatic gearbox that shifts gears smoothly, and effortlessly.
Efficiency-wise, the diesel S6 is much better as it manages to return up to 35-40MPG while the gasoline-powered S6 is only able to max out at 25-30MPG. Either way, both of these powertrains are exciting, but true petrol heads are likely to prefer the gasoline V6 while those who travel long distances are going to prefer the diesel S6 due to its efficiency benefits.
Audi S6 – Design and chassis
The Audi S6 gets quite a few upgrades over the regular A6 both inside and out. For starters, the S6 gets a slightly more exciting exterior body kit that features wider openings, a set of low-profile wheels, larger brakes, quad exhaust pipes, an S6 specific front grille, and a bunch of badges to let everyone know you are not driving just a regular S6.
The interior of the S6 is also better equipped when compared to the regular A6 because it features sports seats, a sports steering wheel, and a few S-Line badges to remind you that you are not driving just a regular S6. Driving-wise, the S6 retains the comfort associated with the regular A6 while also being a lot more focused in the corners.
Audi S6 – Reliability and common issues
As far as reliability is concerned, the S6 does not differ all that much from the regular A6 which means that it manages a relatively trouble-free experience if you maintain it well enough. These cars simply can’t last without proper maintenance and that is a fact.
The most common S6 issues are related to the engine, the transmission, the electronics, the suspension, and oil leaks.
Audi S6 – Value and practicality
The S6 costs almost $40,000 cheaper than the RS6 which is a huge difference. That is why many people aren’t willing to spend almost $115,000 for a barebone RS6. As such, the S6 makes a lot more sense, but if you aren’t interested in the performance side of things, you are likely going to prefer the much cheaper regular A6.
Practicality-wise, the S6 is great because it is available in either estate or sedan form. The estate offers a large hatchback trunk that can pack a bunch of stuff while the sedan is not much worse. There is lots of space in the back, so much so that neither your kids nor VIPs are going to be disappointed.
FAQ Section
Should I buy an Audi S6?
If you are interested in a fast, practical, and luxurious German premium mid-size car, the S6 is a great choice. The S6 combines many benefits associated with sedans/estates with a more focused driving experience which livens up the somewhat dull character of the regular A6.
Some believe that the A6 is just a bit too clinical, that it lacks character and therefore is a bit boring. The S6 solves that issue because it comes with an exciting engine that is able to outrun even some serious sports cars off the line.
Is the estate Audi S6 better than the sedan S6?
If you ask Audi, they will tell you that an estate S6 is always going to be a better choice because estate (Avant) Audi S and RS cars are part of Audi’s legacy. That is not to say that the sedan isn’t, but Audi is known for making fast estates while everyone else from their class is known for making fast sedans.
Either way, you should choose the one you like more. The estate version does offer a bit more space, but the sedan is arguably the better-looking car for most people.
Is the Audi S6 fast?
We have already mentioned that the S6 should do 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds, but some independent journalists have timed the S6 from 0-60mph in about 4.4 seconds which is a serious 0-60mph time.
The top speed is limited to 155mph while the quarter-mile time is somewhere around 12.5 seconds which is also considered fast by literally everyone who is not used to driving Porsches, Lambos, and McLarens.
