audi s6

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audi s6

Packed in a discreet four-door body, the 2021 Audi S6 is a stealth sports sedan that won’t be immediately noticed due to its performance potential. Based on the A6 luxury sedan, the S6 heats things up with a 444-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-6 , performance-tuned suspension and standard all-wheel drive. You’ll keep up with competitors like the BMW M550i and Mercedes-AMG E53 on a twisty road and also look very handsome when pulled into the parking lot on date night. Inside, the S6 offers the same space and features as the A6, so passengers will find plenty of space and amenities to keep them comfortable on long trips. Not looking enough for you? Audi also offers the mechanically similar S7, which features a steeply sloped roofline – and the RS6 Avant station wagon, pumped with more power to match its increased utility.

audi s6

The 2021 S6 now comes standard with 21-inch wheels with summer tires, an Audi virtual digital display, and a carbon fiber rim. The optional Premium Plus Executive Package now includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

Upgrading to a Prestige model costs a bit more but unlocks many of the S6’s best features, including a semi-autonomous driving mode, head-up display, matrix-style LED headlights, automatic high beams, soft-doors, power-operated boot lid, and a covered dashboard. Leather and center console, aroma diffuser inside the cabin, heated rear seats. We’ve added a Bang & Olufsen 19-speaker stereo system and a great night vision feature that helps identify animals and pedestrians in the dark.

Engine, transmission and performance audi s6

While the last-generation S6 was powered by a 450-hp 4.0-liter V-8 , the 2020 model comes with a more sophisticated powertrain. The standard 2.9-liter V-6 is twin-turbocharged and uses a 48-volt hybrid system to drive an electric supercharger for extra power. Altogether, the system pumps out 444 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic all-wheel drive and Audi Quattro all-wheel drive are standard. Audi claims the car can sprint to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds but we think that number is somewhat conservative; The S7 – the elegant counterpart of the S6 – managed to explode at 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds on our test track. On winding roads, the S6 is a great partner. It conceals its size well and feels more nimble than we expected, especially with the optional rear steering.

fuel economy audi s6

As expected, the S6’s fuel economy has improved compared to the previous model. The new car has EPA ratings of 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined — up 2 mpg, 4 mpg city, 4 mpg city, and 4 mpg city. Straight, on an old S6 V-8. We didn’t get a chance to put this car through the 200-mile highway fuel economy test, but the mechanically similar S7 gave a 28 mpg result.

Interior, comfort and cargo audi s6

Like the design of the A6, the interior of the S6 highlights Audi’s tech-driven luxury spirit. The design is elegant and modern, featuring premium materials, smooth leather, and genuine wood trim. Four-zone automatic climate control is standard, as is a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, adjustable ambient lighting, diamond-stitched leather upholstery, and 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats. The use of a high-spec Prestige model leads to the addition of an Extended Leather package that covers the dashboard, armrests and center console in supple leather. While we haven’t tested the S6’s cargo capacity yet, we expect it will hold just as much stuff as the A6 – that’s six hand luggage inside the trunk and a total of 20 bins with the rear seats folded.

infotainment and connectivity audi s6

Digital displays dominate the S6’s dashboard . The main 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment is located on a secondary 8.6-inch screen. The upper screen handles functions such as navigation, audio controls, and other entertainment features while the lower screen provides access to vehicle settings, climate control, and the like. All S6 models come standard with Audi’s Digital Virtual Cockpit display and onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is also included.

safety and driver assistance features for audi s6

Although neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested the 2020 S6, they both tested the A6, and it went through with flying colors. In fact, IIHS named the A6 a Top Safety Pick+ for 2020 because of the available driver assistance features. These same features are offered in the S6 as well. Key safety features include:

Standard Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection

Standard Lane Departure Warning

Adaptive cruise control is available with semi-autonomous driving mode

Warranty and maintenance coverage

If Audi’s standard warranty sounds a little basic, that’s because it is. Competitors such as the BMW 8-series Gran Coupe and the two-door Lexus LC offer more value in the form of a longer free scheduled maintenance program or powertrain warranty.

The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles

The powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles

Free maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles

Vehicle Type

Front engine, 4WD, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

Engine type

Twin-turbocharged, supercharged, intercooler DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

displacement

177 in 3, 2894 cm 3

Energy

444 HP @ 6700 RPM

torque