Audi S6 4.0 TFSI quattro S-Tronic (A) Review
18 Jan 2013|15,344 views
The shift towards green motoring means the likes of the high capacity, normally aspirated engines like the 5.2-litre V10 found in the 'old' S6 and the 5.0-litre V10 in the 'old' M5 will probably never see production again.
The good news is that the new breed of turbocharged V8s seen in the new S6 (and BMW M5) are more efficient and provide more useable power in nearly every situation.
Exterior
Not much clues here to its potential for dismissing hot hatches and pseudo sport cars. The S6 is distinguished from lesser A6s by a platinum-colored grill, horizontal slats in the front air intakes, aluminum coloured mirrors, and a rear lip spoiler.
The subtle rear lip spoiler is one the few features that separates the S6 from its lesser brethrens
Oh, and four exhaust outlets warn other road users not to mess with it. Our test car also had optional LED headlamps that provide an additional hint that this no ordinary A6.
The good news is that the new breed of turbocharged V8s seen in the new S6 (and BMW M5) are more efficient and provide more useable power in nearly every situation.
Exterior
Not much clues here to its potential for dismissing hot hatches and pseudo sport cars. The S6 is distinguished from lesser A6s by a platinum-colored grill, horizontal slats in the front air intakes, aluminum coloured mirrors, and a rear lip spoiler.
Oh, and four exhaust outlets warn other road users not to mess with it. Our test car also had optional LED headlamps that provide an additional hint that this no ordinary A6.
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The 20-inch five-spoke alloys are wrapped by sticky 255/35R20 Pirelli P-zero rubber and allow gawkers to view the six-pot front/four-pot rear brake calipers with S6 logo. Yes, understated pundits will no doubt be able to spot the difference.
The A6 is a relatively good looking car and the slight changes to the exterior all combine to give it a sportier look without being too brash.
 |
Interior
Again, no big change to the interior here. The class leading cabin quality that Audi is famous for has taken a notch higher. More supportive eight-way adjustable seats with the S6 logo on the headrest is the big change - we really like the pattern on the centre of the seat.
Where wood normally reside, carbon fibre trim takes its place and there are sport pedals and a sport steering wheel too.
As one would expect, the S6 is equipped with sport pedals
Ergonomics are good and the whole cabin has a very business like ambience to it. The theme/look is not flashy - purposeful is the word that comes to mind. Yet there are hints to passengers that you are driving an S6; like the logo on the bottom of the steering wheel and in the dashboard when starting the car.
Again, no big change to the interior here. The class leading cabin quality that Audi is famous for has taken a notch higher. More supportive eight-way adjustable seats with the S6 logo on the headrest is the big change - we really like the pattern on the centre of the seat.
Where wood normally reside, carbon fibre trim takes its place and there are sport pedals and a sport steering wheel too.
Ergonomics are good and the whole cabin has a very business like ambience to it. The theme/look is not flashy - purposeful is the word that comes to mind. Yet there are hints to passengers that you are driving an S6; like the logo on the bottom of the steering wheel and in the dashboard when starting the car.
A high-end Bose sound system, navigation and reverse camera are of course standard fare. So is adaptive cruise control - by far our favourite as it allows you to relax on the highway and in traffic jams by keeping a preset distance to car in front of you.
The car has a sort of business like ambience to it, making it more purposeful than flashy
Not to mention our test car also came with parking assist and, for those who actually appreciate it, a sunroof.
Not to mention our test car also came with parking assist and, for those who actually appreciate it, a sunroof.
 |
The Drive
This is what the S6 is about. The direct inject twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 develops 420hp at 6,400rpm and 550Nm of torque from 1,400rpm to 5,200rpm. Yes, the car is fast yet unintimidating.
The 4.0-litre V8 powerplant allows the S6 to finish the century sprint in a respectable 4.8 seconds
Once on the move, it picks up speed effortlessly but for real thrust, it still requires more than 3,500rpm on the tachometer, which is simply a matter of just downshifting a gear or two on the seven-speed double clutch gearbox by clicking on the left hand paddle.
Downshifts are accompanied by a satisfying blip and a rather throaty bark from the exhaust. And for those concerned about fuel economy, the S6 can operate on four-cylinder when certain conditions are met.
The V8 gives out a rather throaty note but it doesn't, however, excite
We tried driving gently and can attest that it's not very useful in real world conditions. The S6 too is rather thirsty when driven normally - we were ferrying people around and running errands during the day - as the trip computer spat out about 7km/L the whole time we had the car (which is better than the 5.5km/L lifetime average, we suppose…) But we reckon the average S6 owner won't be too concerned about fuel economy.
This is what the S6 is about. The direct inject twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 develops 420hp at 6,400rpm and 550Nm of torque from 1,400rpm to 5,200rpm. Yes, the car is fast yet unintimidating.
Once on the move, it picks up speed effortlessly but for real thrust, it still requires more than 3,500rpm on the tachometer, which is simply a matter of just downshifting a gear or two on the seven-speed double clutch gearbox by clicking on the left hand paddle.
Downshifts are accompanied by a satisfying blip and a rather throaty bark from the exhaust. And for those concerned about fuel economy, the S6 can operate on four-cylinder when certain conditions are met.
We tried driving gently and can attest that it's not very useful in real world conditions. The S6 too is rather thirsty when driven normally - we were ferrying people around and running errands during the day - as the trip computer spat out about 7km/L the whole time we had the car (which is better than the 5.5km/L lifetime average, we suppose…) But we reckon the average S6 owner won't be too concerned about fuel economy.
Handling wise, the S6 feels planted in the torrential rain and its ride shows a good balance between comfort and sportiness. Even on the comfort setting, the ride is never floaty and yet switching to dynamic causes the dampers to firm noticeably.
Yes, you can select a suitable driving mode for an enjoyable drive
There's also an option to lift the air suspension at low speeds to clear curbs. Useful that! But not as impressive - or fun - as the optional sport differential helps the car suppress understeer when driven aggressively under power at 'low speeds'. Trust us, with all electronic aids off and making a U-turn in the wet, the tail will come out…
Conclusion
What's important to note is the S6 is NOT supposed to be a direct competitor to the M5 or E63 - that job is left to the upcoming RS6. As a fast executive sedan, the S6 is without peers. The fit and finish, together with all the nice features like active cruise control and park assistant, make living with the S6 a joy.
The only problem is that power aside, it doesn't feel that 'special'. Yes, it has a V8 but from inside the cabin, one is hard pressed to enjoy the V8 burble. And while it's fast, the A6 3.0T is no slouch in its own right. Yes, the S6 a great car and for those Shenton Way types who can plonk down the $400k+++ for one, they won't be disappointed.
Still, we reckon the grown up boy racer should wait for the RS6…
There's also an option to lift the air suspension at low speeds to clear curbs. Useful that! But not as impressive - or fun - as the optional sport differential helps the car suppress understeer when driven aggressively under power at 'low speeds'. Trust us, with all electronic aids off and making a U-turn in the wet, the tail will come out…
Conclusion
What's important to note is the S6 is NOT supposed to be a direct competitor to the M5 or E63 - that job is left to the upcoming RS6. As a fast executive sedan, the S6 is without peers. The fit and finish, together with all the nice features like active cruise control and park assistant, make living with the S6 a joy.
The only problem is that power aside, it doesn't feel that 'special'. Yes, it has a V8 but from inside the cabin, one is hard pressed to enjoy the V8 burble. And while it's fast, the A6 3.0T is no slouch in its own right. Yes, the S6 a great car and for those Shenton Way types who can plonk down the $400k+++ for one, they won't be disappointed.
Still, we reckon the grown up boy racer should wait for the RS6…
The shift towards green motoring means the likes of the high capacity, normally aspirated engines like the 5.2-litre V10 found in the 'old' S6 and the 5.0-litre V10 in the 'old' M5 will probably never see production again.
The good news is that the new breed of turbocharged V8s seen in the new S6 (and BMW M5) are more efficient and provide more useable power in nearly every situation.Exterior
Not much clues here to its potential for dismissing hot hatches and pseudo sport cars. The S6 is distinguished from lesser A6s by a platinum-colored grill, horizontal slats in the front air intakes, aluminum coloured mirrors, and a rear lip spoiler.
Oh, and four exhaust outlets warn other road users not to mess with it. Our test car also had optional LED headlamps that provide an additional hint that this no ordinary A6.
The good news is that the new breed of turbocharged V8s seen in the new S6 (and BMW M5) are more efficient and provide more useable power in nearly every situation.Exterior
Not much clues here to its potential for dismissing hot hatches and pseudo sport cars. The S6 is distinguished from lesser A6s by a platinum-colored grill, horizontal slats in the front air intakes, aluminum coloured mirrors, and a rear lip spoiler.
Oh, and four exhaust outlets warn other road users not to mess with it. Our test car also had optional LED headlamps that provide an additional hint that this no ordinary A6.
The 20-inch five-spoke alloys are wrapped by sticky 255/35R20 Pirelli P-zero rubber and allow gawkers to view the six-pot front/four-pot rear brake calipers with S6 logo. Yes, understated pundits will no doubt be able to spot the difference.
The A6 is a relatively good looking car and the slight changes to the exterior all combine to give it a sportier look without being too brash.
The A6 is a relatively good looking car and the slight changes to the exterior all combine to give it a sportier look without being too brash.
Interior
Again, no big change to the interior here. The class leading cabin quality that Audi is famous for has taken a notch higher. More supportive eight-way adjustable seats with the S6 logo on the headrest is the big change - we really like the pattern on the centre of the seat.
Where wood normally reside, carbon fibre trim takes its place and there are sport pedals and a sport steering wheel too.
Ergonomics are good and the whole cabin has a very business like ambience to it. The theme/look is not flashy - purposeful is the word that comes to mind. Yet there are hints to passengers that you are driving an S6; like the logo on the bottom of the steering wheel and in the dashboard when starting the car.
Again, no big change to the interior here. The class leading cabin quality that Audi is famous for has taken a notch higher. More supportive eight-way adjustable seats with the S6 logo on the headrest is the big change - we really like the pattern on the centre of the seat.
Where wood normally reside, carbon fibre trim takes its place and there are sport pedals and a sport steering wheel too.
Ergonomics are good and the whole cabin has a very business like ambience to it. The theme/look is not flashy - purposeful is the word that comes to mind. Yet there are hints to passengers that you are driving an S6; like the logo on the bottom of the steering wheel and in the dashboard when starting the car.
A high-end Bose sound system, navigation and reverse camera are of course standard fare. So is adaptive cruise control - by far our favourite as it allows you to relax on the highway and in traffic jams by keeping a preset distance to car in front of you.
Not to mention our test car also came with parking assist and, for those who actually appreciate it, a sunroof.
Not to mention our test car also came with parking assist and, for those who actually appreciate it, a sunroof.
The Drive
This is what the S6 is about. The direct inject twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 develops 420hp at 6,400rpm and 550Nm of torque from 1,400rpm to 5,200rpm. Yes, the car is fast yet unintimidating.
Once on the move, it picks up speed effortlessly but for real thrust, it still requires more than 3,500rpm on the tachometer, which is simply a matter of just downshifting a gear or two on the seven-speed double clutch gearbox by clicking on the left hand paddle.
Downshifts are accompanied by a satisfying blip and a rather throaty bark from the exhaust. And for those concerned about fuel economy, the S6 can operate on four-cylinder when certain conditions are met.
We tried driving gently and can attest that it's not very useful in real world conditions. The S6 too is rather thirsty when driven normally - we were ferrying people around and running errands during the day - as the trip computer spat out about 7km/L the whole time we had the car (which is better than the 5.5km/L lifetime average, we suppose…) But we reckon the average S6 owner won't be too concerned about fuel economy.
Handling wise, the S6 feels planted in the torrential rain and its ride shows a good balance between comfort and sportiness. Even on the comfort setting, the ride is never floaty and yet switching to dynamic causes the dampers to firm noticeably.
There's also an option to lift the air suspension at low speeds to clear curbs. Useful that! But not as impressive - or fun - as the optional sport differential helps the car suppress understeer when driven aggressively under power at 'low speeds'. Trust us, with all electronic aids off and making a U-turn in the wet, the tail will come out…
Conclusion
What's important to note is the S6 is NOT supposed to be a direct competitor to the M5 or E63 - that job is left to the upcoming RS6. As a fast executive sedan, the S6 is without peers. The fit and finish, together with all the nice features like active cruise control and park assistant, make living with the S6 a joy.
The only problem is that power aside, it doesn't feel that 'special'. Yes, it has a V8 but from inside the cabin, one is hard pressed to enjoy the V8 burble. And while it's fast, the A6 3.0T is no slouch in its own right. Yes, the S6 a great car and for those Shenton Way types who can plonk down the $400k+++ for one, they won't be disappointed.
Still, we reckon the grown up boy racer should wait for the RS6…
There's also an option to lift the air suspension at low speeds to clear curbs. Useful that! But not as impressive - or fun - as the optional sport differential helps the car suppress understeer when driven aggressively under power at 'low speeds'. Trust us, with all electronic aids off and making a U-turn in the wet, the tail will come out…
Conclusion
What's important to note is the S6 is NOT supposed to be a direct competitor to the M5 or E63 - that job is left to the upcoming RS6. As a fast executive sedan, the S6 is without peers. The fit and finish, together with all the nice features like active cruise control and park assistant, make living with the S6 a joy.
The only problem is that power aside, it doesn't feel that 'special'. Yes, it has a V8 but from inside the cabin, one is hard pressed to enjoy the V8 burble. And while it's fast, the A6 3.0T is no slouch in its own right. Yes, the S6 a great car and for those Shenton Way types who can plonk down the $400k+++ for one, they won't be disappointed.
Still, we reckon the grown up boy racer should wait for the RS6…
Photos by Chew Chen Yang
Car Information
Audi S6 4.0 TFSI qu S Tronic (A)
CAT B|Petrol|10.3km/L
Horsepower
309kW (414 bhp)
Torque
550 Nm
Acceleration
4.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Audi S6
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