Muscles Tussle - Part I

Sports sedans. 

Arguably, nobody understands the notion better than Germans. Their minds seemingly boggled with performance; and who would have thought of putting tarmac-glazing power into subtle-looking sedans which were meant for grocery-runners and fetching kids from school?

Audi has had their fair share of the pie with the top-of-range 'RS' variants, as well as the 'S' range which sits between the 'RS' and standard 'A' family. I have driven a couple of models in the standard 'A' lineup, most noteworthy being the A6 3.0-litre TFSI Avant. The potent powerplant, matched with the renowned quattro drivetrain - the Avant was just as impressive on highways as it was in our constrained cityscape. It baffles me if there is a relevancy of the 'S' range.     

A long drive up north, then, could be an excellent proving ground for the Audi S sedans, as well as a perfect place to explore their weaknesses.

A quick brief on the technical aspects of the cars for the trip: the S6 and the S7 is equipped with the latest 4.0-litre TFSI engine, each pushing out 420bhp and 550Nm of torque, and boasts the state-of-art cylinder-on-demand (COD) technologies. First impression: the S7's extra heft should put the S6 in advantage. However, the 50kg difference only puts the S6 in a 0.1 seconds lead over the former in a race to 100km/h. Then there is the S8, Audi's 'S' flagship model, that churns out 520bhp and 650Nm. The V8 propels the 1.9 tonne sedan to the 100km/h mark in a stonking 4.2 seconds. Impressive.

Audi S7 - Empowered Stance through pace

We were allocated the S7 for the first leg of the journey. Keeping to the speed limits on our local roads, the S7's only hint at its capability was the deep burbling from within. Well nested in the comfortable front seat, the journey felt effortless, to say the least. There is also the sense of subtlety - as the car gracefully glides through slower traffic. 

The fastback style of the S7 may raise a few brows, especially when viewed from the rump. Personally, the shape too, carries a hefty feel. But once across the border, the S7 pulls to speeds in excess of 180km/h with ease - nothing of the sort one would expect from a car of this size. The hushed interior, coupled with the foot-strong stability, offers little clue about the intense velocity. In short, the S7 feels right at home on the motorway.  

Audi S6 - Spirited for the right intentions 

Despite being the smallest of the trio, the S6 is no pushover when it comes to its stance and presence, holding its own amongst the company of its bigger siblings. From the overnight pullover, we head onwards to the Sepang International circuit.

On the streets packed with traffic, the S6's well-assisted steering proves to be a delight. Once on the highway, the car had no trouble getting onto pace. But like the S7, the light steering feels slightly inert when getting up to speed.

Join us in Part 2, where we take the RS5 to the track (along with some other surprises), and in the final leg of the trip, experience what the flagship S8 has to offer.