2015 Audi S6 Quick Spin Review

Audi has introduced quite the powertrain lineup with their A6. The base 2.0L TFSI offers a nice balance of power and fuel economy, while the 3.0L TFSI is considered to be one of the best all-around engines in the midsize luxury class. Finally, there is the 3.0L TDI, which offers one of best fuel economy ratings in the segment.

Despite these impressive offerings, there was still something missing from the A6 lineup, namely - a model that could go up against the likes of the BMW 550i, Cadillac CTS VSport, Infiniti Q70 5.6, and Mercedes-Benz E400. Unlike the A6, all of the aforementioned models offer either a V8 engine or a turbocharged six-cylinder (with comparable performance). With the 2015 S6, Audi has finally entered the fray.  

Styling

There isn't much that differentiates the Audi S6 from the A6. Both feature a long front end with a large grille and narrow headlights with a strand of LEDs. The side profile reveals a large glass area, along with a distinctive character line that runs from the front fenders to the rear. The back end features styling identical to the A4 and A8 sedans with similar trunk lids and slim taillights.

For the S6 sedan, Audi begins with small S6 badges on the front grille and trunk lid. A set of 19-inch double spoke wheels or optional 20-inch wheels come wrapped in performance tires. The back end boasts a small lip spoiler, and a set of quad tailpipes that are surrounded in a rear diffuser.

Moving to the interior, the S6 boasts quilted leather seats with 'S6' embroidered into them, and a selection of trims including carbon fiber.

Performance

What motivates the Audi S6? Looking at the small V8 T emblems on the front fenders hints at what lurks under the hood: a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 406 pound-feet. This is paired to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic with quattro all-wheel drive. Audi quotes a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds.

Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 17 City/27 Highway/20 Combined.

Safety

Being an Audi, the S6 comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive. This system can regulate power to all four wheels in order to provide excellent traction regardless of driving conditions. Other safety features include a full suite of air bags, ABS with brake distribution, stability control, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear camera. Optional is a driver assistance package that adds cameras to the front and side view mirrors, adaptive cruise control, and lane assist.

NHTSA rates the S6 at five stars in all of its tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also give the S6 the coveted Good rating.

Pricing & Features

For 2015, the Audi S6 starts at $70,900 for the Premium Plus trim. That nets you Xenon headlights, LED taillights, MMI navigation and touchpad, 7-inch color screen, Bluetooth, four-zone climate control, power seats, and memory for the driver seats.

Wanting a bit more from an S6? Then you might want to check out the S6 Prestige model which rings in at $75,300. On top of the Premium Plus trim, the Prestige adds LED headlights, a 14-speaker Bose sound system, heads-up display, and power trunk.

Options for the S6 include heated rear seats, sports differential, ventilated seats, power rear window sunshade, and manual sunshades for the rear side windows.