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- Highs Powerful V-8 engine, ferocious acceleration and all-weather grip, first-rate infotainment system.
- Lows May be too subtle for some, prodigious weight is felt in tight corners, commands a substantial chunk of money.
- Verdict The S6 takes everything that’s right with the A6 sedan—elegant design, rich interior materials, and innovative technology—and adds a huge dollop of power.
Overview
The 2018 Audi S6 is a high-performance sports sedan that doesn’t look much different from a regular run-of-the-mill A6. This fact will appeal to luxury car shoppers who like to fly under the radar in a 450-hp machine that has room for five and a spacious trunk. With its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 and standard all-wheel drive, the S6 is unstoppable and unflappable in any road conditions. A hefty curb weight of approximately 4400 pounds does blunt some of the playful nature you expect in a car with this degree of power, however.
What's New for 2018?
The 2018 Audi S6 rolls into another model year with no notable changes.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Premium Plus: $72,875
- Prestige: $75,375
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
It takes a mighty 450-hp twin-turbo V-8 to make a sedan weighing well above two tons this rapid in a straight line. Hit the gas pedal and the S6 requires just 3.9 seconds to sprint from zero to 60 mph. Standard air suspension provides a sublime balance of comfort and agility, though even this high-tech hardware can’t always mask the sheer heft of the S6 during tight cornering maneuvers. Working with a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive, the S6 is smoothly efficient and relentlessly fast. Though the overall driving experience is a little sterile compared to some direct rivals, such as the Mercedes-AMG E63 and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The interior of the S6 is expertly engineered but comes across as a little clinical. We can’t fault the quality of the materials; highlights like the diamond-quilted leather seats and carbon fiber trim on the dashboard both look and feel great. The flat-bottom steering wheel is a racy touch, and all major controls are right where you want them. At no point will you spot any budget-minded plastics or buttons that snuck their way into this elegant, if moderately antiseptic feeling, cabin.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The S6 comes equipped with Audi’s superb MMI infotainment system, which features quick responses, clear graphics, and user-friendly menus. Standard tech features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Bose audio system, Bluetooth, and navigation. Stepping up from the S6 Premium Plus to the S6 Prestige trim nets features like a head-up instrument display, 360-degree parking cameras, and 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Audi S6’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
