2021 Audi S6

Overview

Packaged in a soberly styled four-door body, the 2021 Audi S6 is a stealthy sport sedan that won't be immediately noticed for its performance potential. Based on the A6 luxury sedan, the S6 heats things up with a 444-hp twin-turbocharged V-6, a performance-tuned suspension, and standard all-wheel drive. It will keep up with the rivals such as the BMW M550i and the Mercedes-AMG E53 on a twisty road and also looks quite handsome pulling up to the valet stand 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 make them comfy on long trips. Not slick looking enough for you? Audi also offers the mechanically similar S7, which features a racier fastback roofline—and the bonkers RS6 Avant station wagon, which is pumped up with even more power to go along with its increased utility.

What's New for 2021?

The 2021 S6 now comes standard with 21-inch wheels with summer tires, Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, and carbon fiber trim. The Premium Plus model's optional Executive package now includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

While the last-generation S6 was powered by a throaty 450-hp 4.0-liter V-8, the 2020 model comes with a more complex powertrain. The standard 2.9-liter V-6 is twin-turbocharged and uses a 48-volt hybrid system to power an electric supercharger for additional boost. Altogether, the system pumps out a robust 444 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system are standard. Audi claims the car can leap to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds but we think that number is fairly conservative; the S7—the S6's shapelier counterpart—managed to blast to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds at our test track. On curvy roads, the S6 is a lovely partner. It disguises its size well and feels nimbler than we anticipated, especially with the optional rear-wheel-steering system.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

As expected, the S6's fuel economy has improved over the outgoing model's. The new car earned EPA estimated ratings of 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined—an increase of 2 mpg, 4 mpg, and 4 mpg, respectively, over the old V-8-powered S6. We haven't had the chance to put this car through our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test, but the mechanically similar S7 delivered a 28-mpg result.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Like that of the A6, the S6's interior serves to highlight Audi's tech-driven luxury ethos. The design is sleek and modern, highlighted by fine materials, soft leather, and genuine wood trim. Four-zone automatic climate control is standard, as are a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, adjustable ambient lighting, diamond-stitched leather upholstery, and 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats. Going with the top-spec Prestige model adds the Extended Leather package, which wraps the dashboard, armrests, and center console in supple leather. Though we haven't tested the S6's cargo capacity yet, we expect it will hold the same amount of stuff as the A6—that is, six carry-on suitcases inside the trunk and a total of 20 cases with the rear seats folded.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The S6's dashboard is dominated by digital displays. The main 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen rests above a secondary 8.6-inch display. The upper screen handles functions such as navigation, audio controls, and other entertainment features while the lower one provides access to vehicle settings, climate control, and the like. All S6 models come standard with Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are also included.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

While neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have tested the 2020 S6, they both have tested the A6, and it passed with flying colors. In fact, IIHS named the A6 to its Top Safety Pick+ list for 2020 because of its available driver-assistance features. Those same features are offered on the S6, too. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

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

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs