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Audi are known for their high-performance executive saloons, and the new S6 is just that. The 3-litre V6 twin turbo diesel engine might be surprising to some, with most of the sub-RS models being petrol, but the new S6 is said to break the mould. We drove the all-new Audi S6 on Irish roads to find out for ourselves.
Audi S6 Design
When you first see this car, it is seriously striking. Distinguishing itself from the A6 the high-performance S6 features sportier design elements throughout and of course the S6 badges. The colour of the car we tested was ‘Floret Silver’ but there are eleven other colours to choose from which include metallic and pearl paints.
A wider, more muscular looking front is complimented with air inlets either side of the widened single frame grill. Matrix LED headlights come as standard, with the optional HD matrix LED headlights that provide higher-resolution illumination of the entire road. These also come with dynamic indicators which are standard at the rear but not at the front.
20-inch rims are standard in the S6, with the option to upgrade to 21-inch and Audi Sport Alloys. There is also an option for red brake callipers, which really add to the dynamic character of the S6.
Audi S6 Interior
As soon as you sit inside the S6 you can see and feel the premium materials throughout. The extremely comfortable S sports seats are finished with Valcona leather with the ‘S’ embossing and diamond stitching.
From the driver’s seat you are surrounded by technology and screens including the 12.3-inch virtual cockpit as well as the two touchscreens in the centre, a 10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard and are both easily connectable via Bluetooth. A sport contour multifunction leather steering wheel which is flattened at the bottom also comes as standard.
As well as offering sporty looks and performance the Audi S6 is practical and spacious. There is plenty of head and legroom in the rear for passengers as well as several storage spaces and cup holders throughout the interior. There is a large 530-litre boot for luggage, which expands to a massive 1,390-litres with the rear seats folded down.
Audi S6 Performance & Drive
The S6 is powered by an impressive 3.0-litre V6 Twin Turbo diesel engine with 349 horsepower and 700Nm of torque. The engine is also powered by a mild hybrid system with a 48-volt electric motor and an electrically driven supercharger. Audi claims that the electrically driven supercharger pre-empts the effects of turbo lag to deliver a sharper engine response.
An eight speed Tiptronic automatic transmission distributes power to all four wheels of the S6, whilst Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system distributes torque to both front and rear axles. In normal driving situations, the system sends 60 per cent of power to the rear. Up to 70 percent of torque can be direct to the front and up to 85 percent at the rear if needed.
The handling in the S6 is very good, it responds extremely well for such a big vehicle. There's an optional sport differential that improves cornering by actively splitting torque between the rear wheels or directing all the torque to one of them.
Audi S6 Pricing
As can be expected Audi’s high-performance executive saloon isn’t exactly cheap. As built, Audi offer the S6 TDI Quattro Tiptronic for €90,860 which includes €1,000 delivery and related charges. The car we tested included optional extras to the value of €12,028 as well as the additional metallic paint for €1,616.
Carzone Verdict 4/5
The new Audi S6 is a sporty performance saloon with plenty of practicality and space. It is just as comfortable for long-distance driving as it is for popping around the city. Inside Audi have mixed luxury with technology which makes it no problem for drivers and passengers to sit in over long periods.
Pros: Quick for a Diesel, comfortable drive, luxurious interior
Cons: Expensive, cumbersome infotainment
Rivals: BMW M550i XDrive, Mercedes-AMG E53
Model: Audi S6 TDI
Price From: €90,860
Price of Test Car: €103,504
Engine: 3-Litre V6 Twin Turbo TDI Diesel
Transmission: Automatic
CO2 Emission: 165g/km
Motor Tax: €570 per annum
Top Speed: 250km/h
0-100km.h: 5.0 seconds
Power: 349hp
Boot capacity: 530-litres