2021 Audi S6
2021 Audi S6 Review
- Attractive and refined interior
- Lots of high-tech features
- Impressively quick acceleration
- Smooth ride
- Infotainment interface can be challenging to use
- Short on in-cabin storage and trunk space
- 21-inch wheels with high-performance summer tires are now standard
- Standard equipment now includes Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel
- Minor changes to available advanced driver aids
- Based on the fifth A6 generation introduced for 2019
To create its S6 midsize luxury sport sedan, Audi simply takes its A6 and adds more performance via a more powerful turbocharged V6 engine, sticky tires and a suspension tuned for better handling. The regular A6 comes with either a 261-horsepower four-cylinder engine or a 335-hp V6, but the S6's standard V6 trumps both with a muscular 444 hp. Pleasingly, Audi has made sure that no luxury has been lost with that extra performance, and the S6 has all the premium hallmarks that make the standard A6 sedan so comfortable.
As you'd expect, the strongest competition for the S6 comes from other German manufacturers. BMW offers its potent M550i, while Mercedes-Benz matches the sporty AMG E 53 sedan against the Audi. For something similar but different, you could also check out Tesla's Model S. It offers even more performance plus the efficiencies of a fully electric drivetrain. Does the S6 hit your sweet spot for a luxury sport sedan? Read our Expert Rating below for an in-depth look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Audi S6.
Our verdict | |
The Audi S6 does a lot of things well and a few things great. In terms of performance and driving dynamics, it's right there with the class leaders. The interior is roomy and has excellent in-car tech. If you want a large, comfortable and somewhat subtle luxury car with a surprising amount of performance, it doesn't get much better than the S6. | |
How does the S6 drive? | |
At the Edmunds test track, our test S6 sprinted to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. That's impressively quick for a midsize luxury sedan. The S6's turbocharged V6 has plenty of power for passing other cars or merging onto the highway. But from a dead stop it feels lazy. There seems to be nothing below 3,000 rpm. Rev past that, though, and you get a huge swell of power. The transmission's shifts are smooth and quick, but it sometimes upshifts too soon for our tastes. Emergency braking performance is solid. It's not at the top of the class, but it's near it. Around town, the S6's brakes feel great, with a firm pedal that is easy to control. It's easy to come to a smooth stop. The Audi handles well enough too. The steering is a touch light, but it's quick and direct, making it easy to maneuver the S6 in tight parking lots or winding back roads. The suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and sport. | |
How comfortable is the S6? | |
This is where the S6 shines. It's the perfect midlevel performance sedan with just enough grunt and personality to let you know what's what. It's loud and sporty when you want it to be and quiet and reserved when you just want to cruise. Our test S6 had the standard sport front seats. They don't offer as much adjustment as the optional luxury seats, but we found them comfortable enough even after several hundred miles of highway driving. But we wouldn't mind more bolstering to better keep you secure during cornering. The ride is excellent thanks to the optional adaptive sport suspension. The S6 smooths out pavement without feeling light or overly soft. Our biggest complaint is with the climate control system. In full auto mode, it never seems to even out the temperature in the cabin. | |
How’s the interior? | |
While we love the S6's interior design, we aren't completely won over by its layout. Some controls are needlessly hidden in on-screen menus. Otherwise, the controls for the media and climate systems are well placed and easy to reach. As expected with a midsize luxury sedan, there's plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. The front seats are mounted low. It's a sporty driving position, but it might be hard for some people to get in and out. At least the door openings are big and wide. Visibility is decent, though a tall hood and window line make it a little difficult to see forward. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Audi's in-car tech features all the bells and whistles you might expect from a modern luxury automobile, though many of the higher-end features are optional rather than standard. When equipped, the systems work well, though they do require a bit of a learning curve to figure out. The audio system is one of the best around, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it easy to play music from your phone. Our test car had four USB ports, though none were the newest USB-C style. The S6's wireless charging pad doubles as a signal booster. The driver aids work well, with no false readings or needless corrections. The adaptive cruise control maintained a close but reasonable gap in traffic. | |
How’s the storage? | |
Storage is one of the S6's weakest points. The 13.7 cubic feet of trunk space is near the bottom of the class numerically. In actual use you'll find the space is wide and deep enough to handle most daily errands. You can fold down the rear seats to help facilitate loading of long cargo items. A low liftover height means heavy items require less effort too. In terms of interior storage, there doesn't seem to be any good place to place a pair of sunglasses that doesn't block a cupholder. The shallow center console is mostly taken up by the wireless charging spot. There's plenty of space in the rear for child seats, with easy-to-access anchors on the outboard seats. | |
How economical is the S6? | |
The S6 is rated at 22 mpg combined (18 city/ 28 highway). That's typical fuel economy for a midsize luxury sedan with a six-cylinder engine. Our test S6 equaled the EPA's estimates during our testing, so it's fair to assume they're realistic. | |
Is the S6 a good value? | |
Everything about the S6 looks and screams luxury. The design is clean and modern. Usually we dislike the use of glossy piano black trim, but Audi has managed to use it without making it look cheap or plasticky. All the switches have weight and heft that make the S6 feel special. Fit and finish is excellent, with no squeaks or rattles to speak of. The S6 feels as good as or better than a BMW or Mercedes-Benz and better than some of the dated products from Lexus. | |
Wildcard | |
Lots of subtle character here. The S6 offers a good bit of performance without being overly showy. If you want a fun-to-drive luxury sedan that doesn't announce its presence at every stoplight, the S6 is your kind of car. | |
Which S6 does Edmunds recommend?
Audi S6 models
The Audi S6 is a performance-oriented midsize luxury sedan based on the more sedate A6. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 (444 horsepower, 443 lb-ft of torque). Also standard are an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Two trims are available: the well-appointed Premium Plus and the loaded Prestige. Feature highlights include:
2021 Audi S6 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Safety
Our experts’ favorite S6 safety features:
- Audi Pre Sense Basic and Front
- Warns of an impending front collision and automatically applies the brakes if you don't.
- Audi Side Assist
- Notifies you if there's a car in your blind spot and alerts you if you activate the turn signal.
- Audi Active Lane Assist
- Steers the S6 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker.
Audi S6 vs. the competition
2021 Audi S6
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Audi S6 vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz offers a wide variety of E-Class sedans, but the best foil for the Audi S6 is the AMG E 53. Like the S6, it's powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Both sedans offer some of the most cutting-edge technology in the class, offer strong performance, and are built to a very high quality.
Audi S6 vs. BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series is another top competitor. From a raw horsepower perspective, the S6 slots between the six-cylinder 540i and the V8-powered M550i. However, the Audi's estimated 0-60 mph time is closer to the 540i's, yet it costs almost as much as the M550i. The Audi has a roomier cabin and better technology, but you pay for them. If you want to learn more about a 540i of this generation, you can read our long-term road test.
Audi S6 vs. Tesla Model S
Performance has always been a strong suit of the Model S, but it makes a stronger case for itself than ever before thanks to a steady stream of updates over the years as well as ever-improving build quality. It's quick, efficient and quiet. The S6, for its part, offers more traditional luxury appointments than the Tesla as well as better smartphone connectivity.
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FAQ
Is the Audi S6 a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Audi S6?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Audi S6:
- 21-inch wheels with high-performance summer tires are now standard
- Standard equipment now includes Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel
- Minor changes to available advanced driver aids
- Based on the fifth A6 generation introduced for 2019
Is the Audi S6 reliable?
Is the 2021 Audi S6 a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Audi S6?
The least-expensive 2021 Audi S6 is the 2021 Audi S6 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $74,400.
Other versions include:
- Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $74,400
- Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $81,100