2021 Audi S6





Total MSRP | $75,445 |
---|---|
Edmunds suggests you pay | $71,844 |
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.
Performance
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.
Comfort
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.
2021 Audi S6 pricing
in Ashburn, VA

Interior
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.
Technology
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.
Storage
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.
Fuel Economy
Value
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
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:
Premium Plus
Starts you off with:
- 21-inch wheels with summer performance tires
- Adaptive air suspension (can adjust the S6's ride height and enhances ride quality and handling)
- Sunroof
- Four-zone climate control
- Premium leather upholstery
- Heated front sport seats
Standard technology features include:
- 10.1-inch touchscreen
- Digital instrument panel (Audi's Virtual Cockpit)
- Navigation system
- 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto smartphone integration
- Wireless charging pad
The S6 also comes loaded with safety features, such as:
- Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
- Lane departure warning (alerts you if the S6 begins to drift over the lane marker)
- Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front)
- Automatic front emergency braking (the car can automatically apply the brakes if forward collision sensors trigger)
- 360-degree parking camera (gives you a top-down view of the S6 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
An Executive package is optional for the S6 Premium Plus. It adds:
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the S6 and the car in front)
- Lane keeping assist (automatically steers the car back into its lane if the S6 begins to drift over the lane marker)
- Additional leather interior trim
- Heated rear seats
- Adjustable ambient interior lighting
- Power trunklid
Prestige
The range-topping Prestige includes:
- The Executive package
- Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
- Automatic rear emergency braking (automatically applies the brakes if rear sensors detect an imminent collision and driver takes no action)
- Thicker window glass for reducing noise
- Air fragrance system
- Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
- Soft-closing doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)
Other notable options for the S6 include:
- Black Optic package
- 21-inch black-painted wheels
- Black-painted exterior trim
- S Sport package
- All-wheel steering
- Sport exhaust
- Sport rear differential
- Red brake calipers
- Luxury package
- Comfort-oriented front seats with ventilation and massage
- Additional leather interior trim
- Rear sunshades
- Sport-tuned adaptive suspension (replaces the air suspension)
- Night vision system
- 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system




Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2021 Audi S6.
Trending topics in reviews
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Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $75,445
- MPG & Fuel
- 18 City / 28 Hwy / 22 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.3 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 444 hp
- Torque: 443 lb-ft
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 195.0 in. / Height: 56.9 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 83.1 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 74.3 in.
- Curb Weight: 4486 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 13.7 cu.ft.

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.
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
---|---|
Overall | Not Rated |
Driver | Not Rated |
Passenger | Not Rated |
Side Crash Rating | Rating |
Overall | Not Rated |
Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
Overall | Not Rated |
Driver | Not Rated |
Passenger | Not Rated |
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
Front Seat | Not Rated |
Back Seat | Not Rated |
Rollover | Rating |
Rollover | 5 / 5 |
Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
Risk Of Rollover | 8.9% |
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, pack 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.
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 mild 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 mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $74,400
- Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $81,100
What are the different models of Audi S6?
2021 Audi S6 Overview
The 2021 Audi S6 is offered in the following submodels: S6 Sedan. Available styles include Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), and Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). The 2021 Audi S6 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic. The 2021 Audi S6 comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What do people think of the 2021 Audi S6?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 Audi S6 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2021 S6 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 S6.
Pros
- Attractive and refined interior
- Lots of high-tech features
- Impressively quick acceleration
- Smooth ride
Cons
- Infotainment interface can be challenging to use
- Short on in-cabin storage and trunk space
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Audi S6 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 S6 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Audi S6?
2021 Audi S6 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
The 2021 Audi S6 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $75,445. The average price paid for a new 2021 Audi S6 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) is trending $3,601 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,601 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $71,844.
The average savings for the 2021 Audi S6 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) is 4.8% below the MSRP.
2021 Audi S6 Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
The 2021 Audi S6 Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $82,145. The average price paid for a new 2021 Audi S6 Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) is trending $2,533 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,533 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $79,612.
The average savings for the 2021 Audi S6 Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) is 3.1% below the MSRP.
Which 2021 Audi S6S are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 Audi S6 for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2021 Audi S6.
Can't find a new 2021 Audi S6s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Audi for sale.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
What is the MPG of a 2021 Audi S6?
2021 Audi S6 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), 8-speed shiftable automatic, premium unleaded (required)
22 MPG compined MPG,
18 city MPG/28 highway MPG
2021 Audi S6 Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), 8-speed shiftable automatic, premium unleaded (required)
22 MPG compined MPG,
18 city MPG/28 highway MPG
EPA Est. MPG | 22 |
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Drive Train | all wheel drive |
Displacement | 2.9 L |
Passenger Volume | N/A |
Wheelbase | 115.3 in. |
Length | 195.0 in. |
Width | N/A |
Height | 56.9 in. |
Curb Weight | 4486 lbs. |
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Audi S6?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Audi lease specials
Related 2021 Audi S6 info
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