2023 Audi S6
MSRP Range: $73,700 - $82,500 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
8.3/10
edmunds TESTED
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.
2023 Audi S6 Review
byMark Takahashi
Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
, rating written byReese Counts
Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.
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
What's new
- A new base Premium trim debuts with an optional Convenience package
- Other trim levels and option packages gain several minor features
- Based on the fifth A6 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
The 2023 Audi S6 is the sportier version of the supporting A6 sedan. It produces a solid 444 horsepower compared to the A6's 261-hp four cylinder engine and 335-hp six-cylinder. Of course that added power requires greater control, so the S6 further benefits from a sport-tuned suspension and sticky summer performance tires. Not surprisingly, those improvements will cost you more in terms of finances, but not so much when it comes to comfort and luxury. The S6 remains almost as smooth and comfortable as the A6.
For 2023, the S6 gains a new base Premium trim that drops its starting price by a few thousand compared to last year. Because of this addition, several features throughout the lineup have shuffled around, but these items are fairly minor and don't fundamentally change the look or feel of the higher trims. As a result, the S6 keeps its favorable position in its class of sporty luxury midsize sedans.
The 2023 Audi S6 finds a balance between the higher-performing BMW 5 Series and more luxurious Mercedes-Benz E-Class and could represent the just-right Goldilocks choice in the segment for shoppers who want a little of everything. There's a lot to like about the S6 and only a few drawbacks, all of which we cover in our detailed Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
great
8.3/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
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.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Which S6 does Edmunds recommend?
The top Prestige trim gets our recommendation in the S6 lineup. For a rather affordable price increase, you get a more complete luxury experience with soft-closing doors, a quieter interior and additional safety features. We'd also add the Luxury package for enhanced comfort. More spirited drivers would do well to add the S Sport package too.
Audi S6 models
The 2023 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. Three trims are available: the base Premium, the well-appointed Premium Plus and the loaded Prestige.
Helpful shopping links
Compare the Audi S6
Compare selected vehiclesCompare Audi S6 to any vehicle See full list of Midsize performance sedans rankings
Audi S6 vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
As a testament to the E-Class' longevity, it's one of the few vehicles that debuted at the top of its class and is still riding high as the leader. It was last redesigned in 2017, and Mercedes has confirmed an all-new sixth generation will go on sale in the 2024 model year. Both the current E-Class and A6 deliver similar performance, technology and luxury, but we'd suggest waiting to see how the 2024 E-Class stacks up.
Audi S6 vs. BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series is the sportier choice next to the A6 (while they are both sportier than the Mercedes E-Class). Though it may be more exciting to drive, the 5 Series is beginning to show its age several years out from its last redesign. You'll get more interior space with the S6, but the BMW infotainment interface is noticeably easier to use.
Audi S6 vs. Audi S7
The Audi S6 and S7 are built on shared platforms and have a lot in common with each other when it comes to style, power, interior and technology. The difference is the S7 has a tapering hatchback compared to the S6's more traditional trunk. That gives the S7 a much larger cargo capacity, but the sloping roofline also cuts into rear headroom.
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FAQ
Is the Audi S6 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 S6 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.3 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 S6 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 3 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the S6 has 13.7 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Audi S6. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Audi S6?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Audi S6:
- A new base Premium trim debuts with an optional Convenience package
- Other trim levels and option packages gain several minor features
- Based on the fifth A6 generation introduced for 2019
Is the Audi S6 reliable?
To determine whether the Audi S6 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the S6. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the S6's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Audi S6 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Audi S6 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 S6 and gave it a 8.3 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 S6 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 3 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 S6 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Audi S6?
The least-expensive 2023 Audi S6 is the 2023 Audi S6 Premium 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 $73,700.
Other versions include:
- Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $73,700
- Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $78,400
- Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $82,500
What are the different models of Audi S6?
If you're interested in the Audi S6, the next question is, which S6 model is right for you? S6 variants include Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), 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). For a full list of S6 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more