Overview & Reviews

Fast four-door sedans have been around forever, but the Audi S6 provides an enticing mix of people-friendly room, blistering speed, all-weather traction and brand-name cachet. Four generations of the S6 have graced our shores to date, though their sporadic appearances and truncated lifespans sure bring new meaning to the term "limited edition."

From the start, the S6's mission has been to be an extra-special, high-performance version of Audi's already special A6. It was achieved with more power, a sportier suspension and upgraded tires and brakes. The S6 has always been generous with the luxury content expected of Audi, and its midsize dimensions make it one of the better Audis for seating multiple passengers. Just keep in mind that the S6 focuses on performance, and as such its ride quality is harder-edged than that of other Audi vehicles.

Current Audi S6
Front and center for the newest Audi S6 is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that's rated at 420 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. All of this is channeled through a seven-speed automated dual-clutch manual transmission and distributed to all four wheels. Audi estimates this midsize luxury sport sedan will sprint to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

As with any Audi, the S6's interior features the type of understated luxury that the brand is known for. With its uncluttered design aesthetic and top-notch materials, the cabin is as functional as it is attractive. On top of this, standard and optional features include a sport-tuned adaptive air suspension with variable damping, adaptive cruise control, various driver and safety assistants, night vision, carbon-ceramic brakes, adaptive LED headlights, mobile WiFi, massaging seats and a navigation system with touchpad and handwriting recognition.

Behind the wheel, the S6 effectively splits the difference between big-motor luxury sedans and maniacal ultra-performance models. In this way, it may not offer the sports car acceleration and handling of the latter, but it's also more comfortable and suitable for occasionally taking Mom out for a Sunday drive.

Used Audi S6 Models
After a one-year hiatus, the S6 returned for 2013. This represents the fourth generation of the performance-focused version of the A6. Compared to the previous, V10-powered S6, this one offers similar road-burning performance along with greater fuel efficiency and a less nose-heavy front end that contributes to improved handling. Other than lacking a standard blind-spot warning system and power-folding mirrors (which were optional), this S6 is identical to the current version.

The third-generation Audi S6 was produced from 2007-'11. Of all the iterations, this was perhaps the most maniacal, as it was powered by a Lamborghini-sourced 5.2-liter V10. Although it was detuned, it still produced 425 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The sole transmission offered was a six-speed automatic. Despite this impressive-sounding pedigree, this S6 was unfortunately disappointing. In the end, it was slower than the supercharged V6-powered A6 3.0T, and lagged even further behind its contemporary rivals.

In the handling department, it didn't fare any better. With 59 percent of its weight up front, the car suffered from significant understeer. It wasn't particularly comfortable either, as standard 19-inch wheels and a stiffly calibrated sport suspension produced a bone-jarring ride. Overall, competitors such as the BMW M5 or Cadillac CTS-V would be a better choice for a midsize sport sedan. Over its four-year run, this S6 saw few changes. There were slight styling tweaks for '09, while the MMI electronics interface and navigation system were given a welcome upgrade for 2010.

Available only for 2002-'03, the second-generation S6 featured a torquey 4.2-liter V8 whose 340 horses were made more accessible by a five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Oddly, this edition of the S6 came as an Avant (Audi-speak for "station wagon") only, which was partly responsible for its 2-ton curb weight and scarce availability.

Zero-to-60-mph acceleration was in the low 6-second range, and the car's lowered and stiffened suspension and 17-inch wheels and tires made it a potent handler, with grip similar to that of the current S6. Other pluses included its opulent interior and ample standard features list; the wagon's big drawback was its unimpressive gas mileage. Though hard to find, a used second-generation Audi S6 wagon offers an intriguing blend of performance and utility.

Born at a time when Audi's model-naming system was in flux, the first-generation S6 officially came to life (and death) in 1995, though essentially the same car had been sold for a few years previous as the S4. Available as both a sedan and a wagon, the original Audi S6 offered an eccentric turbocharged, 227-hp five-cylinder engine, working through a manual transmission to drive all four wheels. While performance was decent for the day, this iteration of the S6 never made much of a mark on the history books.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 78.00

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  My S6 review - 2007 Audi S6
  By Marc Anderson - November 14 - 1:58 pm

  This car has been fantastic over the past 2 years! The only faults are that it is heavy car, and isnt as nimble as my 3 series BMW. However, the front seats are amazingly comfortable, the interior is top notch, and the power and torque are monstrous but precise...fantastic engine growl and acceleration. No denying that a V10 is truly addictive. Gas mileage in non-sport mode is quite good...around low 20s mpg. The only issues I had have been electrical...automatic headlights didnt function correctly after a few months and had to be completely replaced (under warranty). Also, I have gone through several sets of tires prematurely...you have to keep an eye out for uneven wear due to weight.

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  Awesome Audi - 2002 Audi S6
  By Wicked6 - October 22 - 8:50 pm

  2 years into ownership of this car, and I have NO regrets. I cannot say enough about the performance of the little V8, even at high altitude. (I bet this would be a beast at sea level.) I have 2 young kids (6 and 3), a wife, a big dog, a little dog, and stuff to haul back and forth to grandmas house 275 miles one way - this car handles it amazingly well!!! It is perfect in every way.

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  Excellent Car!!! - 2003 Audi S6
  By rlw - April 11 - 11:57 am

  The car has great power and stability. Quattro handling is excellent in snow. The flexibility of the transmission from full auto, sport auto to pseudo manual with paddle shifters is great. I never think twice about power to maneuver. I look forward to driving the car every time. Also, the lower/wider stance keeps the car firmly gripping the road and gives it a great look. It is the perfect blend between utility and sport.

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  Amazing - 2008 Audi S6
  By S Man - March 10 - 5:19 am

  This car is absolutely amazing. The Led lights are stunning. The white and red interior dashboard displays are amazing. The sport seats are very comfortable and keep you strapped. Everyone that sees this beautiful and yet understated beast knows that there is something very special underneath the hood. I might as well replace the stock hood with a transparent hood to see that Lamborghini derived V10 beauty.

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  There is no comparison - 2008 Audi S6
  By Audi4life - December 24 - 3:58 pm

  This is my 4th Audi and by far my favorite. You cant compare this car to the M5 or the E63, Thats what the RS6 is for (We wont get the current 570bhp in the states) For those of us that know about Audis, this car will blow away any E500 or twin Turbo 550i and you will look better doing it. This is the best S I have owned. I had the 2001 S8 and that was a blast too.Until the 2011 RS6 comes this is the next best thing or the 2003 RS6.

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  Wow and simply amazing - 2008 Audi S6
  By sshah - December 1 - 3:27 pm

  Purchased this car Friday and have not stopped admiring what this car is capable of and how much fun you can have in a sedan. Tested M3 M5 but for the price, refinement and handling, hands down this the car is the best. Its a Lambo in a sedans clothing and the grunt the engine make when its pushed is awesome. Plus you have quattro stabilty and handling.

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  Family Values - 2002 Audi S6
  By TJ - November 23 - 9:41 pm

  If you have children and passion for what you drive, this is the car for you. Those who cannot or will not work on your own vehicle, move along. Audi cars do require extra service attention, but the 2002 S6 Avant will reward you handsomely with luxury, performance, style, and comfort that no SUV or mini-van can or will.

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  Dissapointed - 2007 Audi S6
  By matt - July 13 - 6:23 pm

  Car drove and performed well. Service and reliability were a nightmare. At one point I was told they needed to remove my engine to replace a sensor. Many occasions where my car was never even looked at or serviced after having been left all day. Bottom line had to get rid of the car because of sevice and reliability will never buy an Audi again

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  Classy-Performance Sleeper - 2008 Audi S6
  By NH S6 - June 2 - 11:39 am

  Saw the A6, then the S6 and there was no comparison. I had to have it. performs and handles so superb and with its understated elegance, fools others who cannot believe how much sportiness and luxury is poured into one car! Has better, more luxurious interior than the competitors, yet keeps it sporty.

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  Its a rocket limo - 2008 Audi S6
  By JJ - April 15 - 11:04 am

  I bought the S6 after owning 3 Porsches. I shopped the E63 AMG, GS460, Jaguar XF and M5. The S6 is the best combo of ammenities, price, performance and looks. After driving it a while its better than I expected.