Vehicle Overview
The S6 is a high-performance version of Audi’s A6 sedan, which is covered separately in the Research section. The S6 has a 435-horsepower V-10, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive. The S6 comes only as a sedan in Prestige trim. Competitors include the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Infiniti M.
New for 2010
For 2010, the S6 gains an updated version of Audi’s Multi-Media Interface, which governs the navigation system, onboard computer, stereo and other functions. Also, heated rear seats are now standard.
Exterior
The S6 looks the part of a gussied-up A6, with bumper-mounted LED lights in place of the A6’s lower fog lights. Unique front and rear bumpers, aluminum trim on door- and windowsills complete the package.
- Standard 19-inch wheels
- 18-inch wheels optional
- Deeper front and rear bumpers than A6
- Standard bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
Interior
Besides unique leather seats with S-line logos and thicker side bolsters, the S6’s wraparound cockpit sees few changes from the A6. It comes standard with many features that are optional on the lesser A6. For 2010, Audi’s third-generation MMI system gains improved map scrolling thanks to a joystick atop the controller knob. Audi substantially improved the system’s graphics, too.
- Standard leather upholstery and power front seats
- Standard six-CD Bose stereo with full USB/iPod compatibility
- Standard navigation system
- Standard moonroof
- Standard heated front and rear seats
- Standard 60/40-split folding rear seat
- Optional carbon fiber interior trim
Under the Hood
The S6 is stoked by Audi’s first-ever V-10 engine, a normally aspirated (non-turbocharged, non-supercharged) 5.2-liter with direct injection. It combines the generous torque characteristics of a high cylinder count with the high-rev output of a 7,000-rpm redline, and it’s good for a 5.1-second zero-to-60-mph time, according to Audi.
- 435 hp at 6,800 rpm, 398 pounds-feet of torque at 3,000-4,000 rpm
- Standard rear-biased Quattro all-wheel drive
- Standard six-speed automatic
Safety
Safety options include a blind spot warning system that illuminates a light on the side mirror if a car occupies that side’s blind spot. Side-impact airbags for the rear seats are optional, too. Standard features include:
- Side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for both rows
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system with traction control
