2011 Audi S6

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 2011
There are no significant changes.

Exterior
The S6 looks the part of a gussied-up A6 with bumper-mounted LED lights. Unique front and rear bumpers and aluminum trim on doorsills and windowsills complete the package. Exterior features include:

• 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. Interior features include:

• 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 moves the S6 from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, according to Audi. Mechanical features include:

• 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