The Audi S6 represents the high-performance variant of the mid-size luxury, or executive class Audi A6, accompanying it through several generations since 1994. Like other S models, it comes with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive with Torsen centre differential, together with more powerful variants of existing, or new engine models, matched only by the limited-edition RS models. 

S6 C4 (1994-1997)

While still in the old nomenclature era from 1991 to 1994, Audi made its first S4 based on the Audi 100. When it received its facelift in 1994, Audi rebranded the 100 as Audi A6 and renamed the S4 to S6. The S4 C4 model is discussed in detail in the Audi S4 article. 

The first of the S6 was available in sedan and Avant (Audi's estate) variant in Europe and the United States, but exclusively as a sedan in Australia. 

Under the hood is a 2.2L Inline-Five turbocharged petrol engine fitted with Bosch’s Motronic electronic engine control unit, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and Torsen T-1 quattro drive. It produces 169kW (227hp) at 5900rpm and 326Nm of torque at 1950rpm, with a top speed of 235km/h and 0-100km/h acceleration in 6.7 seconds. 

The 4.2L V8 engine is available as an optional upgrade (213kW rated power output) paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, with an optional six-speed manual gearbox. 

Developed by quattro GmbH, the Audi S6 PLUS represents the top-of-the-line when it comes to performance, and was available in only 952 units. A different 4.2L 32-valve V8 engine was used and significantly modified to output 240kW (322hp), paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. 

S6 C5 (1993-2003)

Officially named Audi S6 quattro, new S6 arrives in 1999 to accompany the second-generation Audi A6, in sedan and Avant body styles. To differentiate it from the A6, S6 has flared door sills and wheel arches, aluminium hood and front wings, S6 badging, external mirrors in polished aluminium, a unique grille, and a tailgate spoiler.

All-aluminium alloy V8 petrol engine with a displacement of 4.2L, 40-valve system, double overhead camshafts, and Bosch’s latest Motronic electronic engine control unit produced 250kW (335hp) at 6600rpm and 420Nm of torque at 3400rpm. The S6 is capable of 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h (electronically limited). 

It is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard with an option of a five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, together with paddle-shifters and Dynamic Shift Program for better gear selection. Torsen T-2 based quattro drive comes as standard, with both axles using the electronic differential lock as part of the electronic stability program (ESP) made by Bosch. 

To keep the S6 stable and safe on the road, Audi installed ventilated brake discs on all four wheels with four-piston callipers at the front and single-piston sliding callipers in the rear. The suspension features gas-pressurised shock absorbers and has been stiffened and lowered by 10mm. ABS, Brake Assist, and EBD, as well as Bosch's ESP 5.7, provide electronic assistance to the driver. 

S6 C6 (2006-2011)

The third-generation S6, named Audi S6 5.2 FSI quattro was revealed at the North American International Auto Show in 2006. Available in sedan and Avant variants, LED daytime running lamps, Bi-Xenon headlights, new grille and large intakes in the front bumper make it distinct from the standard A6. The facelift of 2008 brings minor updates to the S6, while in 2010 it receives Audi’s 3rd generation MMI electronics controller. 

What makes the S6 special is the all-aluminium alloy 5.2L FSI 40-valve V10 petrol engine, which has a longer stroke and wider bore than the related Lamborghini Gallardo's 5.0L V10 engine. It produces 320kW (429hp) at 6800rpm and 540Nm of torque at 3000-4000rpm, capable of 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.2 seconds, with a top speed limited to 250 km/h. 

Bosch’s Motronic MED 9.1 ECU handles engine management, while the transmission comes in a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with paddle-shifters behind the steering wheel. The initial version came with T-2 Torsen symmetrical differential, in 2007 swapped with T-3 Torsen asymmetric differential as standard. 

Large ventilated disc brakes for the front and rear with two-piston sliding callipers from Continental Teves help reign in the power of the V10 engine, in conjunction with Bosch ESP 8.0, ABS, and EBD. 

S6 C7 (2012-2018)

The Audi S6 4.0 TFSI quattro accompanies the C7 Audi A6 and is mechanically the same as the S7 model which launched in the same year. Visual changes from the A6 include 19-inch aluminium wheels in a unique five-spoke design, matte black callipers on ventilated disc brakes, single-frame grille with chrome and aluminium accents, aluminium-look external mirrors, and tailgate spoiler.

What makes it different is the 4.0L V8 DOHC twin-turbo petrol engine, which is more powerful than the previous model despite smaller displacement, outputting 313kW (420hp) and 549Nm of torque while also incorporating stop-start and cylinder shutoff systems to improve fuel economy. It received an update in late 2014, raising the power to 330kW (443hp) and 550Nm of torque.

The 7-speed S-Tronic Dual-Clutch transmission is paired together with self-locking centre differential and torque vectoring, ventilated brake discs and adaptive air suspension.

Australian models came equipped with: 

Dual Front/Head/Side Airbags Package, ABS, Air Con + Climate Control Multi-Zone, Alarm System/Remote Anti Theft, Air Suspension, 20-Inch Alloy Wheels, Brake Assist, Comfort Access System, Cruise Control, Carbon Fibre Trim, RC Central Locking, Daytime Running Lights - LED, EBD, Electronic Differential Lock, ESP, Heated Front Seats, Head-Up Display, Engine Immobiliser, LED Headlights, Leather Steering Wheel/Upholstery, Multi-Function Steering Wheel, Metallic Paint, Mobile Phone Connectivity, Parking Distance Control (Rear and Front), Power Front Seats/Mirrors/Steering/Sunroof/Windows, Reversing Camera, SatNav, Sport Seats, Sound System with 14 Speakers, Trip Computer, Traction Control System

The equipment was further expanded in later years, adding: 

Autonomous Emergency Braking, Automatic Start/Stop, Ambient Interior Lighting, Exterior Mirrors - Auto-Dimming, Electric Parking Brake, Hard Disk drive, Keyless Entry, and Drive, Lane Keeping Assist, Multi-Function Control Screen, Pearl Effect Paint, LED Rear Lights, Rear View Mirror Auto Dimming, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

S6 C8 (2019-present)

The latest S6 is available with a 3.0L V6 twin-turbo diesel engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 260kW (349hp) at 3850rpm and 700Nm of torque at 2500-3100. It is capable of 0-100km/h acceleration in 5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. 

A 2.9L V6 twin-turbo petrol engine is available in the United States only, while Australia has not yet received the current generation model, with the C7 model still available for sale.

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Author: Luka Kusic