Audi A8 vs Audi S6
What's the difference?

Audi A8

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2023 price

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Audi S6

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2020 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2023 Audi A8

2020 Audi S6

By James Cleary

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo V6, 3.0L

Twin Turbo V6, 2.9L

Fuel Type

Diesel/Electric

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

5.9L/100km (combined)

8.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Refinement
Quality
Value

Executive style
Improved value
Boy-racer performance

Dislikes

Big turning circle
No folding rear seat
No front door bottle slots

Not SUV practical
A touch thirsty
Substandard warranty

2023 Audi A8 Summary

Audi’s flagship is the A8, a long, luxurious sedan where being driven is often as important as doing the driving.

To put this ultra-premium machine in context, it competes with other German heavyweights like BMW’s 7 Series and, of course, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as well as Porsche’s Panamera. Not to mention the Lexus LS or Maserati’s Quattroporte.

What’s life like at the top of the Audi pyramid? Stay with us to find out.

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2020 Audi S6 Summary

Most buyers don’t care for sedans these days, but those in the premium market are still spoilt for choice, with new model after new model being launched.

The latest on offer is the new Audi S6, which once again attempts to mix executive style with boy-racer performance.

With its predecessor’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 succeeded by an engine that is 1.1 litres and two cylinders short, does it still serve up enough bang for your back?

Of course, the only way to find out is to put the new S6 sedan to test, so that’s exactly what we did. Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Audi A8 2020 Audi S6

Verdict

The Audi A8 swims in a luxury car shark tank where those paying the big dollars expect top-shelf everything. It delivers a serene driving experience whether you’re in the front or the back, in a superbly engineered and executed luxury sedan package. Not perfect, but very, very impressive.

Verdict

We adore the new S6 sedan. It looks great, feels comfortable and goes like stink all at the same time. What’s not to like?

It also helps that it is relatively good value, safe and practical by large-sedan standards, so it’s a bit of a no-brainer.

But will buyers be quick to dismiss the new S6 sedan because it’s not a more practical SUV? Time will tell, but we hope not.

Does the new Audi S6 sedan represent the best mix of executive style and boy-racer performance? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Audi A8 vs Audi S6 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A8 vs Audi S6
What's the difference?