Audi S6 S Tronic 2012 review

With a heritage extending back to 1991 (the first-generation S model was based on the Audi 100), this fourth-generation S6 is easily the best yet.

It's loaded with clever trim finishes and technology (active engine mounts and active noise control) not previously seen on cars like this, and has been fitted with an engine raised on a diet of blood-drenched red meat. Audi Australia is predicting sales of around 60-80 cars split between S6 and S7 (which will go on-sale at the same time).

VALUE

While prices, and Australian spec, are yet to be confirmed you can expect the new S6, when it arrives Down Under around October-ish, to be priced at less than $200,000.

Explore the 2012 Audi S6 range

• Audi S6 S Tronic 2012 review
• Audi S6 2012 review

And possibly by some margin too so that it can line up with Merc's E500 ($183,685) and BMW's 550i ($179,900).

What you can expect for that sort of coin is quattro all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, Audi drive select (vehicle-dynamics control system), 19-inch alloys, sports seats, quad-zone climate control, Audi pre-sense basic safety system, six airbags, stop-start, cylinder deactivation, active engine mounts and active noise control, plus much more.

TECHNOLOGY

Under the bonnet is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 (this engine is shared with the S7) making 309kW at 5500-6400rpm and 550Nm from 1400-5200rpm. This is mated to a super-smooth seven-speed twin-clutch transmission, which Audi calls S Tronic.

Weighing in at 1895kg, the S6 consumes just 9.6L/100km, and that's not bad when you consider how much oomph this thing has. Fuel consumption has been kept in check through the prodigious use of aluminium (20 per cent of the body is aluminium, making it 15 per cent lighter than an conventional steel-bodied car). 

The S6 also gets stop-start, and cylinder on demand which sees four of the eight cylinders deactivated during part-load operation.

Because dropping to just four cylinders can produce a lot of noise, Audi's engineers have included active noise control, which, in conjunction with active engine mounts, dials out unwanted clatter via a cancellation sound issued through the sound system's speakers... ad it absolutely works.

DESIGN

The front grille has a single frame and turns up at the outer edges, there's deeper air dams in the front and a skirt right the way around the car, which gives it a hunkered down and muscular stance. Climb inside and you're met with typical Audi craftsmanship; no other maker does quite as good a job on its interiors, the design, the materials and the finish as Audi does.

From behind the wheel, all of the major controls are skewed towards the driver, and the Multi Media Interface (MMI) is easily the simplest of its kind (it leaves BMW's iDrive for dead).

Electric adjustment of both front seats makes it an cinch to get into the right position, and there's decent rear seat legroom, shoulder room and headroom. But forget about using the middle seat in the back. There's a long but shallow boot which offers 530 litres of space.

SAFETY

As well as a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating (based on A6) the S6 gets the usual complement of active and passive safety aids as well as six airbags and, in Europe at least, is standard with pre sense basic, which is designed to minimise the risk of an collision by warning the driver with an audible chime, and then by applying the brakes if the driver's made no attempt to stop the car. It also has quattro all-wheel drive for impressive grip on all surfaces, and in all weather.

DRIVING

While the S6 is quick (0-100km/h flashes up in just 4.6secs) it's the way the thing builds speed that truly impresses. With a diesel-esque 550Nm of torque from just off idle at 1400rpm right the way through to 5200rpm, the S6 flattens hills and makes overtaking an cinch.

And, if you're on the Autobahn in Germany, like we were, it'll accelerate right through each of its seven gears with never a let-up in oomph... Every S6 gets adaptive air suspension, which allows you to choose from Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual - we found Auto to be the best setting.

Our test car was fitted with cost optional dynamic steering and a sport differential and, if I'm honest, I'd forget about the dynamic steering, it ends up feeling too assisted and artificial. We didn't get a long drive in the S6 (only 87km), but it was long enough to know that you get a bump-smothering ride, an nimble chassis, and an iron-fisted punch.

VERDICT

Audis are sometimes criticised for their dull dynamics (the RS5 is one such disappointing example), but the S6 shows that Audi really can offer up class with clout. BMW, and Mercedes-Benz... you have until October before the S6 lands. Be afraid.