Overview
Although it’s based on—and looks quite similar to—the standard A6 sedan, the 2022 Audi S6 brings the heat in the form of a 444-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and a sportier suspension. Depending on who you ask, the S6’s sober styling is either a good thing or a bad thing, as it doesn’t draw unwanted attention on the road. The S6’s somewhat anonymous styling also suits its driving demeanor; it’s capable and fun but also unflappable to a fault. Rivals such as the BMW M550i and the Mercedes-AMG E53 offer the kind of sports sedan drama that puts smiles on enthusiast drivers’ faces. Luckily, there’s also plenty of luxury inside the S6’s spacious cabin, with impeccable build quality, plentiful legroom front and rear, and just about every technology feature you can imagine.
What’s New for 2022?
Not much has changed for the S6 for 2022, but rear side airbags are now standard and buyers can choose a carbon twill interior trim option. Those who order the Black Optic appearance package will receive a new 21-inch wheel design.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Upgrading to the Prestige model costs a little more but it unlocks a lot of the S6’s best features, including a semi-autonomous driving mode, a head-up display, matrix-design LED headlamps, automatic high-beams, soft-close doors, a power-operated trunk lid, a leather-wrapped dashboard and center console, an in-cabin fragrance diffuser, and heated rear seats. We’d add the 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system and the cool night vision feature that helps identify animals and pedestrians in the dark.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
While the last-generation S6 was powered by a throaty 450-hp 4.0-liter V-8, the 2020 model comes with a more complex powertrain. The standard 2.9-liter V-6 is twin-turbocharged and uses a 48-volt hybrid system to power an electric supercharger for additional boost. Altogether, the system pumps out a robust 444 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system are standard. Audi claims the car can leap to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds but we think that number is fairly conservative; the S7—the S6’s shapelier counterpart—managed to blast to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds at our test track. On curvy roads, the S6 is a lovely partner. It disguises its size well and feels nimbler than we anticipated, especially with the optional rear-wheel-steering system.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
As expected, the S6’s fuel economy has improved over the outgoing model’s. The new car earned EPA estimated ratings of 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined—an increase of 2 mpg, 4 mpg, and 4 mpg, respectively, over the old V-8-powered S6. We haven’t had the chance to put this car through our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test, but the mechanically similar S7 delivered a 28-mpg result. For more information about the S6’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Like that of the A6, the S6’s interior serves to highlight Audi’s tech-driven luxury ethos. The design is sleek and modern, highlighted by fine materials, soft leather, and genuine wood trim. Four-zone automatic climate control is standard, as are a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, adjustable ambient lighting, diamond-stitched leather upholstery, and 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats. Going with the top-spec Prestige model adds the Extended Leather package, which wraps the dashboard, armrests, and center console in supple leather. Though we haven’t tested the S6’s cargo capacity yet, we expect it will hold the same amount of stuff as the A6—that is, six carry-on suitcases inside the trunk and a total of 20 cases with the rear seats folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The S6’s dashboard is dominated by digital displays. The main 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen rests above a secondary 8.6-inch display. The upper screen handles functions such as navigation, audio controls, and other entertainment features while the lower one provides access to vehicle settings, climate control, and the like. All S6 models come standard with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are also included.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Like the A6, the S6 offers a host of standard driver-assistance features with more high-tech ones available as options. For more information about the S6’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
If Audi’s standard warranty seems a little basic, that’s because is it. Rivals such as the BMW 8-series Gran Coupe and the two-door Lexus LC offer more value in the form of a longer complimentary scheduled maintenance program or powertrain warranty.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles