AUDI S6 Avant (C4) 1994-1997 Photos, engines & full specs

Audi renamed the last generation of the 100 Avant as A6 Avant when it introduced its facelifted version in 1994, and it also offered it with a sportier version named S6 Avant.

While Mercedes-Benz and BMW started to offer a more powerful version for their mid-size sedans, Audi came with the idea of offering a sportier version for its mid-size station wagon vehicle, the S6 Avant. It offered something different than its main competitors and placed its bets on those who still enjoyed fast cruising but still able to carry a family of five and a trunk full of bicycles.

The S6 was based on the same platform as the last Audi 100 model but with serious upgrades underneath. From the outside, it was a sleeper, without too many details that could tell the difference. The main differences were the red and gray badge on the front grille, the unique alloy wheels, and the tiny roof spoiler at the top of the tailgate.

Inside, the S6 offered room for five and comfort for all of them, with sport bucket seats at the front and leather upholstery. For the kids' bicycles, the S6 Avant offered a big trunk in the back. With the rear seats up, it could get up to 390 liters (13.8 cu-ft) of space and up to 1,310 liters (46.3 cu-ft) with the rear seats folded.

Under the hood, there was an inline-five engine, the same as the original Audi S1 rally car. The carmaker replaced the turbocharged gasoline unit later with a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 unit. While the 2.2-liter was available with a 6-speed manual (5-speed for the U.S. market) only, the V8 was fitted as standard with a four-speed automatic, and a 6-speed manual was offered as an option.