Photo: Audi
The Audi A6 is all-new for 2020, and now America can also enjoy the S6 version, which is arguably more interesting but also costs more money. Until the new S8 arrives, this is about as goods as it gets when it comes to Audi sports sedans.
The S6 has a nice grille and some fancy safety systems. But the big story for 2020 is what's under the hood. With the old model, you had a de-tuned version of the 4-liter twin-turbo found in the RS7. But this has been downsized to a 2.9-liter.
The V6 TFSI engine is also twin-turbocharged, making 444 HP (450 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. You might remember those numbers from the RS5 Coupe/Sportback, but the mill is also shared with the Porsche Panamera S, among others.
The key difference between the S6 and the older RS5 is that it's also got a 48V MHEV system. This allows you to coast with the engine off and stores some of the energy lost during braking in a battery located under the passenger seat. With a 0 to 60 time of 4.4 seconds, the S6 is quick. But we're not sure it's $73,900-quick.
For the record, you can have an RS5 Sportback for $74,200, though it probably won't feel like a luxury car compared to this. As standard, you get the S-specific body kit, which includes the platinum grille, silver mirror caps, the front splitter, quad tailpipes and 20-inch wheels.
Of course, there are lots of options to consider, expensive ones. These include various 21-inch wheels, a shadow pack, adaptive dampers, sports pack with the rear diff, Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System and more. However, the 2020 S6 does have standard Virtual Cockpit, MMI Navigation with MMI touch response (10.1-inch upper, 8.6-inch lower displays), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It's worth knowing that the Europeans got an even worse deal. Their S6 is motivated by a 3.0 TDI that's about 100 horsepower down.
The V6 TFSI engine is also twin-turbocharged, making 444 HP (450 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. You might remember those numbers from the RS5 Coupe/Sportback, but the mill is also shared with the Porsche Panamera S, among others.
The key difference between the S6 and the older RS5 is that it's also got a 48V MHEV system. This allows you to coast with the engine off and stores some of the energy lost during braking in a battery located under the passenger seat. With a 0 to 60 time of 4.4 seconds, the S6 is quick. But we're not sure it's $73,900-quick.
For the record, you can have an RS5 Sportback for $74,200, though it probably won't feel like a luxury car compared to this. As standard, you get the S-specific body kit, which includes the platinum grille, silver mirror caps, the front splitter, quad tailpipes and 20-inch wheels.
Of course, there are lots of options to consider, expensive ones. These include various 21-inch wheels, a shadow pack, adaptive dampers, sports pack with the rear diff, Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System and more. However, the 2020 S6 does have standard Virtual Cockpit, MMI Navigation with MMI touch response (10.1-inch upper, 8.6-inch lower displays), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It's worth knowing that the Europeans got an even worse deal. Their S6 is motivated by a 3.0 TDI that's about 100 horsepower down.
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