Audi has unveiled the new S6, S6
Avant and S7 Sportback. Starting under the hood, Europeans get an electrified 3.0-liter V6
TDI engine that produces 344 hp and 700 Nm of
torque. It is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission which sends power
to a quattro all-wheel drive system.
In terms of performance, the S6 TDI Sedan can
accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The S6 Avant and S7
Sportback can accomplish the same task in 5.1 seconds. While the latter models
are a bit slower off the line, all three are limited to a top speed of 250 km/h.
Those figures aren’t earth shattering, but the cars
are pretty thrifty at the pump. According to Audi, fuel consumption ratings
range from 6.2 L/100 km (37.9 mpg US / 45.5 mpg UK) to 6.5 L/100km (36.1 mpg US
/ 43.4 mpg UK). Likewise, CO2 emissions range from 164-171 g/km depending on
the model and its tires / wheels.
In other markets – including Asia, the Middle East
and the United States – the cars will be powered by a twin-turbo 2.9-liter TSFI
V6 engine sourced from the RS5 Coupe. It produces 444 hp and 600 Nm of torque. Audi declined to say how fast the models are, but the RS5 Coupe can
accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 3.7 seconds. This likely means the
larger S6 and S7 will be a tad slower.
Sticking with the performance theme, the cars are
equipped with an S-specific power steering system and an S sport suspension
which reduces the ride height by up to 10 mm. Buyers will also
find a high-performance braking system which has six-piston calipers and 400 mm discs up front as well as six-piston calipers and 350
mm discs in back.
As usual, an assortment of options will be available
including a dynamic all-wheel steering system which can turn the rear wheels up
to five degrees. Audi says this gives the cars more maneuverability at low
speeds and greater directional stability at high speeds.
Customers will also be able to order an adaptive air
suspension for the first time. It has three different modes and Audi describes
it as a “comfort-oriented alternative” to the standard suspension. A ceramic braking system will
also be available and it includes six-piston calipers which grab onto discs
measuring 400 mm up front and 370 mm out back. The
larger rear discs aren’t the only advantage as the optional braking system
weighs 9 kg less than its steel counterpart.
On the styling front, the S6 gains a faux aluminum
front splitter and a unique rear diffuser with tucks in between a four-tailpipe
exhaust system. The S7 Sportback is a bit more extreme as it has larger air
intakes and unique skid skirts. The models also have a revised grille, special
mirror caps and standard 20-inch wheels.
The sporty updates continue in the cabin as drivers
will find contrast stitching, brushed aluminum trim and a digital instrument
cluster with S-specific displays. Other highlights include stainless steel
pedals and illuminated sill plates with S logos.
Alcantara sport seats are standard, but customers
can order custom contour seats with Valcona leather. Buyers can also purchase a
flat-bottom steering wheel, fine grain ash trim and front seats with heating,
ventilation and massage functions.
The Audi S6, S6 Avant and S7 Sportback will
celebrate their European launch this summer and German pricing starts at
€ 76,500 for the sedan. The wagon begins at € 79,000 while the hatchback goes for
€ 82,750.