Anyone go from B8 S4 -> C7 S6/S7 - Thinking about the Change

[BrianV]

Hi all,
I've had my 2011 S4 Prestige 6MT as described in my sig for a few years. I'm planning to replace it within the next 18 months, possibly sooner based on a variety of issues:

- New car itch
- Need for a larger vehicles (more on this below)
- Somewhat torn on whether I still want to drive manual consider other life changes
- Interior quality of B8 S4 isn't as solid as I had hoped

Part of this stems from a new job where I will be driving more longer distances (e.g. Austin -> Houston/Dallas). I'll also be traveling with someone else I work with more regularly with the potential of a third. I'm 6'1", and I find the backseat of the S4 to be just a bit tight for anyone to sit comfortably behind me. My wife and I are also planning a family, and it'd be nice to have a car that can more easily accommodate baby seats should the time arrive where we need it, so I need to think about longer term things like that.

I've driven manuals for ever, loathing automatic, but now that this vehicle is moving to a work focused vehicle (my company gives a car allowance), potential use with kids and clients/coworkers make the automatic a more civil choice.

Can anyone comment on the space differences from S4 (or A4) to S6 and even S7? I'm more or less sold on the S6, the squared back end of the 7 doesn't sit right with me, but at all other angles is gorgeous. The less weight and more traditional body style of the S6 is ideal.

I'm assuming the S6 interior is more buttoned down then the S4. I have a couple gremlin rattles in my roof panel and b-pillar interior plastics. Nothing anyone would notice but I'm super sensitive to those things. Certain plastics, such as the B-pillar on the S4 are quite cheap feeling. I'm hoping for an upgrade in overall interior quality.

Finally, I understand I'll likely give up on the handling side a bit, and I can live with that in terms of ride, noise, size and improved straight line power.

Other considerations are Bi-turbo E63/CLS63 and I'm even half thinking of A6 TDI and 535d (msport), but I'm not sure I can give up the performance. I've owned many diesels (X5, VWs) and they just don't have that sporty dynamic (and to me the cool factor of massive torque gets old quick).

I'm just looking for opinions of those who went from B8 S4 to S6/S7.

[VeryBadman]

You are definitely not alone. Many guys here including me are coming from S4 and got ourselves into a C67 platform being A6, A7, S6, S7, and RS7.

S6/7 will be more spacious noticeably and the interior is a vast improvement over S4, not to mention it looks and feels more modern as well since B8 platform is now 7 years old while C7 is only 3 years old and considered a new generation. S6/7 are a car worth being a luxury car much more than S4. Build quality is far better in my opinion, no rattle whatsoever as I recall and the touch is very nice, not über nice like the 8 but still much nicer than the 4.

Like you said, S6/7 is not going to be as nimble as S4 but it's not as bad like many guys in B8 S4 forum tend to say. You only notice that when you make really fast turn or sudden lane change but other than that, it's more of less the same. All in all, you will have to test drive to see what you think and feel about the car but for me I love it, that's why I am now in one with even more outrageous power RS7

[turbonator S6]

Also keep in mind the S6 can seat 3 in the back in a pinch, S7 only 2

[Brooklyn]

I went from a B8 S4 ('11 like yours) to an A6 and if the right one pops up I'll be going to a S6. Thoughts below:

1. Much bigger car. Significantly more leg room behind the front seats and the car is wider.
2. A6 3.0t feels sluggish compared to the S4, but overall not bad. Handling of course is much different, particularly if your S4 had the sports diff. I imagine the performance difference between the S6 and the S4 would be substantial and in the favor of the S6.
3. Tech in the C7 is significantly improved over the B8. Perhaps slightly less so than a B8.5. Rattles (subjectively) are less in my C7 than in my B8, but I can't say for sure because my B8 had a Milltek exhaust and I can't speak to what difference (if any) that might have had on rattles. I'm 20k into my C7 with no discernible rattles.
4. I cross shopped an E63 and it's still on my list, but my immediately conclusion was that the E63's interior pales in comparison to the C7, and unless you get the 4MATIC version, you're going to be burning through rear tires rapidly and that assume you can get the power down to the road. There is also a significant price difference between the E63 and the S6 ($20k or so based on my initial searches for same model year).

[gk1]

I'll play devil's advocate, and being an S6 owner, based on what you posted you will likely not be happy with the S6.

It is very different from the S4 and not in the ways it sounds like you are looking for. Sure it is larger inside front and rear than an S4 (not by much) but if you loath automatics as you say then you will be disappointed in the Drive setting throttle response. I came from the auto S4 to the S6 and the throttle is definitely more muted on the S6 for whatever reason. I would imagine this would feel even worse coming from a manual S4.

As for interior quality issues, having driven Audis for years I feel quality of the interiors between models is almost always the same. Sure they have different looks and styles but the quality is generally even, and the same applies here. The tech is cooler but the quality is the same. So if you had issues with you B8S4 they were unique to you (I had none), and you may have some of those same unique issues in the C7...I have a rattle right now (perhaps because it's getting colder).

Now I don't want to sound horribly negative. Just trying to be honest. I can post glowing gushing praise but I feel that would be just because I have one and love it myself. The softer throttle actually doesn't bother me as much since the S4 felt quite frenetic and when you push the S6 harder that is where it comes into its own. The little bit of extra room is God enough for me but not so sure about rear seat passengers or car seats vs. the S4.

You need to drive one to be sure it meets your expectations.

[LINDW4LL]

I'm not sure what you mean by "I'm sold on the S7", to me that would indicate that you prefer it; but then you said that the body style and lighter weight of the S6 are ideal.

Regardless, I would go for the S6 over the S7 since the rear headroom in the S7 is very limited. If you're carrying clients or co-workers in the back seat that should be a consideration. To me, it's pointless to own a large sedan with a lot of rear leg room when the head room is not there. It was very uncomfortable for me at 6'3" and both my 5'11" and 6'1" friends while at the dealer.

[BrianV]

I'm not sure what you mean by "I'm sold on the S7", to me that would indicate that you prefer it; but then you said that the body style and lighter weight of the S6 are ideal.

Regardless, I would go for the S6 over the S7 since the rear headroom in the S7 is very limited. If you're carrying clients or co-workers in the back seat that should be a consideration. To me, it's pointless to own a large sedan with a lot of rear leg room when the head room is not there. It was very uncomfortable for me at 6'3" and both my 5'11" and 6'1" friends while at the dealer.

Thanks, that was purely a typo to which I've corrected. My fingers were not in sync with my brain; I intended to say, "I'm more or less sold on the S6."

Thanks for the perspective. While I won't dismiss the S7, the lower cost, lower weight and larger utility of the S6 weighs heavily.

To others, I appreciate the opinions on both sides of the fence. I am worried about missing the sportier nature, but regardless of that, my next vehicle, per my wife and other changes in life, will be something that leans a tad bit more to the luxury side. In fact, I went from an E90 M3 to the S4 as my wife was growing tired of the M3 (she stopped wanting to drive it or ride in it). I have minimal regrets there and prefer the S4's overall package. Prior to the M3, I had a Z4MC which is a fairly extreme sports car on the livability scale. The E90 M3 was the replacement which was to be a bit softer, then the S4 even more so. So I've been on a continued downward slope in terms of my vehicles pure athleticism. I guess I'm getting older or my wife's complaints are getting louder...

[BrianV]

Also, one quick question. Living in Texas, I really want ventilated or preferably cooled seats in my next vehicle. It's not a deal breaker, but it's desirable. I'm guessing the Audi's are just ventilated and not actually cooled. My friend's Infiniti M35 has cooled seats, and they're quite cool.

That said, what option package or trim is required for that. Just looking at pictures of 2013/2014 ones on eBay, I can't seem to see many that have anything on the console to indicate any form of seat ventilation/cooling. Is there a button or option package I should look for?

Edited:
Just did some research on the above, it seems you need to get the massaging seats which removes the diamond pattern, so I guess the easy way to tell is by the absence of the diamond stitched seats. Is that true of 2013 and 2014 models as well (my source is audiusa.com configurator at the moment).

[JoeGie]

Also, one quick question. Living in Texas, I really want ventilated or preferably cooled seats in my next vehicle. It's not a deal breaker, but it's desirable. I'm guessing the Audi's are just ventilated and not actually cooled. My friend's Infiniti M35 has cooled seats, and they're quite cool.

That said, what option package or trim is required for that. Just looking at pictures of 2013/2014 ones on eBay, I can't seem to see many that have anything on the console to indicate any form of seat ventilation/cooling. Is there a button or option package I should look for?

Edited:
Just did some research on the above, it seems you need to get the massaging seats which removes the diamond pattern, so I guess the easy way to tell is by the absence of the diamond stitched seats. Is that true of 2013 and 2014 models as well (my source is audiusa.com configurator at the moment).

correct, no diamond stichting means it has the comfort seat package.

[CreoSTi]

I am worried about missing the sportier nature, but regardless of that, my next vehicle, per my wife and other changes in life, will be something that leans a tad bit more to the luxury side.

That's the direction I headed in as well (I went from a 2009 Subaru STI to a 2011 S4 to a 2014 S6). We already have a 7 year old and were contemplating expanding our family, which is what brought me into the S6. The S6 is a great car if what you're looking for is more space/size, luxury/comfort, and still having a car on the "sporty" side.

However, I personally miss having a smaller/sportier car. The S4 was probably the car I enjoyed the most as a compromise between luxury/sport (I leased it for approximately 2.5 years before trading it in on the S6). After 1 year of ownership of the S6, I'm starting to get the "itch" and I'm likely heading towards an F80 M3 sometime next year. I only drive 5,000-7,000 miles per month due to my short commute to the office, and we have an SUV for kid(s), road trips, etc.

Like gk1 said, definitely test drive one before making a decision.

[BrianV]

That's the direction I headed in as well (I went from a 2009 Subaru STI to a 2011 S4 to a 2014 S6). We already have a 7 year old and were contemplating expanding our family, which is what brought me into the S6. The S6 is a great car if what you're looking for is more space/size, luxury/comfort, and still having a car on the "sporty" side.

However, I personally miss having a smaller/sportier car. The S4 was probably the car I enjoyed the most as a compromise between luxury/sport (I leased it for approximately 2.5 years before trading it in on the S6). After 1 year of ownership of the S6, I'm starting to get the "itch" and I'm likely heading towards an F80 M3 sometime next year. I only drive 5,000-7,000 miles per month due to my short commute to the office, and we have an SUV for kid(s), road trips, etc.

Like gk1 said, definitely test drive one before making a decision.

Thanks, ugh I wish you didn't mention the F80 M3, that is also on my list, but it doesn't solve the larger car desire. I also drive 6-7k miles per year currently, but as mention in the OP, I have a new job which has me on the road a bit more as well as a car allowance.

While I like Quattro, I don't need it in Austin, and my wife's Volvo and whatever SUV she ever has, I always get in AWD. I just think with this car being more of a work car, the S6 might be the better choice, but F80 M3 was definitely the next car I had in mind until this job change. I'll get more detail in the coming weeks about the amount of driving and amount of people I'll need to shuttle around.

[CreoSTi]

If you're going to be transporting adults (for work) for any significant amount of time, I would definitely go with the S6. The air suspension is surprisingly fantastic to me, even with a lowering module.

I'm in the S6 by myself more often than not (probably close to 95% of the time), so going into a smaller car like the M3 (or an RS3 if they bring one over) won't negatively impact things. My "larger car" desire is gone, not to mention that I'm only 5'6" and my wife is 5'.

[lnferno]

I have two young ones (8 month + 3.5 year old). They both fit fine in the rear of my S6. I got a couple of products to help protect the seats:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I really love the comfort/massage seats. I use the massage function every day after work. They definitely help me feel more refreshed. I do about 5 minutes on each setting. By the time I get home, I feel decompressed from work. Add an ECU upgrade and you have one hell of a sleeper sedan that can taxi kids around by day and rule the streets by night. There are several S6s that have run mid 11 1/4 mile times with just the ECU upgrade. Am I going to be setting and record setting laps at Laguna Seca? No. This is not a track built car, but it is sporty enough for me. With a vag-com, you can actually lower it up 17mm lower than factory which greatly helps reduce body roll and improves handling a bit. I used to own a B5 S4 Stage III+. My S6 with just an ECU upgrade is about as quick fast my old S4.

This car is SO comfortable on the highway. This is where this car really shines. On a 500+ mile road trip (pure highway miles), I got 29.3 MPG. The cylinder deactivation actually makes the S6 a decent commuter car.

The technology on this car is just ridiculous. HUD, lane assist, night vision, top view cameras, adaptive cruise control, heating steering wheel, heated/ventilated seats, etc. This is by far the best car I've ever owned.

I would be extremely surprised if you weren't completely delighted with an S6.

[bobamoo]

I had a 2014 A4, was not happy with it, vibration issue. Dealer bought it back, bought a 2014 A6. Awesome car. So much more comfy and roomy. Bigger trunk. If you want handling, make sure you drive one with the 20" sport package. Sticks like glue, have had the car on the track and it's amazing that a big sedan handles this good. Then rides home silky smooth. Was also surprised at how well the 2.0T moves the car.

[zcd2.7t]

I'll play devil's advocate, and being an S6 owner, based on what you posted you will likely not be happy with the S6.

It is very different from the S4...but if you loath automatics as you say then you will be disappointed in the Drive setting throttle response. I came from the auto S4 to the S6 and the throttle is definitely more muted on the S6 for whatever reason. I would imagine this would feel even worse coming from a manual....The softer throttle actually doesn't bother me as much since the S4 felt quite frenetic and when you push the S6 harder that is where it comes into its own...

I think what you're describing is primarily the difference in responsiveness between a supercharged engine and a turbocharged engine. The responsiveness of the 3.0T engine will spoil you for most any other engine unless it's a big displacement naturally aspirated V-8.

I noticed the difference right away when I test drove an S6. In the cut and thrust of traffic, the S4 gives you more options, but when the road opens up, the S6 rules.

[SierraBravo]

Yes, the S6 has long legs and is great for highway driving. If I was still living in the SF Bay Area with twisty roads, more traffic and tighter parking spaces then I probably would have kept the B8. But since you live in Texas the S6 is the way to go. Put the EuroCode Überlegenes Stabilisatoren System (ÜSS) on it and the handling gets much better. That was my one complaint about the S6 but not anymore. Plus it is made to carry 4 large adults easily. It outruns the S4 and gets the same or better gas mileage on the freeway.

[SpeedSourceS4]

I had an '11 S4 Prestige and now have a '14 A6 3.0T Prestige. I loved the S4 for sporty driving, but ultimately it didn't have enough utility for my lifestyle (avid skier/mtn biker). I had a roof rack on the S4 year round which took away from the sport drive/feel/look for me. Traded it in on an X5 in 2012 and the fiancee and I just picked up a 14 A6. Love the A6. Interior is light years better than the S4. With the APR Stage 1 the A6 is very quick (for a 4000lb midsize sedan). I shopped the S6, and while I liked it, I didn't think it was worth the extra $$ (took the cash, went Stage 1, and bought a Ducati :) ).

We went with the larger sedan for much the same reasons and you won't be disappointed.

[Ryan_qttro]

I have a friend/customer who went from B8 S4 to new S6. Really likes S6, but misses smaller sportyness of S4. May be going back to S4.

[BrianV]

I think I'm about to pull the trigger on a 2013 Ibis white S6. It has the Driver Assistance Package, 20" Wheels and Full LED Headlights. I can't believe how quiet the darn thing is under acceleration.

Deal's not done, but I think we've basically knocked out the major items.

[socialpro]

I drive an S4 and just picked up an A6 TDI (sport package, 20" wheels) for the wife this weekend putting some miles onto it in the past few days. Totally different size/class of cars.

Freeway driving A6 beats S hands down. Around city - the S is considerably easier and more fun to drive. In bigger cars I also tend to have/feel a bigger disconnect between driver and car (such as A6), no matter the speed, engine or suspension setup of the vehicle.

You do realize size of the A6 around town - turns, lane mergers, etc.

If you have passengers often, you will come to appreciate the room in the S6 without bumping elbows. I would agree out of all the cars Ive owned, the S4 is hands down so far the best compromise between performance and luxury. Rattle wise (huge pet peeve of mine), both cars are super solid, not a squeak in either so I would say build quality is on par (my S4 is B8.5) aside from the layout, materials etc. The A6 feels way more like a TANK/TRAIN going down the road...that can be a pro and a con. I was thinking of going S4 ---> S7 shortly but going to give it some additional time in the A6 to see if the size sacrifice is worth it. Good luck on whatever route you choose and please update on pros/cons after you evaluate the new car!!

[mjt2470]

I think I'm about to pull the trigger on a 2013 Ibis white S6. It has the Driver Assistance Package, 20" Wheels and Full LED Headlights. I can't believe how quiet the darn thing is under acceleration.

Deal's not done, but I think we've basically knocked out the major items.

I just saw your S6 pop up recently on AutoTrader. Lucky for you, it is near you in Austin, TX. No pictures have been posted yet but the price seems good and the Carfax looks good (been in Texas its whole life). They did mess up in the ad and reference the 2.0T engine though?

Good luck!

[BrianV]

I just saw your S6 pop up recently on AutoTrader. Lucky for you, it is near you in Austin, TX. No pictures have been posted yet but the price seems good and the Carfax looks good (been in Texas its whole life). They did mess up in the ad and reference the 2.0T engine though?

Good luck!

Yeah that's the one. It just had it's 25K service last week. No real issues, a little curb rash on two of the wheels which they're having refinished and one of the hood latches seems stuck (passenger side won't lock). It has brand new tires and I'm fortunate to have seen it pre-detail so I get an idea of the real condition.

Owner traded it in for an Alfa 4C, quite the jump.

[BrianV]

It's a done deal. Passed the wife test. It really moves with authority on the highway, and it's so quiet (yet it has a manly low-end growl under load).

Anyone know how I can check my VIN to see if it comes with Audi Care?

[moosehead1]

Anyone know how I can check my VIN to see if it comes with Audi Care?

Yes, take the VIN to another dealer or AOA and ask about any completed or outstanding TSB's, other repairs, and Audi Care. Phone call is enough.

[BrianV]

Yes, take the VIN to another dealer or AOA and ask about any completed or outstanding TSB's, other repairs, and Audi Care. Phone call is enough.

Thanks, actually there is 24/7 chat thing on their web site, and they're able to check. The car has the service stamps for 5k, 15k and 25k in the log book from the local Audi dealer. It does not have Audi CARE however. Anyways, couldn't have been simpler or faster to do it online though.

I think 35K is the first major DSG service right? This is my first non-manual, I heard DSG services are pricey.