S6 Test Drive First Impressions

[Silent Drone]

Yesterday, finally, I got to drive the new S6. It was a prestige that had 21 inch wheels, sport package, and the steel spring sport suspension. For comparison, I am currently diving a 2017 C7.5 S6 with sport package, including factory sport exhaust.

Incidentally, the car I test drove was one of three S6s that recently landed at my local dealer. But they sold two of the three almost immediately, so that I missed my chance to see them in person.

My first impression from this first drive was mostly disappointment with the fake sound Audi is porting in sounds via the sound actuator. It was too much of an effort to overcompensate. When the car was started in dynamic mode, or when you lay on the gas in dynamic, from inside the cabin the sound actuator gives an aggressive and loud roar, like you’re driving a 600hp beast. It was much louder than what I get from my daily driver. To me this was underwhelming because it all just sounded too fake, way too over the top. When it was switched to comfort mode it’s more quiet and natural sounding, and much closer to what you would expect for the natural sound of a V6 like this one. I found that I preferred to leave the sound in comfort to minimize the artificial sound that comes when in dynamic. I don’t need or what that overcompensation, in my opinion.

Regarding feel and power delivery, it’s what I expected. It has good pick up at low speeds and freeway speeds. Good throttle response too. Transmission was responsive and quick.

The interior, with the screens, the new S layout of the tach, and the general feel of the cabin, was very impressive and high quality. I must admit that I’m starting to like the interior a lot more than I thought I would. The screens were easy to use, and they look great. Getting back to mine, with it’s MMI knob, retractable screen mounted high on the dash, and even the mechanical needles for speed and tach, it did feel like its staring to become outdated. Plus, I can’t help but think how much better my life will be when I can ditch that damn lightning cable to use car play. Lol

Overall, it’s a very nice car.


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[Frenetic]

Did it feel any less or more powerful than your S6? I agree with the interior, it definitely makes our cars look dated.

[Silent Drone]

Did it feel any less or more powerful than your S6? I agree with the interior, it definitely makes our cars look dated.

I’d say it felt about the same according to my butt dyno. It has plenty of power. I was able to try it from the stop, in slow situations accelerating from say 20 to 40, and at freeway speeds accelerating from say 50 to 75 mph. In all those situations the acceleration was quite comparable to my C7.5. I didn’t get to try a pull from 80 to 100.


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[gk1]

So it sounds like this go-round they improved tech (not for me anyway...bleh touchscreens) and improved mpg. Interior and handling are up to the usual Audi standard as expected, but they have not progressed the performance. Similar or same performance is not really good enough with stiff competition around. When they moved from the C6 S6 to C7 S6 they almost downplayed performance, but the difference was massive, not just similar. Even though they are not in the same league it is almost like they have put all their eggs in the RS6 and the S6 is just an afterthought. I'll reserve more judgement until the facelift arrives and perhaps the speculation of S+ models. Still bitter they held back the 500HP V8 for the SQ7 & SQ8. Only reason I can see is playing the CAFE game. The S6 demands a V6 to attain higher fuel economy standards/emissions for the manufacturer, but an SUV (light truck) in the US doesn't have to abide by those same rules. Since they are diesel in ROW and absolutely need a different motor for US, there was no need to make them hyped up V6's to pass any regulations, so wham they got the 500HP V8 that should have been in the C8 S6 too. While many may disagree I'm still betting they drop the V6 A6 like the did for the A4 years ago and your only offerings will be A6 2.0T or S6 if you want a V6.

[Silent Drone]

So it sounds like this go-round they improved tech (not for me anyway...bleh touchscreens) and improved mpg. Interior and handling are up to the usual Audi standard as expected, but they have not progressed the performance. Similar or same performance is not really good enough with stiff competition around. When they moved from the C6 S6 to C7 S6 they almost downplayed performance, but the difference was massive, not just similar. Even though they are not in the same league it is almost like they have put all their eggs in the RS6 and the S6 is just an afterthought. I'll reserve more judgement until the facelift arrives and perhaps the speculation of S+ models. Still bitter they held back the 500HP V8 for the SQ7 & SQ8. Only reason I can see is playing the CAFE game. The S6 demands a V6 to attain higher fuel economy standards/emissions for the manufacturer, but an SUV (light truck) in the US doesn't have to abide by those same rules. Since they are diesel in ROW and absolutely need a different motor for US, there was no need to make them hyped up V6's to pass any regulations, so wham they got the 500HP V8 that should have been in the C8 S6 too. While many may disagree I'm still betting they drop the V6 A6 like the did for the A4 years ago and your only offerings will be A6 2.0T or S6 if you want a V6.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I read it with interest, and I think I agree with everything you said here.


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[Valgus]

See, I would argue that being able to maintain (it’s actually an improvement on the torque side) performance with fewer cylinders and a mild hybrid IS a progression in performance. It may not be the progression that everybody wants but nonetheless it is progression. Everybody wants a bump in performance every year but honestly, is that feasible ? This year it goes to 500, in 5 years 600, 650 etc. How many years before the S6/S7 will be rated at 1000 hp? Is this what customers want from their S cars ? I would say that if you are coming from an older generation S6 and are ready for the next level in speed and performance, time for you to get the RS. I’m going to say it, the 2.9 liter V6 twin turbo with mild hybrid technology is a better engine than the old V8. It’s lighter, amazing power delivery specification and more efficient. If you want to talk about sound ? This is purely cosmetic and has no place in discussions of performance. It is an automotive trend which is eventually going to die. Owners like to impress their friends by stepping on the gas and presenting the deep sound of a V8 with the pride of a stiff erection. If you’ve ever seen a Tesla drag pretty much anything, you know what the outcome is. This is the way of the future and kicking and screaming, everyone is going to have to get used to it.

[gk1]

See, I would argue that being able to maintain (it’s actually an improvement on the torque side) performance with fewer cylinders and a mild hybrid IS a progression in performance. It may not be the progression that everybody wants but nonetheless it is progression. Everybody wants a bump in performance every year but honestly, is that feasible ? This year it goes to 500, in 5 years 600, 650 etc. How many years before the S6/S7 will be rated at 1000 hp? Is this what customers want from their S cars ? I would say that if you are coming from an older generation S6 and are ready for the next level in speed and performance, time for you to get the RS. I’m going to say it, the 2.9 liter V6 twin turbo with mild hybrid technology is a better engine than the old V8. It’s lighter, amazing power delivery specification and more efficient. If you want to talk about sound ? This is purely cosmetic and has no place in discussions of performance. It is an automotive trend which is eventually going to die. Owners like to impress their friends by stepping on the gas and presenting the deep sound of a V8 with the pride of a stiff erection. If you’ve ever seen a Tesla drag pretty much anything, you know what the outcome is. This is the way of the future and kicking and screaming, everyone is going to have to get used to it.

As you said this is the end....Give me 500 HP V8 NOW because in 5 years it WILL be electric. Those that want efficiency and don't want that much power still get the 2.0T & 3.0T today. I feel the S6 is not and should not be striving for so much efficiency and Audi aiming for that target will miss. The minimal weight difference is also meh since the whole car ways two tons anyway. (BTW the C8 S6 weighs 88lbs MORE than a C7.) I'd do better to lose some weight myself than rely on Audi to cut weight. The S to RS jump is what Audi perhaps hopes will happen, but they have made the gap too large $80k S6 to $120k+ RS6....
I can't argue that for displacement/hp the 2.9T(150HP/L) is great, it is a good motor for the RS5, but IMO not for the S6 and the mild hybrid is basically a useless stopgap to pure EV's. Honestly I don't even know why they bother at this point since they are so committed to EV's. (Probably was already in the pipeline from decades ago.)
I'm sure there will be some fantastic EV's in Audi's future, but til then....

[Silent Drone]

When I was at the dealer on Friday driving the S6, the general manager casually mentioned that orders were open for the SQ7 and he’d be happy to put an order in for me so I could have one of the first ones. In the moment I dismissed it out of hand, but I must confess that as I’ve thought about it over the weekend I find the idea more and more appealing.


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[socialpro]

Thanks for the write up. How would you rate the sportiness feel from the C7.5 to the C8? When I drove and compared the C8 A6 to my C7 TDI A6 - I feel like it became more 'cadillac - like' for lack of a better word.

Sure, the power, style, quality of materials improved - but the best analogy I came up with is the new A6 feels more closer to the outgoing A8. Does the S car suffer the same?

Also did the C8 S6 feel any larger driving or similar in size to the outgoing car?

I fully agree that Audi now overdoes it with their artificial sounds inside the cabin. It definitely infected the entire modern S-line of cars, and is completely unnecessary.

[Silent Drone]

Thanks for the write up. How would you rate the sportiness feel from the C7.5 to the C8? When I drove and compared the C8 A6 to my TDI A6 - I feel like it became more 'cadillac - like' for lack of a better word.

Sure, the power, style, quality of materials improved - but the best analogy I came up with is the new A6 feels more closer to the outgoing A8. Does the S car suffer the same?

Also did the C8 S6 feel any larger driving or similar in size to the outgoing car?

I fully agree that Audi now overdoes it with their artificial sounds inside the cabin. It definitely infected the entire modern S-line of cars, and is completely unnecessary.

I’d say the C7.5 and the C8 have a very similar sporty feel. The new one feels very well planted and balanced, and only slightly more so than the outgoing one, if that. Maybe that was due to the 21 inch wheels and steel suspension on the new car.


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[rexus300]

Looks like they enjoyed the new S6 and S7
https://www.autoblog.com/2020/02/04/...w-first-drive/

[Valgus]

I think that those that complain about any lack of power and exhaust note on the 2020 S6/S7 will be a very vocal minority. From what I have seen, it’s an amazing vehicle and can’t wait to get mine soon.

[19_hole]

My S7 left the factory today....hope to have it in a few weeks!

[rexus300]

How come the diamond stitch sports seats in these cars do not come with ventilation like on the new SQ8, SQ7 or RS models?? Very annoying.

[Silent Drone]

Maybe it’s because Audi is offering an upgrade to the comfort seats, those are ventilated. They’re actually really nice seats but I’ve always preferred the sporty look of the standard seats. I believe the upcoming SQ7/8 is going to have an option for ventilation in the sport seats. We’ll see.


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[Valgus]

I thought you were jumping through the S6/S7 to the RS model anyways ?

[rexus300]

Valgus,

Yes I am going for the RS7. Just was wondering why they put more features on the SQ lineups that aren't offered in the S6/S7.

[Silent Drone]

Valgus,

Yes I am going for the RS7. Just was wondering why they put more features on the SQ lineups that aren't offered in the S6/S7.

What feature is offered on the SQ7/8 that’s not also offers on the S6/7 other than the V8 engine?

I’m curious because I’m thinking about the S6 vs SQ7 right now. Totally different vehicles, I know, but still that’s where I am at the moment.


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[gk1]

What feature is offered on the SQ7/8 that’s not also offers on the S6/7 other than the V8 engine?

I’m curious because I’m thinking about the S6 vs SQ7 right now. Totally different vehicles, I know, but still that’s where I am at the moment.


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Ventilated diamond stitched sport seats.
On the S6 you have to choose between the diamond sport seats without ventilation and ventilated comfort seats.
Audi wants you to buy the SUV anyway.
500HP V8
Ventilated diamond stitched sport seats
Less regulation
More room
Greater margins for Audi
All signs point to Audi ♥ SUV more than sedan. Not really a surprise, been that way for years.
The SQ's and RSQ's might be swan songs too prior to e-tron equivalent replacements.

[Silent Drone]

Yeah, those sport seats are pretty nice. I noticed in the new S6 the diamond pattern is different. Its less uniform but still diamond-like. Also I’d say that the diamond sport seats in my C7.5 are a little bit too firm. Doesn’t bother my as much but my wife comments from time to time. The ones in the new S6 seemed to be a little more forgiving. We’ll see if they stay that way over time.

You’re right that Audi is aggressively expanding into the SUV offerings, but I’d say that we’re fortunate they haven’t scaled back the sedan offerings. In fact, they’ve expanded. I think their offerings in A/S/RS/6/7 is very strong and very appealing.




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[Valgus]

I can’t understand why you would say that Audi wants us to buy SUV’s instead of sedans. Of course there is a high demand for SUV’s and sedans are almost a niche market but I think that corporate Audi just wants you to buy Audis. They create option packages that are in demand for each particular vehicle and these are designed to entice people to buy. To think that someone in marketing is thinking of ways to discourage a sedan owner from purchasing a sedan and instead funnel them towards an SUV is a little weird and sounds like a bit of a conspiracy theory.

[gk1]

Why not... is it so hard to believe....then they can just make the most profitable versions like Ford. If sedan's were forefront in Audi's strategy then where is the A4 e-tron? Instead first up you get an SUV and a "sportback".
Was it deliberate, maybe not. But who's to say the engineers in charge of the S6 didn't ask for the V8 that they already knew was going to be in the SQ's and corporate said, you know what, make due with the 2.9T, that's "good enough". Audi makes more money on SUV's and has to deal with less US regulations for impacting their corporate bottom line and CAFE. I'll admit the person in charge of the S6 is probably doing the best they can with what they are given, but were they allowed to make the best choices from what is available in the pool of resources? I still say no. The S6 will still be a fine sedan. It is the potential of what it easily could have been that is the disappointment. If performance is not the name of the game for the S6 then the V6 A6 is right there for $10k less.

[Valgus]

The basis of your argument is that the 2.9 is less advanced than the old V8 and that they have a higher profit margin on SUV’s than sedans. Both of these arguments are indeed false. While it is true that car companies probably sell more SUV’s nowadays than sedans and hence make a lot of their profits from this class of vehicle, the margin of profit per vehicle is a complicated formula that you nor I have access to. This is where I think you are getting confused. Regarding the 2.9 engine, whether you like it or not, smaller displacement, forced induction, high torque, light, efficient and hybrid are words associated engine advancement these days. Engineers didn’t ask for a V8, that’s just fiction. Why do I think that ? Well because the fact that engineers get excited about figuring out engineering problems, at heart they are nerds that were given the task of developing an engine with the same power but yet possess all the qualities mentioned above. Not to pound a dead horse but the fact that Porsche puts the exact same engine in the Cayenne S also deadens your argument. They are company who’s sole focus is performance with spirited driving dynamics and guess what ? It’s an SUV, how does that make sense to you ?

[gk1]

Sure the 2.9T is plenty "advanced", great for the B-segment RS5, they had this 444HP V6 2 years ago, but Audi had this 500HP V8 waiting there for the SQ's but they chose not to put it in the S6. Again, it is not how fine it is today, but how good it could have been with an engine they knew they had available. Would a small, light, efficient V6 perform better than a 500HP V8 in the S6? Simple answer is no. Even if it is heavier. If you crave efficiency the V6 A6 still exists. Heck you can even get the 2.0T for ultimate efficiency. The S6 should be if you want performance over efficiency and holding back an existing V8 just feels like a step in the wrong direction for the S model. Again, don't misunderstand, it will be a fine car... but what could have been. As for Porsche, they do offer significantly more powerful V8's in the Cayenne as well, something you can now only get in the C segment Audi by moving up to their ultimate line RS6 or RS7 (but no sedan, you have to want an avant or hatch).. Just because Porsche also offers a smaller Audi engine doesn't mean they consider that their performance engine, it is more entry level for Porsche. They just want to sell as many of those as they can so they can continue making true sports cars like the 911's. The Cayenne after all is a Q7 with better suspension tuning from Porsche. My problem really is with the existence of the 500HP V8 at all. If the case were the 2.9T is good enough why not have that in the SQ7 and SQ8, then I'd have nothing to complain about.

[Frenetic]

I was so close to ordering an S7 (as I felt I had no choice), but after hearing about the SQ8, I changed my mind and just placed an order for the SQ8. If the S7 had the 500 HP V8, I would have certainly ordered the S7 as I'm not really into SUVs (unlike the rest of the world), but I chose the SQ8 over the S7 simply because of the engine. I just knew that if I ordered the S7, I would have regretted it knowing the SQ7 and SQ8 has that engine.

Also, isn't this V8 a detuned RS6/7 engine, which is all new over the existing V8 in the current S6/S7/etc (and also related to the new Porsche V8)? I thought I remembered reading that somewhere. This engine was released in 2016/2017.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a1...win-turbo-v-8/

https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/comp...ncy-12694.html

[aquarian]

Yeah, I too almost cancelled my S7 order knowing that the S-SUV's will have a more powerful V8. But, since I am not an SUV guy and my wife already drives a Q7, it doesn't make much sense for me to get another SUV. Additionally, if I ever needed more power, APR has already tuned the new RS5's engine, which is the same as the S6/S7 with almost extra 100 HP. So, I am not too worried about getting outran by a SQ8.

I was so close to ordering an S7 (as I felt I had no choice), but after hearing about the SQ8, I changed my mind and just placed an order for the SQ8. If the S7 had the 500 HP V8, I would have certainly ordered the S7 as I'm not really into SUVs (unlike the rest of the world), but I chose the SQ8 over the S7 simply because of the engine. I just knew that if I ordered the S7, I would have regretted it knowing the SQ7 and SQ8 has that engine.

Also, isn't this V8 a detuned RS6/7 engine, which is all new over the existing V8 in the current S6/S7/etc (and also related to the new Porsche V8)? I thought I remembered reading that somewhere. This engine was released in 2016/2017.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a1...win-turbo-v-8/

https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/comp...ncy-12694.html

[gk1]

Yeah, I too almost cancelled my S7 order knowing that the S-SUV's will have a more powerful V8. But, since I am not an SUV guy and my wife already drives a Q7, it doesn't make much sense for me to get another SUV. Additionally, if I ever needed more power, APR has already tuned the new RS5's engine, which is the same as the S6/S7 with almost extra 100 HP. So, I am not too worried about getting outran by a SQ8.

The EA839 in the B9 RS5 is not exactly the same as the C8 S6/S7. There is no hybridization. Who knows if that will make it more difficult to tune.
Furthermore APR has only extracted +100HP on exotic fuels. Standard 91/93 octane only nets 40HP...so still 2HP shy of the new V8.

Stock As Reported by Audi 91 AKI 444 HP 443 FT-LBS
Stock As Measured by APR 93 AKI 458 HP 469 FT-LBS

APR Stage I 91 AKI 488 HP 537 FT-LBS +44 HP +94 FT-LBS
APR Stage I 93 AKI 498 HP 556 FT-LBS +40 HP +87 FT-LBS
APR Stage I 100 AKI 524 HP 581 FT-LBS
APR Stage I 104 AKI 532 HP 606 FT-LBS
APR Stage I E60-E85 550 HP 569 FT-LBS

[Valgus]

SUV’s (SQ8 included) are in general for hauling and transporting. Though the SQ8 hedges towards the sporty side, it will never compare to the driving dynamics of an S7, period. I don’t care if it has a V8, it is heavier, rides much higher and is not designed for spirited driving. Engineers must come up with clever mechanisms to compensate for the inherent un-sporty design of an SUV which includes adding a V8. If you want power combined with sporty driving and are not concerned about having to haul a lot of people, the S7 is an obvious choice.

[Frenetic]

For me, I’m more into really FAST versus “sporty.” I want it to be practical and also a nice place to be in as well. The previous S7 fit the bill perfectly, but for what I want, the SQ8 beats the current S7: it’s faster and more practical.

[Valgus]

Fair enough, the SQ8 will get you 0.1 seconds faster to 60 than the S7.

[Silent Drone]

For those who are unhappy with Audi’s choice to put the V6 in the S6/7 it might help to remember that it could have been worse... in Europe they put the TDI in the S6/7. ...


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[gk1]

Having had a B8 S4 and it's SUV equivalent MKI SQ5 I can attest that for 90% of driving there is near as makes no difference in sporty driving or handling dynamics.
It IS unfortunate as, believe it or not, I do like sedans, but the SQ7 and SQ8 will put the S6/S7 on its heels and sales will tell the story. I'll even go out on a limb and say if it weren't for the monkey wrench that is the RS6 that the RSQ8 would probably outsell the popular RS7. I mean WTF an Urus sells...

[The BMW Killa]

SUV’s (SQ8 included) are in general for hauling and transporting. Though the SQ8 hedges towards the sporty side, it will never compare to the driving dynamics of an S7, period. I don’t care if it has a V8, it is heavier, rides much higher and is not designed for spirited driving. Engineers must come up with clever mechanisms to compensate for the inherent un-sporty design of an SUV which includes adding a V8. If you want power combined with sporty driving and are not concerned about having to haul a lot of people, the S7 is an obvious choice.

I understand what you’re saying but in this day and age, take the bmw m4 and the x4, ones a Suv and ones a 2 door sports car. They drive the same. Both drive like unreliable shit. Haha see what I did there.


- The BMW Killa

[FourRings115]

The basis of your argument is that the 2.9 is less advanced than the old V8 and that they have a higher profit margin on SUV’s than sedans. Both of these arguments are indeed false. While it is true that car companies probably sell more SUV’s nowadays than sedans and hence make a lot of their profits from this class of vehicle, the margin of profit per vehicle is a complicated formula that you nor I have access to. This is where I think you are getting confused. Regarding the 2.9 engine, whether you like it or not, smaller displacement, forced induction, high torque, light, efficient and hybrid are words associated engine advancement these days. Engineers didn’t ask for a V8, that’s just fiction. Why do I think that ? Well because the fact that engineers get excited about figuring out engineering problems, at heart they are nerds that were given the task of developing an engine with the same power but yet possess all the qualities mentioned above. Not to pound a dead horse but the fact that Porsche puts the exact same engine in the Cayenne S also deadens your argument. They are company who’s sole focus is performance with spirited driving dynamics and guess what ? It’s an SUV, how does that make sense to you ?

Porsche ain’t perfect either. I bought a 981 Cayman when prices were stuck and not dropping anymore. Why did the used prices stop declining? Because the 718 was not well accepted by Porsche’s most loyal customers. Porsche was smart enough to back track and make the NA flat six available not just in the GT4 but also in the GTS trim. Porsche was also smart enough to back track and offer a manual transmission in the 991.2 GT3 after going PDK only in the 991.1 while insisting its customers wanted only the best lap times.

The point is that companies make mistakes. Good companies that want to cultivate a certain reputation with its die hard loyalists make course corrections when necessary. It doesn’t matter that Porsche the 2.9TT in a Cayenne. It’s a freaking Cayenne. Audi has been sending me customer surveys as part of its core customer feedback program for the last year. Most of the surveys had to do with cat tech, apps, and other bullshit- nothing about performance, passion, driving dynamics, etc Let’s just say I am damn glad I bought my Cayman, and I don’t think Audi will be in my search when my warranty is up on my ‘16 S6. Been eyeing the Merc E63S wagon.

[steve0913]

Thanks for sharing. After driving my 2019 A7, I've moved on from the classic C7 and although I love the C7 S7 V8, I think the interior and Carplay now outweighs the past models for me.

So would you get it? :)