Audi S6
The Audi S6 is the high-performance version of Audi's popular A6 midsize sedan. The S6 provides the same seating for five adults in a luxurious four-door passenger car, but with an upgraded turbocharged V6 engine featuring a mild hybrid system and Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. Inside, the S6 provides a sporty take on a luxury car interior, with plenty of available and standard tech, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen® audio system is available in the Premium Plus trim level or higher.
Explore the evolution of the Audi S6
Get our expert take on used Audi S6 models, or view year-by-year changes.
Fifth generation Audi S6
The most recent generation of the Audi S6 is designed to bridge the space between a standard premium sedan and a true sports car. This isn't a car you would take to a racetrack, but its 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 with mild hybrid boost offer plenty of power for a grand-touring sedan. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro® all-wheel-drive system.
In most model years, Audi offers the S6 in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Engine performance is the same in all trims, so the difference is in cabin technology and luxury features. For example, the top Prestige trim includes a head-up display, sound-insulated glass, soft-close doors, and a remote parking system.
Model highlights
Four-door midsize sedan
Turbocharged V6 engine with mild hybrid system
Automatic transmission with all-wheel drive
Luxury interior
Technology leader
Fourth generation Audi S6
After a hiatus in 2012, the fourth-generation Audi S6 debuted with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine rated at 420 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, which was increased to 450 hp in 2016. The V8 is paired with a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro® all-wheel-drive system. The car rides on an adaptive air-ride suspension, allowing the driver to select a firm ride for spirited driving and a softer ride for everyday use. The S6 rides on 19-inch or 20-inch wheels.
Inside, the fourth-generation S6 features available adaptive cruise control, adaptive LED headlights, a 360-degree camera system, parking assistance, and a Bang & Olufsen® audio system. Additional available tech in higher trim levels includes navigation, Wi-Fi, massaging seats, and night vision. As a midsize sedan, there's plenty of room for up to five adults.
Model highlights
Turbocharged V8 engine
Automatic transmission with all-wheel drive
Adaptive sport suspension
Comfortable cabin
Advanced technology
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2020 - 2025
2025 Audi S6
2024 Audi S6
2023 Audi S6
2022 Audi S6
2021 Audi S6
2020 Audi S6
Highlights
First year for fifth-generation Audi S6
No S6 models were made for the 2019 model year
Learn more
Previous generation from 2013 - 2018
2018 Audi S6
2017 Audi S6
2016 Audi S6
2015 Audi S6
Highlights
Xenon headlights replaced by LED headlights
Head-up display became standard
Learn more
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Reliability
RepairPal gave the Audi S6 an overall reliability rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Below Average. This rating ranks Audi S6 43rd out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Audi S6 is $1061, compared to an average of $725 for Luxury Fullsize Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Audi S6 owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 2.1 times per year, compared to an average of 1.7 times for Luxury Fullsize Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 27% for the Audi S6, compared to an average of 17% for Luxury Fullsize Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Jeff Zurschmeide has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years, covering the new car business as well as motorsports and industry news. He lives in Tillamook, Oregon, at the confluence of great roads, nice weather, and plenty of space for a collection of strange old automobiles.
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