Those who proclaim money is the root of all evil are simply complaining that they don’t have enough of it. I occasionally find myself woe-is-me-ing the fact that I don’t have millions of dollars in the bank, but I usually get over it.
Those with a few extra clams in the bank, without being filthy stinkin’ rich, the automotive world is ripe with options, some better than others.
Perhaps one of the best-rounded choices in North America is the Audi S6. The battle rages on between BMW and Mercedes-Benz for the top-dog spot, but Audi know the cars speak for themselves.
The Audi S6 need not do a thing except be. Offering a perfect blend of luxury and performance, the S6 is motivation alone to get a degree that’ll land you salary enough to get behind the wheel.
What is an Audi S6?
The 2013 Audi S6 is the crown jewel in the A6 lineup in North America. Elsewhere, those with enough coin can purchase an RS 6 wagon. If you’d like a sample of what the RS 6 is like, check out my review of the RS 7, essentially the hatchback version of the same car.
On that subject, the S6 is only offered as a sedan in North America, while delightful long-roofs are available in many European countries.
The Audi S6 is a large, midsize luxury sedan blessed with everything that comes with the “S” line of Audi cars, meaning it goes fast and looks good in the process.
2013 Audi S6 Price and Specs
The 2013 S6 features Audi’s delectable twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 TFSI engine. It develops a healthy 420 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
The engine is an absolute gem, but the piece de résistance is the 7-speed Audi S tronic dual-clutch transmission mated to the quattro all-wheel drive system. What goes fast must slow down and the S6 does so with 15.7” front and 14” rear ventilated discs.
Large portions of the car’s body are made of aluminum for maximum weight saving.
Base price of the 2013 Audi S6 is $82,300. With options (such as the Bang & Olufsen audio system, Vision package, LED headlights) my tester’s total rings in at $100,895.
Driving the 2013 Audi S6
I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the 2013 Audi S6 just in time for a 1,000 km road trip. The S6 proved my best companion to date for this drive.
With Audi’s Drive Select set to Individual (everything on Dynamic, save for the suspension on Comfort), the highway held no obstacles -- only dreaded traffic.
Throttle response feels lazy, but the powertrain’s effortless efficiency and power only make it seem so. In mere moments, the big sedan barrels down the highway with supreme focus and confidence. The 2013 Audi S6 is so at ease at speed and so unperturbed that exceeding limits without realizing is a real concern. Hence why I love Germany.
The 2013 Audi S6 will break the 100 km/h mark in a blink over 4.5 seconds. In the process, and especially when in manual mode, the driver gets to experience Audi’s savoir-faire transmission-wise. The S tronic bangs through gears with alacrity. Whether slumming around the city or attempting to break the sound barrier, the transmission lives by the driver’s whims.
To go along with the powertrain, Audi was kind enough to endow the car with precise steering. I would have liked an extra dose of tactile communication from the front-end, but I could easily live without.
Inside and Out of the 2013 Audi S6
The current generation A6, introduced in 2012, is boss. Period. Audi’s famous the world over for their front fascia. The S6’s Phantom Black coat mixes beautifully with the gorgeous grille and particularly well with the stunning LED headlamps.
The 2013 Audi S6’s styling is not revolutionary, but is oh-so flawlessly German. The optional 20” alloys fill the wheel wells and expose the large discs and S6-branded calipers. Oh, and the S6 badges cap everything off perfectly.
On board, the S6 treats its occupants to extraordinary seats up front, and a roomy rear bench. Facing the driver is a busy dashboard replete with controls to make the entire driving experience a memorable one.
Fit and finish are flawless. I’m a huge fan of the contrast stitching on the wheel and shifter boot. Audi’s MMI controller requires some time for familiarization, but can be mastered. The trunk, with the bench lowered, easily swallowed my Giant and week’s worth of gear.
A word about the famous Bang & Olufsen audio system: While a supreme showpiece when the tweeters rise from the corners of the dashboard with great sound, I think the $6,500 price would be better invested in comfort seats and Starbucks shares.
Comparing the Audi S6
The 2013 Audi S6 faces stiff competition from the BMW 550i xDrive and the Mercedes-Benz E 550 4MATIC.
The Audi S6 is the sportiest of the lot and, depending on taste, the most badass. I would look into the Bimmer but would likely return home with the Four Rings.
Those with a few extra clams in the bank, without being filthy stinkin’ rich, the automotive world is ripe with options, some better than others.
Perhaps one of the best-rounded choices in North America is the Audi S6. The battle rages on between BMW and Mercedes-Benz for the top-dog spot, but Audi know the cars speak for themselves.
The Audi S6 need not do a thing except be. Offering a perfect blend of luxury and performance, the S6 is motivation alone to get a degree that’ll land you salary enough to get behind the wheel.
What is an Audi S6?
The 2013 Audi S6 is the crown jewel in the A6 lineup in North America. Elsewhere, those with enough coin can purchase an RS 6 wagon. If you’d like a sample of what the RS 6 is like, check out my review of the RS 7, essentially the hatchback version of the same car.
On that subject, the S6 is only offered as a sedan in North America, while delightful long-roofs are available in many European countries.
The Audi S6 is a large, midsize luxury sedan blessed with everything that comes with the “S” line of Audi cars, meaning it goes fast and looks good in the process.
2013 Audi S6 Price and Specs
The 2013 S6 features Audi’s delectable twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 TFSI engine. It develops a healthy 420 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
The engine is an absolute gem, but the piece de résistance is the 7-speed Audi S tronic dual-clutch transmission mated to the quattro all-wheel drive system. What goes fast must slow down and the S6 does so with 15.7” front and 14” rear ventilated discs.
Large portions of the car’s body are made of aluminum for maximum weight saving.
Base price of the 2013 Audi S6 is $82,300. With options (such as the Bang & Olufsen audio system, Vision package, LED headlights) my tester’s total rings in at $100,895.
Driving the 2013 Audi S6
I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the 2013 Audi S6 just in time for a 1,000 km road trip. The S6 proved my best companion to date for this drive.
With Audi’s Drive Select set to Individual (everything on Dynamic, save for the suspension on Comfort), the highway held no obstacles -- only dreaded traffic.
Throttle response feels lazy, but the powertrain’s effortless efficiency and power only make it seem so. In mere moments, the big sedan barrels down the highway with supreme focus and confidence. The 2013 Audi S6 is so at ease at speed and so unperturbed that exceeding limits without realizing is a real concern. Hence why I love Germany.
The 2013 Audi S6 will break the 100 km/h mark in a blink over 4.5 seconds. In the process, and especially when in manual mode, the driver gets to experience Audi’s savoir-faire transmission-wise. The S tronic bangs through gears with alacrity. Whether slumming around the city or attempting to break the sound barrier, the transmission lives by the driver’s whims.
To go along with the powertrain, Audi was kind enough to endow the car with precise steering. I would have liked an extra dose of tactile communication from the front-end, but I could easily live without.
Inside and Out of the 2013 Audi S6
The current generation A6, introduced in 2012, is boss. Period. Audi’s famous the world over for their front fascia. The S6’s Phantom Black coat mixes beautifully with the gorgeous grille and particularly well with the stunning LED headlamps.
The 2013 Audi S6’s styling is not revolutionary, but is oh-so flawlessly German. The optional 20” alloys fill the wheel wells and expose the large discs and S6-branded calipers. Oh, and the S6 badges cap everything off perfectly.
On board, the S6 treats its occupants to extraordinary seats up front, and a roomy rear bench. Facing the driver is a busy dashboard replete with controls to make the entire driving experience a memorable one.
Fit and finish are flawless. I’m a huge fan of the contrast stitching on the wheel and shifter boot. Audi’s MMI controller requires some time for familiarization, but can be mastered. The trunk, with the bench lowered, easily swallowed my Giant and week’s worth of gear.
A word about the famous Bang & Olufsen audio system: While a supreme showpiece when the tweeters rise from the corners of the dashboard with great sound, I think the $6,500 price would be better invested in comfort seats and Starbucks shares.
Comparing the Audi S6
The 2013 Audi S6 faces stiff competition from the BMW 550i xDrive and the Mercedes-Benz E 550 4MATIC.
The Audi S6 is the sportiest of the lot and, depending on taste, the most badass. I would look into the Bimmer but would likely return home with the Four Rings.
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