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2017 Audi S6 combines comfort and luxury with raw power Featured

Posted On Monday, 15 May 2017 03:09 Written by
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Welcome to the fun zone.

Audi may have a hoidy-toidy reputation on the whole, but slap an S in any of their model names and things get a bit more loose.
I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2017 Audi S6 midsize sedan, and I’m back with the highlights of what you can expect from this hot rod.

1. Uberfast

The simplest way to put it is to say that the Audi S6 is a thoroughly enjoyable ride -- combining all the comfort and smoothness of the A6 with a more performance/sporty edge. It gets up to speed in stunning fashion for its size: You’re hauling you-know-what before you even realize it (“Am I really going that fast?” was a common expression during my time in the S6).

If you want to tone down the speed, get out of dynamic mode (which would be better labeled as beast mode).

 


This performance comes courtesy of a 4.0-liter, V8 engine. It features 450 horsepower and 406 lb.-ft. of torque. Transmission is automatic, with paddle shifters. And all S6 models will have Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.
It’s worth noting that the sound of this engine is a gem. You’ll get the urge to find a racetrack to take it to.

 

2. It’s a beauty
The exterior of the Audi S6 is attractive and well-designed, particularly the front grille, but overall it’s not as showy as some other manufacturers’ sporty models. That’s sort of Audi’s thing, though. Focus on what’s under the hood, no need to make the sexiest looking vehicle.

Inside, though, the vehicle truly shines. You get a steering wheel design that evokes racecar styling, and intricate red leather seats without a stitch out of place. Clearly it took some time and tender loving care to put this vehicle together (as it should with a $70K+ pricetag). The comfort you would get in an A6 does not go away in the S6, despite its focus on performance.

 

3. MPG
WIth the powerful engine the S6 has, you know that fuel mileage isn’t going to top the charts.
Offical numbers are 18 city, 27 highway and 21 combined. In my time driving the S6, I averaged closer to 20 mpg and sometimes below, depending how far I pushed the vehicle.

But that’s OK. This is a performance vehicle, the type of vehicle where that’s not generally on the minds of most who would buy it. And to be fair, its numbers do hold up quite well vs. the luxury sports sedan competition.

4. Friendly tech system

Audi’s Multi Media Interface system and navigation system are easy to control via the center dial and voice commands. It’s one of the better systems in the luxury marketplace.

Other standard tech highlights include: Bose Surround sound audio system, parking system plus with rear-view camera, Bluetooth connection with audio streaming, Audi Xenon Plus headlights with LED DRLs and taillights and a power sunroof.

Only complaint I had is that like many Audi vehicles, there are so many levers and controls to choose from, drivers may find themselves a bit confused at times when they are first driving the vehicle. Not a huge deal though, as with time you will learn them as second nature, and voice commands work well too if you can’t figure something out right off the bat.

There are other tech features offered as options. These include: Head-up display, power rear sunshade, and a Driver Assistance package featuring adaptive cruise control; Audi pre sense plus; Audi active lane assist; and a Top View camera system


5. Price, bottom line

The 2017 Audi S6 has a base price of $70,900, and my test vehicle came in at $82,425 after all options.


If the Audi lineup were a family, the S6 would be that outlandish cousin who tries to blend in externally but always ends up doing something a little bit crazy at the holiday dinner. He’s not the most extreme rebel in the clan, but he’s definitely far from vanilla. If you want a bit more fun in your luxury sedan and can afford the premium price, the Audi S6 is a vehicle you’ll look forward to driving on a daily basis.

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AutoTechReviews.com can be found on Twitter @AutoTechReview, or stay updated at the AutoTechReviews Facebook page.

Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.

 

Read 5225 times Last modified on Wednesday, 12 June 2019 21:48
Matt M. Myftiu

Matt Myftiu has been a journalist for two decades with a focus on technology, NASCAR and autos.

https://www.autotechreviews.com

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