STEALTH BOMBER (some text hidden) SECTIONED_mid_audis6_2020

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 90

By 2019, there had been more powerful Audi S6 models in the Ingolstadt brand's history, but never one boasting as much as 700Nm of pulling power. This fifth generation C8-series Audi S6, introduced in 2019, got that courtesy of a torque-rich V6 TDI engine. For the first time in an S6, there was diesel power - and it was the only option. Audi promised that this black pump-fuelled unit would fully deliver on the promise of the red rhombus-backed S badge. Let's check this car out as a used buy.

Modelsword count: 9

4dr saloon / 5dr Avant Estate (3.0 TDI diesel)

Historyword count: 164

By the end of this century's second decade, while Audi's RS models had been getting progressively more powerful, some of its 'S'-badged sporting models had been going in the opposite direction. Take the S6. The third generation C6 model which sold between 2004 and 2011 had a Lamborghini Gallardo-derived petrol V10 developing a massive 429hp. That was replaced in 2012 by a 414hp petrol V8 in the fourth generation C7-series model. Seven years later, this fifth generation C8-series car arrived with an output of 'just' 350hp. But the major change was that it was fitted with a diesel engine - a very impressively-specified 3.0-litre V6 TDI one. Don't worry: there are compensations. Pulling power with this C8-series S6 rose hugely despite the power output drop - from 550 to a massive 700Nm. So this S6 should prove as quick as its badge suggests it ought to be. Sales started in 2019, with an update in 2023. The car sold until the end of 2024.

What You Getword count: 269

You won't be considering an Audi S6 if you want to shout about your performance pretensions. This car doesn't do that. In fact, over the years, it's got the whole business of not doing that down to a fine art. A lot of it's in the detail. Audi S cars have a reputation for styling subtlety and whether you order it as a saloon or an Avant estate, this one is no exception. The silver horizontal lower splitter creates an enormous feeling of width at the front, linking the two air inlets and ending with the two winglets at the air ducts. As with other A6 variants, piercing LED headlamps flank the wide Singleframe grille. Side-on, you'll notice the big 20-inch wheels with their 'S'-specific design. And perhaps also the wide sills and the silver door mirror casings. At the rear, the S6 features an integrated spoiler that visually extends the boot lid. A diffuser insert in dark chrome matt adds the finishing touch to the lower rear end. The four tailpipe trims are in gleaming chrome. The cabin is as well appointed as you'd expect from a range-topping A6 model, with beautiful monogrammed leather sports seats, and an S-specific graphic layout for the standard-fit Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument binnacle digital display which features a central rev counter. The back seat offers reasonable space for three adults, but much more comfortable room for two and you get a fold down centre armrest with storage and cup holders. Out back, in the saloon model there's a 530-litre boot; if that's not enough, the alternative Avant estate variant gives you 565-litres.

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