2008 Audi S6 Test Drive

The Six Gets Serious

The Audi S6's huge engine, well-appointed interior and understated appearance make for an ideal high-speed cruiser.

Performance

Let’s get one thing straight: When it comes to transmissions in performance cars, I am a manual man. It should say a lot about the Audi S6, then, that I found it highly enjoyable — even downright exciting — to drive, despite the fact that it only comes in a six-speed automatic.

That’s probably because no matter what kind of gear-changing device it’s channeled through, 435 horsepower is going to be a lot of fun. But Audi did a few other things to create a highly satisfying driving experience.

The large, glee-inducing 5.2-liter engine is a detuned version of the V10 that propels the Lamborghini Gallardo (Audi’s parent company, Volkswagen, also owns Lamborghini).

It benefits from 398 pound-feet of torque available at just 3,000 rpm. And because the engine easily revs past 2,000 rpm, power is pretty much available at all times. Lay a big toe on the accelerator and hold on, because off you go.

While welcome during flat-out acceleration, the S6's sensitivity to pedal input can also be disconcerting, because at low speeds the gas pedal can feel like an on/off switch. This characteristic is especially less than ideal in high-traffic situations. The brakes are likewise quick to grab hold, which can be annoying when creeping along during rush hour.

The Tiptronic automatic transmission is so smooth that gear changes are almost imperceptible during normal driving. Drop the shift lever into Sport mode to hold gears longer for stronger acceleration. In this mode, shifts are ripped off more abruptly, albeit still automatically. For those who prefer enacting their own brutal gear changes, aluminum shift paddles are located on the back of the steering wheel.

From a stop, the S6’s sheer power is a joy to extract, not just because of the big numbers at play, but because of the immense traction provided by the quattro all-wheel-drive system. Floor the accelerator at a standstill and the wheels will claw at the pavement for just a second before they grab hold and slingshot the car down the road. Audi says it takes 5.1 seconds for the S6 to go from 0 to 60 mph. It felt quicker.

On the highway in dry conditions, all-wheel-drive is less advantageous because of the system’s extra weight combined with the added energy necessary to drive all four wheels, as opposed to just two, when moving at a consistent speed. That being said, the S6 is still profoundly adept at laying waste to long ribbons of highway and overtaking almost any vehicle with little notice. Again, the technique is press and go.

The only problem with all of this power is that it will go largely unused on American roads. Step on it around town and you’ll plow into cars lined up at a light. Get on it on the highway and you’ll hustle up to jail-worthy speeds in no time. Fortunately, the huge brakes are excellent at slowing the big guy down.

When the road gets a little crooked, the S6 is still surprisingly entertaining, and not just in an oh-my-gosh-this-car-is-huge-I-hope-I-don’t-clip-that-oak-tree kind of way. The tight suspension keeps the 4,486-pound car planted and prevents excessive body roll. The steering is a little numb, but the car does feel unexpectedly light on its feet. Despite the firm suspension required to make a car of this size feel sporty, ride comfort is excellent, even after several hours of driving. The car feels composed, and although roadway imperfections are noticeable, they aren't intrusive.

Although the S6 isn’t a car you buy with fuel economy in mind, note that it gets 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA's latest testing methods. I averaged 16.9 miles per gallon over the 600-mile journey, which included a mountain road ascent of 3,000 feet during which the in-dash mpg calculator said I was getting 8 mpg. To compensate, I was able to coast and get 68 mpg on the way back down.

With a 21.1-gallon fuel tank, the S6 seems to get better mileage than it does. For instance, I only used a bit more than half a tank of gas between upstate New York and central New Jersey, but filling up that half tank with premium cost more than $30.

There are a few other cars to consider in this high-performance sedan realm, most notably the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63. The E63, which is priced about $10,000 above the S6, is likewise only available with an automatic transmission. It is available only with rear-wheel drive, and with a supercharged V8 producing 70 more hp than the S6, it should be the faster ride, especially on the highway. If you prefer a manual transmission, the $82,000 M5 is the only way to go. Power delivery is decidedly different — it asks drivers to wring the 500 hp from its V10 engine instead of cramming it down their throats like in the E63 and S6.

Overall, the S6 is a nearly perfect long-distance machine. In my mind, it could only be improved with the addition of a stick shift. It’s comfortable and relaxing to drive, but with monstrous power on tap it can provide plenty of excitement as the miles pile up.

Editor's note: This review is based on driving impressions from the 2007 Audi S6. The 2008 model is unchanged except for one new option (Audi Lane Assist), option pricing and a $350 increase in MSRP.