2020 Audi S6 sedan with mild-hybrid tech now in SA

Audi is peppering its lineup with sportier versions of its existing models. It recently announced a raft of diesel mild hybrids that won’t be sold in Mzansi, as well as the petrol mild-hybrid S6 and S7. Those last two models always seemed like a safe bet for South Ah and, sure enough, the 2020 Audi S6 is now on sale here.

In Audi speak, S denotes mid-level performance models. The S6 is sportier than the Audi A6 it’s based on, but not as extreme as the range-topping RS models. The 2020 S6 uses a mild-hybrid power train built around a 2.9-liter V6 engine. The V6 has a conventional, exhaust-driven turbocharger, as well as an electric compressor. Spun by an electric motor, the electric compressor can develop boost very quickly, eliminating the dreaded lag in throttle response associated with conventional turbochargers. Audi claims the electric compressor’s response time is under 250 milliseconds.

The Mzansi-spec S6 develops 331 kW and 600 Nm of torque, and that quick-responding electric compressor should help deliver that power without any waiting.

The S6 is available with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard all-wheel drive. In regular driving, the all-wheel drive system sends 60 percent of power to the rear wheels, but it’s capable of sending up to 70 percent to the front wheels or 85 percent to the rear wheels, according to Audi. An optional sport rear differential can send power between the back wheels, which should improve handling. Other notable options include rear-wheel steering, sport exhaust, and a sport suspension system with adaptive dampers.

Like the A6 it’s based on, the S6 gets plenty of infotainment tech. It comes standard with the latest version of Audi’s MMI infotainment system, which uses dual screens (10.1-inch upper screen, 8.6-inch lower screen) to replace most analogue controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with the Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, which can be reconfigured to show everything from a speedometer to Google Earth maps.

Visually, the S6 is distinguished from the A6 by a restyled front end, four round exhaust tips, model-specific 20-inch wheels, and other small changes. On the inside, the S6 gets a model-specific heated steering wheel, leather sport seats, and plenty of “S” badging, in case you forget what kind of car you’re driving.

The 2020 Audi S6 is priced at R 1,401,500 for the TFSI quattro tiptronic trim level. Audi will likely add an S7 with the same power train at some point after the S6 launches. The Audi S models compete with BMW M Performance and lower-level Mercedes-AMG models in the increasingly stratified world of luxury performance cars

Update

10 June 2020: Pricing

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#A6 #A7 #Audi #Audi A6 #Audi A7 #Audi S6 #Audi South Africa #S7

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Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.