Audi A6 – TWFLD

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

Papi Mabele — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 16:52:00 +0000

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

Refreshed Audi A6, A7 to reach us in September

Papi Mabele — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 18:05:12 +0000

Why change a winning formula? That is perhaps the reasoning behind Audi’s decision to keep its Audi A6 and Audi A7 sedans mostly intact. Mostly. Acknowledging that it still needs to be attractive to buyers tempted to look at competitors’ shiny new offerings, Audi has given the A6 and A7 a slightly makeover, both externally and internally, that, especially for the A6 and A6 Avant, give the cars a bolder, sharper visage. Best of all, Audi has kept the best things about the A6 and A7, including the same starting price.

The changes to the Audi A6 and its Avant counterpart are subtle yet distinct. The changes emphasize the horizontal aspect of its design, like struts, coming in high-gloss black, that horizontally divide the lateral ventilation grilles. The side sills and rear bumper have taken on a more angular contour, complemented by the new diffuser at the back. All three models, the A6, A6 Avant, and A7, get new color options: matador red and Gotland green. Java has also been added to that list after previously being exclusive to the A6 allroad.

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Audi design refresh extends to other related models as well, including the S series. This line, in particularly, gets a new radiator grille with a matte black corpus. Gloss chrome accentuates many of the new S model’s parts, like the grille’s slats, the struts, and even chrome rings for those with optional adaptive cruise control. For the A6 allroad, the design changes serve to emphasize its offroad personality, with a new Soho brown finish and 20-inch wheels.

Audi’s changes aren’t skin deep only. Inside the new A6 and A7 Sportback, LEDs highlight the cabin and the luggage compartment. New inlays are also available in the form of Aluminum Ellipse silver and fine grain birch natural agate grey. Inside, Audi offers addons that keep driver and passengers informed and entertained. The martphone interface opens the door to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while inductive charging keeps smartphones powered wirelessly. Rear passengers also have access to two Audi tablets that can be used both inside the car and outside.

The refreshed Audi A6 and A7 family, including S and allroad models, will soon be available for order, with deliveries set to take place sometimes in Summer, for the US, which is around July/August for us. Despite the changes, Audi isn’t increasing the starting price for these sedans. Local reps had not replied to confirmation by the time of publishing.