IF YOU OWN a couple of lovely Golden Labradors, and are considering a new Audi A6 estate in which to transport them to the quiet countryside for genteel walks, then look away now.
This is the all-new S6 Avant, Audi's latest uber-offering in terms of style, pace and outright performance. It's a rocketship cleverly disguised as a load-lugging estate car for the flat-cap brigade (watch our video of the Audi S6 Avant).
Mated to the standard seven-speed S tronic auto 'box, the S6 accelerates impressively. Ok, it doesn't have the rapid bark that the RS4 has — that will come in the new RS6, though Audi has yet to confirm its existence — but the 155mph limiter comes up pretty swiftly … I would 'imagine'.
The S6 — available in both saloon and, as tested here, Avant bodystyles — fits snugly between the 450bhp S8 and the 414bhp RS4, both of which have been unleashed in the past six months or so.
Squished under the bonnet of the S6 is the new 4.0-litre, 420bhp V8. It'll scorch from standstill to 62mph in just 4.7secs — now you'll understand why it's not, really, ideal for your two cherished Golden Labs, unless you've fitted them with a full five-point race harness — and continue on to an electronically-limited 155mph.
But despite its unquestioned virility, the S6 remains rather discreet on the road. Ok, it's fitted with unmissable 19in alloys — the test car had 20in wheels! — but there's also very discreet 'V8T' badging on the front wings, and tiny 'S6' details on the front and rear.
It's clear this isn't an 'in-your-face' car, such as the RS4 is: instead it's an ultra-rapid express for the business professional who likes to cut a subtle dash in the corporate car park.
It is though instantly identifiable out on the road, thanks to the five extra large white LEDs on each side of the front bumper. And just for good measure, the Avant also gets some trick LED rear lights.
But it's the front LEDs which are a necessity in informing motorway traffic ahead that you're on your way. The S6 is one seriously rapid piece of kit.
Mated to the standard seven-speed S tronic auto 'box, the S6 accelerates impressively. Ok, it doesn't have the rapid bark that the RS4 has — that will come in the new RS6, though Audi has yet to confirm its existence — but the 155mph limiter comes up pretty swiftly … I would 'imagine'.
The S6 Avant is definitely a motorway-mile muncher of the highest order, and its firm suspension settings make it entertaining cross-country. Yes it's not as dynamic as the RS4, especially in terms of the steering, where the RS4's heavier feel allows for a more rewarding turn-in, but the standard quattro four-wheel-drive ensures the S6 remains fast, refined and composed.
And when it comes to dawdling through the tight, one-way systems of slow-moving, congested city centres, the S6 still copes admirably.
The interior is, as you would expect, an example of how all manufacturers should design their cabins and controls.
And it comes complete with some serious kit. In addition to the 19in alloys and seven-speed auto 'box, there's air suspension all-round, a stop/start system, Alcantara and leather upholstery, Xenon headlights, SD-card-based sat-nav and a 10-speaker stereo.
And just for good measure, there's also active noise cancelling, which detects unwanted noises and subdues them imperceptibly by adding in counter frequencies via the stereo system.
Perfect all-round package
In terms of accommodation, six-footers can sit comfortably in both the front and the rear, and the boot is capable of swallowing an impressive 565 litres of luggage, five litres more than the rival BMW 5 series estate.
Sensibly, the electronic tailgate opening is standard and the merest pull of a latch that’s positioned handily just inside the boot allows you to flatten the split-folding rear seats completely. That increases storage to 1680 litres.
In essence, the S6 Avant is the perfect all-round package, taking onboard its £56,050 price tag (oh, and the test car had an 'extra' £12,270 of options fitted!). Ok, it doesn't have the raw driving thrills of an RS4 — or the BMW M5 Touring — but it is, I'd suggest, the better car because of that.
With its combination of more than ample pace, supreme refinement and gorgeous interior, the S6 Avant is a car you could more than happily live with every day.
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Jim McGill