Test drove an Audi S6 today

[LarThaL]

I thought it might be a decent cross between an M3 and my Porsche Cayenne.

I was wrong. I was actually very disappointed in the S6.

On the plus side, the seats are gorgeously styled and the car is blistering fast.

That is all, however.

Steering is HORRIBLE. Exhaust note is practically non-existant. Dual clutch is just so-so. Whole car just feels vague and disconnected. I didn't think it would be so bad in comparison to the M3. It is also worse than my 5000 pound Cayenne, which steers better, feels much more solid, planted, and dynamic, and has a better ride/handling balance.

Scratch that one off the list !!!

[F1Venom]

Do you have the previous gen Cayenne GTS? If so then that's surprising.

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by F1Venom

Do you have the previous gen Cayenne GTS? If so then that's surprising.

It is the previous gen, but I also have the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control. I was quite surprised. This comparison was with both vehicles in their full performance settings. Again, the Cayenne is no match whatsoever in terms of speed capability, but everything else is better.

[Black Gold]

Not surprised, but iirc the s6 has a regular auto not dual clutch. Think it's an 8 spd auto

[atombomb33]

The steering is the biggest problem with any Audi. One would think they would better dial-in the steering for their performance models, but they don't. It's too light and feels disconnected with little feedback. It feels artificial. I've owned three Audi's from an previous gen A4 to last gen A5 to current gen S4.

[signes]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

I thought it might be a decent cross between an M3 and my Porsche Cayenne.

I was wrong. I was actually very disappointed in the S6.

On the plus side, the seats are gorgeously styled and the car is blistering fast.

That is all, however.

Steering is HORRIBLE. Exhaust note is practically non-existant. Dual clutch is just so-so. Whole car just feels vague and disconnected. I didn't think it would be so bad in comparison to the M3. It is also worse than my 5000 pound Cayenne, which steers better, feels much more solid, planted, and dynamic, and has a better ride/handling balance.

Scratch that one off the list !!!

Spot on. I drove one as well and came away with the same two primary conclusions - stupid fast (in a straight line) and godawful steering. Was honestly surprised how bad it was compared to even the S4.

[Ezio]

had a friend test drive one. was ready to trade in his car for one. but was disappointed with the test drive.

[Cool Steel]

I test drove one...those are wanna be racer cars, hated it.
Bought a real car ...

[Liberation]

My girlfriend just traded her 2011 X5M in on a 2013 S6 and although I do agree with you on the steering feel (especially after getting back in my M3)...I'm really loving all other aspects of the car. First and foremost, it's just rock solid. So well built and when sitting in the cabin, simply feels more expensive than the X5M that was almost $20k more. As you said, the seats are gorgeous and Audi's MMI system is as good as it gets. Especially, with the Google Earth navigation, Wifi hotspot, and its integration into the info center in the instrument cluster. Audi packs a lot of cool technology in their cars and I must admit...I really like it.

Its insanely fast off the line and handles very well for its size. I think the exhaust could be better but don't think it's as bad as you experienced. It's held the road extremely well in some spirited driving over the weekend and cruises very comfortably as well.

We had our first child in January and with all those new expenses and the nanny, she just couldn't justify the payment for the X5 M any longer and she wanted to try a sedan out but also requires AWD for her job.

Now, I'm a huge BMW fan (specifically M cars), so, we had to test drive a BMW before committing to the S6. We drove a 550 xDrive with the M sport package but I knew immediately there was no comparison. It felt fat and lazy compared to the S6. It felt unresponsive, slower, steering wasn't much better, and didn't handle as well. Interior was not as appealing and just overall was not in the same league. However, it was only $2,000 cheaper than the Audi. Needless to say, our minds were made up pretty quickly and we went back to sign the papers for the S6....and I've been loving it more and more each time I drive it.

I'm even considering an RS5 in the fall.....

[Vic55]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

Not surprised, but iirc the s6 has a regular auto not dual clutch. Think it's an 8 spd auto

The 4.0 gets the S tronic which is dual clutch--- Its software needs work no doubt. The S8 gets the 8 speed slush box as Audi is wary of the DCT on their higher tq cars. The RS7 will get the 8 speed too.

[Da Hapa]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

Not surprised, but iirc the s6 has a regular auto not dual clutch. Think it's an 8 spd auto

Incorrect. The S6 and S7 have the 7-speed dual clutch tranny. The S8 and forthcoming RS7 (and RS6 in Europe) use the 8 speed slushbox.

[Black Gold]

gotcha, got the s8 and s6 mixed up!

[signes]

The S8, now that thing is a *monster*. I don't know how somebody would choose an S-class or 7er over the Audi. Blindingly fast.

[jaehshim]

audi never really surprised/entertained me with the S models...

[KKM3]

Audis dsg transmission is probably the worst available as far as dual clutch goes. My friends 640i with its 8speed auto seems to shift faster or at least more responsive than my dsg equipped s4. Also I do agree with the comments regarding vague steering on the s6 but for those who haven't driven the new m5, it's not that much better.

[Groundpilot]

I never drove s6, but i drive my wifes A6 on weekends.
As a daily driver this car is fantastic. Fit and finish is outstanding, handling is surprisingly good, and when i am not in a racing mood, this car is great.
I assume that S6 is much better with more power, not sure about suspension difference between these two.

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by Liberation

My girlfriend just traded her 2011 X5M in on a 2013 S6 and although I do agree with you on the steering feel (especially after getting back in my M3)...I'm really loving all other aspects of the car. First and foremost, it's just rock solid. So well built and when sitting in the cabin, simply feels more expensive than the X5M that was almost $20k more. As you said, the seats are gorgeous and Audi's MMI system is as good as it gets. Especially, with the Google Earth navigation, Wifi hotspot, and its integration into the info center in the instrument cluster. Audi packs a lot of cool technology in their cars and I must admit...I really like it.

Its insanely fast off the line and handles very well for its size. I think the exhaust could be better but don't think it's as bad as you experienced. It's held the road extremely well in some spirited driving over the weekend and cruises very comfortably as well.

We had our first child in January and with all those new expenses and the nanny, she just couldn't justify the payment for the X5 M any longer and she wanted to try a sedan out but also requires AWD for her job.

Now, I'm a huge BMW fan (specifically M cars), so, we had to test drive a BMW before committing to the S6. We drove a 550 xDrive with the M sport package but I knew immediately there was no comparison. It felt fat and lazy compared to the S6. It felt unresponsive, slower, steering wasn't much better, and didn't handle as well. Interior was not as appealing and just overall was not in the same league. However, it was only $2,000 cheaper than the Audi. Needless to say, our minds were made up pretty quickly and we went back to sign the papers for the S6....and I've been loving it more and more each time I drive it.

I'm even considering an RS5 in the fall.....

Please keep in mind that these are all high end cars we are talking about, but I was just very surprised that except for the straight line speed, how lackluster the car's driving experience was even compared to my SUV.

The interior and exterior design, bells, whistles, etc are all great as is quattro AWD, however, in all likelihood, I am looking at another Cayenne GTS to replace my current one next year.

I am really starting to believe.....Porsche, there is no substitute.

[TeinBMW]

lucky you....porsche as a daily and a m3 as a toy car....congrats man!

[Liberation]

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by Liberation

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test

Having test driven an M5, I completely disagree with this assessment. The M5 steers better, feels much more glued to the road and "wired-in" than the S6. I agree that this level of power really benefits from AWD, but in all other performance aspects, the M5, IMO is far superior. It still feels big, but it certainly handles it size much better than the S6.

Now.....I just test drove a 650i X-drive (non M-sport) today. Had the same big, barge-like vague and disconnected feel that the S6 had. The steering is slightly better, but that's it. I also am coming to discover that these big V8 TT engines just don't feel that great. Sure they give oodles of thrust, but you still feel disconnected from the motor. There is just no linearity between throttle input and engine response.

It is like being on a roller coaster ride. A thrill is provided, but it is being done to you, you are not really part of the process.

I got back into the M3, and it just felt so superior in every way.

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by Liberation

My girlfriend just traded her 2011 X5M in on a 2013 S6 and although I do agree with you on the steering feel (especially after getting back in my M3)...I'm really loving all other aspects of the car. First and foremost, it's just rock solid. So well built and when sitting in the cabin, simply feels more expensive than the X5M that was almost $20k more. As you said, the seats are gorgeous and Audi's MMI system is as good as it gets. Especially, with the Google Earth navigation, Wifi hotspot, and its integration into the info center in the instrument cluster. Audi packs a lot of cool technology in their cars and I must admit...I really like it.

Its insanely fast off the line and handles very well for its size. I think the exhaust could be better but don't think it's as bad as you experienced. It's held the road extremely well in some spirited driving over the weekend and cruises very comfortably as well.

We had our first child in January and with all those new expenses and the nanny, she just couldn't justify the payment for the X5 M any longer and she wanted to try a sedan out but also requires AWD for her job.

Now, I'm a huge BMW fan (specifically M cars), so, we had to test drive a BMW before committing to the S6. We drove a 550 xDrive with the M sport package but I knew immediately there was no comparison. It felt fat and lazy compared to the S6. It felt unresponsive, slower, steering wasn't much better, and didn't handle as well. Interior was not as appealing and just overall was not in the same league. However, it was only $2,000 cheaper than the Audi. Needless to say, our minds were made up pretty quickly and we went back to sign the papers for the S6....and I've been loving it more and more each time I drive it.

I'm even considering an RS5 in the fall.....

Why do folks insist on cars over $60,000 or over $80,000 if they really cannot afford it?

Honestly, what is wrong with a 2013 Honda Accord? Seriously? I would consider something I can pay off fast that will be a mule and/or family car.

In fact I have a Honda/Acura TL for family/dog travel. lol No shame in owning a current model. They get better gas mileage and overall are a good solid reliable automobile IMO.

[krnnerdboy]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

Please keep in mind that these are all high end cars we are talking about, but I was just very surprised that except for the straight line speed, how lackluster the car's driving experience was even compared to my SUV.

The interior and exterior design, bells, whistles, etc are all great as is quattro AWD, however, in all likelihood, I am looking at another Cayenne GTS to replace my current one next year.

I am really starting to believe.....Porsche, there is no substitute.

The x5 is really engaging to drive even compared to the 550i. I straight hate any(m included)f10 and see no trace of BMW DNA in that car. I also drove the s6 and s7 and still chose the 640gc, based on driver input and looks


And yes I know that the grancoupe is based off of the f10 chassis. However, starting from the seating position, to the controls, steering and brakes reminds me of my e90 more than my f30 did