2008 Audi S6 Saint Simons Island GA
Marietta, GA
Martinez, GA
(912) 964-4646
Savannah, GA
(478) 784-3100
Atlanta, GA
Roswell, GA
(770) 995-7070
Lawrenceville, GA
(706) 868-1014
Augusta, GA
(678) 514-2510
Snellville, GA
2008 Audi S6
November 3, 2009 By Brian Alexander, Content Editor
2008 Audi S6
DriverSide Overview
We live in a strange time; a time in which 500-plus horsepower family ‘super sedans’ run wild and, as a result, having “only” 435 horsepower makes you the small kid on the block. However nonsensical and surreal such a scenario may seem, this is the automotive hierarchy in which the 2008 Audi S6 was born. Thinking the S6 is “underpowered,” however, would mean you have been duped into a top-down perspective due to the lofty power ratings of its competitors, because when the S6 kicks you in the back of the head with its V-10 power, it does so with brutal authority. Freeway acceleration makes it clear that the S6 was designed for Autobahn speed, as does the comfort level of the cabin, which makes long trips a borderline pleasure. With Quattro all-wheel drive, the S6 remains dreary-weather compatible and, in snow-laden markets, it’s hard to argue a case for any other performance sedan.
What's to Like
Effortless, extreme acceleration is always available and is paired with top-notch interior build quality and luxury. Standard Quattro all-wheel drive, along with a lower base price, gives the S6 a distinct advantage over its competitors.
What's Not to Like
With ten cylinders under the hood, the frequency with which you will visit the gas pump is disturbing at best; a 21.1 gallon tank helps extend the S6’s range some, though filling it once the tank is drained will result in a large, very large, lump-sum payment.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Pressing the gas pedal in the S6 has its consequences. The world outside the car’s cabin suddenly becomes a blur, overlaid by the mechanical churn of a 5.2-liter V-10 exhaling in anger. Be warned, first time passengers are likely to panic; either audibly or physically by grabbing onto the door handle, such is the insanity with which the S6 is flung forward. Weighing in at just under 4,500 lbs, the Audi amazingly manages to run from 0-60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, though it’s most impressive between 40 and 130 mph once all of its mass is up to speed. The suspension is heavily sprung, making the big Audi feel taught but never overly rough. In the corners, the S6 is not betrayed by its steering or suspension characteristics – and certainly not its brakes, which are excellent – but again by the fact that it cannot overcome inertia, and isn’t keen to change direction quickly. The grip afforded by Quattro all-wheel drive keeps the tail from coming around, even with the stability control switched off.
Engine and Drivetrain
The S6 is powered by a torque-laden 5.2-liter V-10 that revs to a lofty 7,000 rpm. Those ten cylinders combine to produce 435 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque at a low 3,000 rpm. All of this power is transmitted through all four wheels and only an automatic gearbox is available, though it incor...