TORQUE SHOW(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 88

There have been more powerful Audi S6 models in the Ingolstadt brand's history, but never one boasting as much as 700Nm of pulling power. This fifth generation 'Type 4K'-series car, introduced in 2019, gets that courtesy of a torque-rich V6 TDI engine: yes, for the first time in an S6, there's diesel power - and it's the only option. Audi promises that this black pump-fuelled unit fully delivers on the promise of the red rhombus-backed S badge but is also in it for the long haul. We'll see.

Background word count: 135

While Audi's RS models have been getting progressively more powerful, some of its 'S'-badged sporting models have been going in the opposite direction. Take the S6. The third generation 'Type 4F' model which sold between 2004 and 2011 had a Lamborghini Gallardo-derived petrol V10 developing a massive 429hp. That was replaced in 2012 by a 414hp petrol V8 in the fourth generation 'Type 4G'-series model. Seven years later, this fifth generation 'Type 4K'-series car arrived with an output of 'just' 350hp. And you get a diesel engine, though a very impressively-specified 3.0-litre V6 TDI one. Anyway, don't worry: there are compensations. Pulling power this time round rises hugely despite the power output drop - from 550 to a massive 700Nm. So this S6 should prove as quick as its badge suggests it ought to be.

Driving Experience word count: 143

The 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine used here with its electrically-powered compressor is basically the unit originally introduced in Audi's SQ7 large SUV, but has been embellished here with a 48-volt electrical system, which has taken the powerplant's total power output to 350hp. All of those braked horses are transmitted via an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission to the car's quattro all-wheel-drive system. The electrically powered compressor is the major reason for this S6 model's startling performance. 62mph from rest takes just 5.0s in the saloon model - which is virtually the same as was achieved by the far more powerful 4.0-litre petrol V8 of the previous generation model. And you get that performance here with far more pulling power this time round thanks to dual supercharging that sees the electrically powered compressor working in tandem with the exhaust turbocharger and producing 700Nm of torque.