Review of the new Audi A6 S Line

Today's executive saloon needs to be built like a bomb shelter with the interior quality of Blenheim Palace. It must look great, go like the clappers, have a silky-smooth ride and whisper-quiet refinement. It must, in short, be very good indeed. Given that the criteria for success in this brutally competitive market sector is so tough, rather than mounting a vain attempt to meet all these goals in one car, most marques get as close as they can with the base model then tweak different versions to suit different tastes. These S-Line derivatives, for example, represent Audi's attempt at 'sportifying' the A6.

The S-Line trim level is becoming a familiar facet of model line-ups throughout the wider Audi range. The A3 and the A4 had already entered into the big wheels and spoilers spirit with S-Line packs of their own but now it's the turn of the latest, facelifted A6 - a car that Audi have already revealed was designed to be the sportiest in the executive saloon segment. No doubt, BMW, Mercedes and Jaguar will have a few choice words to say about that one.

The Audi A6 saloon and Avant S-Line derivatives have been created to look and feel sportier than models elsewhere in the A6 range. The idea of beefing up the perceived performance credentials of a car by lowering the suspension and piling on the styling modifications isn't a new one. Most mainstream manufacturers have turned their hand to it at one time or another but, Audi being Audi, they've done a rather more in-depth job. S-Line buyers are confronted with a basic package that features 18" 5 spoke alloy wheels fitting snug to the wheel arches thanks to sports suspension that's a generous 30mm lower than standard. Audi will also bolt on an aggressive new front bumper, a unique S-Line front grille complete with S-Line emblem, a reshaped rear bumper with a body-coloured lower diffuser and a pair of automatic headlamp washers. There are upgraded 17" ventilated brake discs too but not on the lesser 2.4 V6 and 2.0TDi-engined models. Half-leather sports seats pop-up inside, along with a sports steering wheel, a leather gear knob and black headlining. The really observant will also spot the S-Line logos dotted around the place. It all makes for a car with real road-hugging presence. Daytime running LED lights are also a feature. In light of the extra equipment on offer, the S-Line prices look fair. The premium you pay increases as you descend the range because, the higher spec A6 models with the larger engines already feature various S-Line components in their standard guise.

"The Audi A6 S-Line derivatives have been created to look and feel sportier that models elsewhere in the A6 range."

In light of the extra equipment on offer, the S-Line prices look fair. The premium you pay increases as you descend the range because, the higher spec A6 models with the larger engines already feature various S-Line components in their standard guise. Unlike its predecessor, Audi's latest A6 neatly bypasses the smaller petrol engines that the VW Group has in its substantial locker. The diesels that will constitute the major part of A6 sales open with the 2.0-litre common-rail TDI unit with 134bhp but the engine is also available in 168bhp form. Then come the two V6 TDI options, a 2.7-litre with 187bhp and a 3.0-litre with 237bhp. The mainstream petrol range opens with the acclaimed 2.0-litre TFSI engine in 168bhp form and that is followed by the normally-aspirated 2.8-litre V6 unit with its 217bhp. The final piece in the jigsaw is a supercharged 3.0-litre TFSI engine with 286bhp at its disposal. This unit can launch the A6 through 62mph in 5.9s but it pails in comparison to the S6 with its 5.2-litre V10 developing 429bhp and looks ponderous next to the mighty RS6 which bolts twin turbochargers to a 5.0-litre version of that Lamborghini engine to produce an earth-shattering 572bhp.

All A6 models benefit from double wishbone front and multi link rear suspension but on the S-Line contingent the set-up is 30mm lower and this does much to boost the performance car feel without becoming jarring over longer distances. Driver enjoyment has been a key consideration in the design process of the latest A6 line up and the car benefits from a quicker steering rack as well as a 34% increase in body rigidity over the previous model.

Owners of previous A6 models won't recognise the feel behind the wheel and they can be excused for not feeling instantly at home with the interior. Although much of the look and feel is reminiscent of the A8, the dashboard features a binnacle and centre console that angles towards the driver and is quite unlike anything yet seen in an Audi. The quality of the cabin remains top notch but there's a little more style and colour contrast here, Audi finally recognising that the coal hole dark plastic look was just that little bit too nineties to cut it these days.

The S-Line models form a useful part of the A6 range, catering for customers who want to emphasise the car's considerable dynamic attributes more overtly. The styling modifications certainly make the A6 appear more purposeful, while the bigger brakes and lower suspension create a more involving driving experience but the essential character of the A6 remains intact.

TOP 5 A6 DEALS

The results below show the top A6 deals on buyacar

Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro S Line 4dr Tip Auto Diesel Saloon
Price £35,216 Read A6 Reviews	Save £3,279
Audi A6 2.0 TFSI S Line 5dr Avant
Price £28,318 Read A6 Reviews	Save £2,652
Audi A6 2.0 TFSI S Line 5dr Multitronic Avant
Price £29,673 Read A6 Reviews	Save £2,767
Audi A6 2.0 TFSI S Line 4dr Saloon
Price £26,905 Read A6 Reviews	Save £2,495
Audi A6 2.8 FSI S Line 5dr Multitronic Avant
Price £32,489 Read A6 Reviews	Save £2,976
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