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 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.

"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. At £46,255, the Range topping 4.2-litre FSI quattro S-Line is just under £1,800 more than a basic 4.2-litre quattro but 2.4-litre V6 buyers need to find extra cash to the value of £2,890 if they want to upgrade, pushing the total cost up to £28,315.

Unlike its predecessor, Audi's latest A6 neatly bypasses the smaller petrol engines that the VW Group has in its substantial locker. It's V6 and V8 power all the way with just a pair of four-cylinder units (a TDi diesel and a 2.0T FSI petrol) as a concession to buyers with tight budgets or filling station phobias. The 2.4-litre V6 may be the entry-level V6 petrol option but it's 175bhp output enables it to consume the 0-62mph sprint in 8.9s - a particularly impressive feat given the A6's substantial size and bulk. Even the slowest A6, the 2.0-litre TDI, takes care of business in a reasonable 10.3s but if you're looking for an engine that can do justice to the S-Line trim level's sporty persona, you need to cast you eye up the Range.

The 2.8-litre FSI offers some serious performance with 208bhp but the 3.2 FSI petrol engine produces 252bhp and reaches 62mph from standstill in a blistering 6.9s - it's 0.2s slower with the quattro 4x4 system installed. Then there's the 4.2-litre V8 which pumps out a massive 330bhp and takes 6.1s to pass the 62mph barrier but you'll have to pump in a gallon of fuel every 24 miles even if you employ a light right foot. It might not be quite in the uncompromising spirit of the S-Line Range but with an average fuel consumption of 34mpg and 0-62mph acceleration of 7.3s, the 3.0-litre TDI quattro could well be the pick of the bunch - at least until the 2.7-litre TDI arrives later.

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 S Tronic Diesel Saloon
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Audi A6 2.0 TDI S Line 5dr Diesel Avant
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