The Audi S6 Avant (C7) 4.0 TFSI V8 quattro S tronic represents a high-performance iteration of Audi’s popular executive wagon, produced between 2012 and 2014. Positioned as the performance variant of the C7 generation A6 Avant, the S6 offered a compelling blend of practicality, luxury, and exhilarating speed. It served as a direct competitor to other high-performance estates like the BMW M5 Touring and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon, primarily targeting buyers in the European market where the wagon body style remains highly favored. The C7 S6 Avant distinguished itself with a potent turbocharged V8 engine, Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel drive system, and a sophisticated S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | S6 |
| Generation | S6 Avant (C7) |
| Type (Engine) | 4.0 TFSI V8 (420 Hp) quattro S tronic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 13.4 l/100 km (17.6 US mpg, 21.1 UK mpg, 7.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg, 37.7 UK mpg, 13.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.7 l/100 km (24.2 US mpg, 29.1 UK mpg, 10.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 226 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.6 kg/Hp, 215.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.5 kg/Nm, 282.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 420 Hp @ 5500-6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 105.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 550 Nm @ 1400-5200 rpm (405.66 lb.-ft. @ 1400-5200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | CEUC |
| Engine displacement | 3993 cm3 (243.67 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84.5 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.3 l (8.77 US qt | 7.3 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 12 l (12.68 US qt | 10.56 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1950 kg (4299.01 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2580 kg (5687.93 lbs.) |
| Max load | 630 kg (1388.91 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 565 l (19.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1680 l (59.33 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 85 kg (187.39 lbs.) |
| Length | 4934 mm (194.25 in.) |
| Width | 1874 mm (73.78 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2086 mm (82.13 in.) |
| Height | 1446-1482 mm (56.93 – 58.35 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2916 mm (114.8 in.) |
| Front track | 1627 mm (64.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1618 mm (63.7 in.) |
| Front overhang | 919 mm (36.18 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1099 mm (43.27 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.9 m (39.04 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission S tronic |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent on trapezoidal lever |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 255/40 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S6 Avant (C7) 4.0 TFSI is the CEUC engine, a 3,993 cc (243.67 cu. in.) naturally aspirated V8 engine. This engine is a member of Audi’s highly regarded V8 family, featuring direct fuel injection (FSI) and twin-turbocharging. The engine produces 420 horsepower at 5,500-6,400 rpm and a substantial 550 Nm (405.66 lb.-ft.) of torque available from a low 1,400 rpm all the way to 5,200 rpm. The engine utilizes a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The S tronic 7-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers rapid and smooth gear changes, contributing to the car’s impressive acceleration. This transmission allows for both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Driving Characteristics
The combination of the potent V8 engine and the S tronic transmission results in exhilarating performance. The S6 Avant (C7) 4.0 TFSI can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds and achieve a limited top speed of 155 mph. The quattro all-wheel drive system provides exceptional traction, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Compared to the standard A6 Avant, the S6 offers a noticeably firmer suspension setup and more responsive steering, enhancing its handling capabilities. While not as raw or visceral as some rear-wheel-drive performance cars, the S6 Avant delivers a refined yet engaging driving experience. The automatic transmission is well-tuned, providing quick shifts and a seamless power delivery.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The S6 Avant (C7) came generously equipped as standard. Interior features typically included sport seats upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara, brushed aluminum trim, a multi-function steering wheel, and Audi’s MMI infotainment system. Optional extras included features like a Bang & Olufsen sound system, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, and various driver assistance systems. The exterior styling was distinguished by subtle but sporty enhancements, such as unique alloy wheel designs, S6 badging, and quad exhaust outlets.
Chassis & Braking
The S6 Avant (C7) featured a sport-tuned suspension system designed to provide a balance between comfort and handling. The front suspension utilized independent multi-link technology, while the rear suspension employed an independent trapezoidal link setup. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The car’s electronic stability control (ESC) system worked in conjunction with the quattro all-wheel drive to maintain stability and control in challenging driving situations.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Audi S6 Avant (C7) 4.0 TFSI was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its powerful engine, refined interior, and practical wagon body style. Compared to the standard A6 Avant, the S6 offered a significant performance upgrade. However, some critics noted that the S6 lacked the outright sporting character of some of its rivals, such as the BMW M5 Touring. Fuel economy was also a concern for some, given the engine’s size and performance. Reliability has generally been good, although preventative maintenance is crucial, particularly regarding the turbochargers and cooling system.
Legacy
The S6 Avant (C7) 4.0 TFSI remains a desirable used car today, appealing to buyers who seek a blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. The 4.0 TFSI engine is known for its robust construction and potential for tuning. While maintenance costs can be higher than those of more mainstream vehicles, the S6 Avant offers a unique and rewarding driving experience. The C7 generation S6 Avant helped solidify Audi’s reputation as a maker of high-performance, all-weather vehicles, and continues to be a sought-after model among enthusiasts.
