2020 Audi S6

Offered in two trims, the Audi S6 starts off with the Premium Plus at an MSRP of $73,900, excluding tax, licensing, and registration costs, along with a destination charge of $995. Moving up to the better-equipped Prestige will cost a pricey $79,600. The Mercedes-AMG E53 goes for $73,800, just $100 less than the base S6, while the BMW M550i xDrive costs $76,650, slotting between the two S6 trims.

Like the powertrain, the S6's adaptive air suspension is a class act. Quattro all-wheel-drive directs the engine's power to all four wheels, ensuring that the S6 retains its composure in wet or icy conditions, while the grip on offer in the dry will rarely, if ever, be tested. The electromechanical power steering is light enough at lower speeds but proves pleasingly direct when pressing on. The Audi exhibits excellent body control through the twisties, but its strength remains in switching to Comfort mode and eating up the miles on the highway, where the ride is compliant and smooth, despite the large wheels. Road noise is suppressed brilliantly, too. In Dynamic mode, the suspension firms up, although never to the point of being jarring, but even here, the S6 is more of a competent luxury sedan than a thrilling sports car. That's fine, because it's exactly what a buyer in this segment will want. Still, a 5 Series just about retains its edge for driving enjoyment among the three Germans. But the S6 really is hard to find fault with.

The switch to a smaller-capacity V6 engine with mild-hybrid technology has not diluted the appeal of Audi's swift midsize sedan. It feels like the perfect balance between performance and control, and comfort blended with driver engagement. Typically, trying to be all things to all people is a dangerous exercise, but the S6 package will appeal to the vast majority of shoppers in this segment. The immaculate cabin is another highlight, even if its abundance of technology takes some time to familiarize oneself with. Flaws are few, with the smallish trunk and the subjective feeling from some that the S6 remains too understated being among the question marks. The S6 is a mighty close match for the Mercedes-AMG E53; the differences are small enough that a preference for either badge will sway the final decision. BMW's M550i offers something different at the same price, bringing fun dynamics and brawny V8 power to the mix. But the Audi easily earns a podium finish in this segment, and for many, it will be the top choice in the segment.

The 2020 Audi S6 isn't cheap, with the range-topping Prestige coming in at several thousand dollars more than its equivalent BMW and Mercedes rivals. For this reason, we'd go for the Premium Plus, which is already specified at a high enough level. The Luxury Package and the Driver Assistance Package seem well-priced for what they offer, bundling together most of the best features that are standard on the Prestige. However, the way that Audi structures its packages means that what initially appears to be a reasonably priced upgrade is made expensive by the need to add a package only if you include various other features, too. Just a single package upgrade brings the Premium Plus's price uncomfortably close to the Prestige. So, if you go for the lower trim, we'd advise you to leave it as is. If you can stretch to the Prestige, you'll be getting a fully loaded sport sedan that doesn't want for much.

With its fastback design, the S7 cuts a much more distinctive figure than the S6. For many, that alone will be enough to go for the Audi with the higher number in its badge, but is '7' really better than '6' in this case? Well, it's certainly more expensive. At $83,900, the S7 starts at exactly $10,000 more than the S6, which is a significant difference. Despite this, the two are similarly specced, although the S7 has LED headlights as standard, one of the few feature differences in base trim. The S7 also has close to double the amount of trunk space behind the rear seats, but the S6 has more headroom front and rear. To drive, it's near impossible to separate the two, as they both have the same powertrain and a negligible difference in acceleration (the S7 is just one-tenth behind the S6 to 60 mph). For the fashion-conscious crowd, the S7 will win every time, but the S6 offers much of the same for less money.

Many buyers considering the S6 will probably wonder if the high price is worth it over the regular A6. The regular A6 begins at $54,900, nearly $20,000 less than the S6. Although refined and well-equipped, it means you'll have to be happy with four-cylinder power in the form of the 2.0-liter turbo with 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. A better comparison would be the $59,800 Audi A6 55 TFSI, which uses a 3.0-liter V6 engine and generates 335 hp and 369 lb-ft. It'll hit 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, not much slower than the S6, although in base trim it has fewer seating adjustments, no virtual cockpit, and does without the S6's sportier interior and exterior add-ons. If you want an Audi A6 with V6 power, the 55 TFSI in one of its lower two trims represents a sizable saving over the S6, but the latter does feel more special inside and out. There isn't a bad choice here, and your budget will dictate the final decision.