24 Mar 06
Grip is phenomenal. The S6's new quattro system uses the same system in the RS4 with its 40:60 front:rear torque split, and under extreme conditions can shift up to 85% of the torque to the rear wheels or 65% to front wheels.
You'll need deep pockets to buy and run the S6. When it arrives in July, the saloon will cost £55,330 and the Avant will cost £56,000. They both return 21mpg on the combined cycle. Audi expects the Avant, tested here, to take 40% of the S6's 250 annual sales.
Despite its headline-grabbing figures - 155mph, 435bhp and 5.2-litre V10 - there's an intangible subtlety that takes a fair number of miles over different roads to shine through. The S6 makes the driver feel special. It's fast without being rabid, ambitious without being aggressive, engaging without being tiring, beautifully built and - particularly in Avant form - practical, although that fuel consumption could be a problem for some.
Yes, I really like this car. Even it does have boy racer lights.
