Here is what can only be described as the warm version of Audi's Audi A6, which is strange to say when it comes with a 4.0-litre V8 and churns out 444bhp.
But the S6 is the warm-up act for the quick RS6 and the outrageous RS6 Performance that grace the top of the range.
Costing over £59,265, a premium of more than £1255 over the outgoing model. Customers will find there are no significant changes to the engine or gearbox; Audi clearly believes its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol unit and standard seven-speed dual clutch S-tronic automatic don’t require any major fettling to keep the luxury estate in the hunt.
Nor has there been any alteration to the mechanically operated Torsen torque sensing four-wheel-drive system.
With a stout 444bhp and 405lb ft developed across of range of revs between 1400 and 5700rpm, the S6 blasts up to the sort of speed limits in place in the UK with great bravado.
On a heavily pegged throttle, the in-gear acceleration is relentless – perhaps not quite as extreme as that offered by the Audi more powerful RS7 but sufficient enough for fast lane superiority over all but the most exotic machinery.
Despite tipping the scales at a rather hefty 1960kg, the S6 Avant is claimed to hit 62mph in just 4.6sec, and it accelerates hard up to the limiter at 155mph. Running down a wide autobahn near Dresden, the plush load hauler felt right in its element.
