View Full Version : S6 or S7 I need some help to decide
I love the looks of both the S6 and the S7 as well as the performance of both. The interior of both are extremely appealing and quite similar in my eyes. The exterior of the A7 looks great as does the A6. I've seen some awesome S6s and S7s on this site and I keep looking for things that will help separate these two choices. The cost difference is not much of a concern to me at this point.
A little about me... I have been driving mostly Land Rovers for the past 15 years (2 Discoverys, 2 LR3s, Range Rover, and a 1994 Defender). I also drove a couple of MINI Coopers (2005 MINI hardtop and a 2012 John Cooper Works Coupe). I am a little bored with driving the JCW Coupe and feel like it is time to move up to a real "adult" performance car. And also tired of picking my kids up in the Defender when the wife has the Range Rover.
I have 2 tall teens that will be in the riding in the back seat when they are not in my wife's suv. They get their height from me, I am 6'2". My wife was suggesting I look at a Porsche Panamera in addition to the Audi lineup.
What helped you decide between these two cars? Exterior styling, agility and performance, or something else?
A4A4A4
05-04-2013, 10:56 PM
6'2 will probably have some headroom troubles in the back of an S7, I know I do at 6'.
The S6 is a little smaller and a little more tossable, which is always a plus in my book (probably yours too coming from a JCW). S7 has the looks and maybe a more usable cargo area, but I think that's more than offset by the big jump in price. For you, I'd probably do the S6 over the S7.
Your wife may be right in the Panamera though, just got a slight facelift for the 2014 MY, new twin-turbo V6 in the S models looks very interesting as well. I think it'd be worth it to take one for a drive as well.
TheChef
05-05-2013, 02:45 AM
After being dead set on an S6 I ran some numbers Friday at the dealer - the additional residual of the S7 makes its only about 4-5% more per month for a car that costs about 7k more. I am now on an S7 hunt using on the ground and inbound inventory in the next 30-45 days. I am looking for a 2013 as the 2014 didn't change but for a few options becoming standard to justify the price increase.
S4AvantDB
05-05-2013, 07:32 AM
I think you really can't go wrong with either. Long term, I've got think that the S7 will be the more desirable car just because there are fewer of them coming stateside. The new Panamera is going to be an amazing car as well. I have spent a lot of time behind the wheel of the current generation and I've been thoroughly impressed. Not sure if it is out of your price range, but the Panamera GTS would hands down be my top choice. It is the best all around sports sedan that I have ever driven.
sciblades
05-05-2013, 09:06 AM
For me it comes down to price and no panoramic view in the tech package. I don't like how there is no front facing camera on the s7's the lack of head room is not a huge issue I sat in the back of one and was actually impressed with the head clearance, it was way more then the m6. The added weight is not that big of a deal but the only reason I would be heading to the s7 would be for the engine in the rs7 now if you are going for looks by far the s7 stands out way more, I like the sleeper aspect of the s6 and wished I have a wagon but that is just me.
RettlerT
05-05-2013, 09:14 AM
I personally thought the S7 was too big a car for the "hatchback" body style and the panamera is great car if you could get into it without looking at it. The S6 fits my needs perfectly.
BTW....I'm disapponted TheChef. I was looking forward to see what unique color you'd get.
TheChef
05-05-2013, 11:43 AM
...nothing is done yet. Finding an S7 is like a unicorn right now. So it's far from a done deal. That said - I always liked the S7 more - just not for the money. However that money is A LOT less after residuals are taken into consideration on a car that we will see far fewer examples of.
That said- I wanted to stay Audi Exclusive on the S6 to make a midsize 4 door sedan stand out "more." I couldn't or haven't yet found a color I like that works aside from doing Glut Orange again. Colors I do like have already been done and the factory is limiting additional colors due to supplier issues right now. It's dampening an already hard choice.
Once I saw how much of an opportunity I had with the S7, it was a no brainer, even without the color....it's simply oozes sex appeal the same way my S5 does and provides an ideal project car to play with as well on a more limited volume platform.
Anyway - hopefully I have a better idea by the end of this coming week.
I am going to visit another Audi dealership tomorrow. Spent some time at one Saturday but did not think about sitting in the back seats of either. I will take the opportunity to look and drive both the A7 and A6 since there are no S6 or S7s near me.
As TheChef said, "Finding an S7 is like a unicorn right now." I do like that the S7 looks amazing and I will see fewer of them on the road.
A4A4A4 The S6 being more tossable is an advantage. It is one of my favorite thing about the JCW Coupe. I think I will have to look for a proper sportscar in the near future to quench my desire for that aspect of driving. I will also stop by the Porsche dealership to take a look and check out the Panamera.
Thanks all for the help and insight!
Fredro Starr
05-05-2013, 11:52 PM
My decision was predicated on "need".
I used to own a MB E-class but traded it in when we bought the wife her new car. My new daily driver became a Mazdaspeed3 to commute to work and my other vehicle is a two seater. Whenever the wife and I would have company the Mazda was a bit tight. I finally told the wife we "needed" a four door sedan again to accomodate our guests. The search quickly narrowed to the BMW Gran Coupe and the Audi S7 because of their unique, striking looks and performance. IMO. the Audi is a far superior value and I believe the hatchback gives it a unique look and makes it a more versatile vehicle than the S6.
I will finalize my order today but reserve the right (don't tell the wife) to tweak it to the RS7 if the pricing proves not to be outrageous...
maxhawk
05-06-2013, 05:37 AM
I will finalize my order today but reserve the right (don't tell the wife) to tweak it to the RS7 if the pricing proves not to be outrageous...
My guess is +$30K minimum.
TheChef
05-06-2013, 06:42 AM
My understanding is the RS7 will start around 95 with the ability to add another 25k in options pretty easy especially if you go Carbon Ceramic Brakes.
Fredro Starr
05-06-2013, 07:21 AM
I can't get the same deal on the RS as the S but I probably would do 95Kish...
masmole
05-06-2013, 09:03 AM
My understanding is the RS7 will start around 95 with the ability to add another 25k in options pretty easy especially if you go Carbon Ceramic Brakes.
At least initially, there will be no option for carbon ceramic brakes for US-spec RS7. Current revision of the 2014 order guide confirms this. US-spec gets no option for the supposedly sportier DRC suspension either, and will get the standard adaptive air suspension instead. I guess that latter is a good thing (?) considering the problems people had with the DRC in the B7 RS4. I would've liked the ceramic brakes, but not worth delaying my order with hopes that Audi will make it available for US builds later. That leaves the B&O system as the most expensive option on the RS7 for now. $120k sounds about right for a heavily optioned car, which would be a bargain if you compare it to BMW M6 gran coupe pricing, and that doesn't even have awd, the versatility of a hatch, nor the good looks (IMO).
...nothing is done yet. Finding an S7 is like a unicorn right now. So it's far from a done deal. That said - I always liked the S7 more - just not for the money. However that money is A LOT less after residuals are taken into consideration on a car that we will see far fewer examples of.
That said- I wanted to stay Audi Exclusive on the S6 to make a midsize 4 door sedan stand out "more." I couldn't or haven't yet found a color I like that works aside from doing Glut Orange again. Colors I do like have already been done and the factory is limiting additional colors due to supplier issues right now. It's dampening an already hard choice.
Once I saw how much of an opportunity I had with the S7, it was a no brainer, even without the color....it's simply oozes sex appeal the same way my S5 does and provides an ideal project car to play with as well on a more limited volume platform.
Anyway - hopefully I have a better idea by the end of this coming week.
Found an incoming unicorn today! I'll send you a PM later tonight.
TheChef
05-06-2013, 02:59 PM
I look forward to your PM.
Let me clarify. S7s are out there on the ground. I have in fact found 8 that meet my criteria...but I am in Texas and 4 are in California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland and Georgia. I want to do business with my local dealers in Houston, but nothing is available in the state nor inbound. Short of driving thousands of miles, my local dealer does have a highly optioned S7 and we are hoping to pull off a dealer trade.
I have lined up purchase price, trade, Money Factor, Residual, loyalty cash etc....I just have to get my hands on the darn car. We have some ideas...and working them now. Its like a game of Tetris....I have 4 lines filled, I just need that damn straight piece ;)
TheChef- I understand now. No problem. The S7 wasn't the configuration that i wanted either. I did come to the decision that I will be ordering a S7 myself. I am not in a rush so anytime between 3 months and 6 months will suit me fine.
Can anyone tell me what the Black optics package looks like. I have no idea... but I am attempting to put together my configuration.
Dr Chill
05-06-2013, 07:51 PM
Having owned a Panamera for 16 months, we couldn't wait to get rid of it. Loved the looks and interior, but the extremely poor visibility out the side and the back made it unbearable as an everyday driver. My wife used to say that you needed to look 3 times and say a prayer when you wanted to change lanes on the highway. The car performed well and had no issues except for the visibility.
I personally love the look of the S6 more than the S7.
Having owned a Panamera for 16 months, we couldn't wait to get rid of it. Loved the looks and interior, but the extremely poor visibility out the side and the back made it unbearable as an everyday driver. My wife used to say that you needed to look 3 times and say a prayer when you wanted to change lanes on the highway. The car performed well and had no issues except for the visibility.
I personally love the look of the S6 more than the S7.
Dr Chill - Thanks for your insight into the Panamera. The visibility would be a huge negative to me and my wife would hate it.
I ordered my S7 tonight. Phantom Black Pearl with black optics and some other goodies. Not the waiting begins.[:D]
eyelise
05-08-2013, 07:02 PM
Dr Chill - Thanks for your insight into the Panamera. The visibility would be a huge negative to me and my wife would hate it.
I ordered my S7 tonight. Phantom Black Pearl with black optics and some other goodies. Not the waiting begins.[:D]
I've had my S7 for about a month now and LOV it more every day. Estoril, sport wheels, carbon inlays, LEDs..... The performance is phenomenal. When I say effortless speed I mean effortless. It is so comfortable to drive an overnight drive back and forth to NYC from Boston was just a breeze.
Yesterday a guy hung outside his window while driving past me stopped at a light and yelled "F'ing beautiful car" The car really has that effect on people. I didn't buy it for that but guess I'll take it.
I've had my S7 for about a month now and LOV it more every day. Estoril, sport wheels, carbon inlays, LEDs..... The performance is phenomenal. When I say effortless speed I mean effortless. It is so comfortable to drive an overnight drive back and forth to NYC from Boston was just a breeze.
Yesterday a guy hung outside his window while driving past me stopped at a light and yelled "F'ing beautiful car" The car really has that effect on people. I didn't buy it for that but guess I'll take it.
I can't wait to get mine. I am just not sure how long it will take to get. I hope I will see my S7 by October, but who knows it could sooner with some good luck working for me.
TheChef
05-08-2013, 08:06 PM
I ordered a 2014 S7 today - however, a car is inbound to my dealer in two weeks that I have first right of refusal on. I very we'll might take it - on a car that is unchanged year to year but for a price increase...and no guarantee as to what 2014 holds for residuals, money factors and more important, loyalty cash, the Friends and Family pricing program and an already negotiated dealer trade on my car that will sure as hell change come 3-4 months from now.... I will likely make a move in the car coming in a few weeks.
Fredro Starr
05-08-2013, 09:15 PM
Chef,
After all that talk about colors, you have to give us more than "I ordered a 2014 S7 today"...
Color please.
I am jealous you may get a car in two weeks. My car probably will not arrive until winter.
TheChef
05-08-2013, 09:25 PM
Full disclosure- the order I put into today was Phantom black. I did that because its allocated til June for Aug delivery and there is better than a 50/50 shot I will get the inbound car in a few weeks - thus I want to leave something to my dealer that they can easily move. However, if I do not take the car in a few weeks that is coming in, I will add an exclusive color to the current black S7. (Still don't know what color that might be)
Two weeks is awesome! Hope you live it when
Meant... love it when it shows up!
TheChef
05-08-2013, 09:41 PM
As do I. It was an unexpected gift that Audi decided to bestow on my dealer as a "gift" (read: I know you can sell it due to your volume) - Audi was using it as a display car outside of a few Iron Man 3 Premiers. The car does have a few options that I wasnt specifically looking for - however, these damn things are so rare and with no guarantee on how things shake out for 2014, this one kinda seems like its ment to be. We will see...
GotRS?
05-12-2013, 06:07 PM
I bought an S6 as-seen last year while between RS5's. Easily the most capable car I've been in let alone owned. Luxury; comfort; tech; power and more. The S7 is the same thing inside but has it over the S6 on looks outside. I'd go S7 and if price isn't too much of a concern, get the B&O audio, it was the most incredible part of the car for me, do not compare it until you've heard and felt it.
Agility was part of the question from the OP. That's not part of these cars' appeal, a bit too big for that.