Got a chance to test drive an S7 today.

[HIS4]

Since the dealer didn't have an S6 on the lot, I also drove an A6 TDI just to gauge the size difference. I have to say I was quite surprised by some things about the S7. Obviously the power was impressive but that was expected. The car felt big but not sloppy. The A6 felt noticably smaller but the ride was actually more comfortable in the S7 which was surprising since I was comparing to an A6 with sport suspension. The interior of the S7 was also quieter than the A6.

At this point, I'm leaning towards the S7 over the S6 because I didn't feel the size was a significant issue and I really like the looks of it. Still gonna shop around a bit but so far I like what I saw.

[Glacier6]

Keep in mind the S7/S6 have have the air suspension while the A7/A6 do not. A big difference I have noticed between the 7 and 6 is the trunk space though...much more versatile and more space in the 7.

[CreoSTi]

Keep in mind the S7/S6 have have the air suspension while the A7/A6 do not.

Yep, and the air suspension eliminates a lot of the harshness in daily driving/various road conditions. I also like the ability to raise/lower the car on demand.

[HIS4]

Keep in mind the S7/S6 have have the air suspension while the A7/A6 do not. A big difference I have noticed between the 7 and 6 is the trunk space though...much more versatile and more space in the 7.

Good point. I'm still leaning towards the 7 though because the trunk space is a plus.

[BrianV]

I studied this a lot, but ultimately I went with the S6. I'm definitely not in the norm or consensus here, but I don't like the A7/S7, I don't like the squared off and droopy looking rear. Something just doesn't work for me, whereas I think the BMW Grand Coupe is absolutely gorgeous (compared to the 5-series). The RS7 suffers as well but it works out a little better and since there is no RS6 in the states, we have no other super-sedan Audi option.

However, I agree and understand more people prefer the looks of the S7 as it looks more exotic than the standard conservative looks of the S6.

That said, the more objective reasons to go for the S6 are:
- Lower price
- Lower weight / slightly faster acceleration (0.1 seconds) - Some say the S6 is the more dynamic feeling despite being taller and narrower
- 5 seats
- Headroom for adults. I'm ~6'1" and have no issues with headroom in the S6

S7 reasons:
- Hatch versatility
- Rear seats are more specialized due to the lack of a middle seat
- Lower, longer and wider (this may be bad as my S6 barely fits in the garage with my tool bench where it is

I will add that the S6 trunk is huge. During my search (for lightly used), I had a similar issue, finding S6s was very hard. In the major Texas big-4 cities, I could usually find 5 or so S7s, but there was almost never any S6s, so I had to jump quick when one came available.

[BrianV]

I studied this a lot, but ultimately I went with the S6. I'm definitely not in the norm or consensus here, but I don't like the A7/S7, I don't like the squared off and droopy looking rear. Something just doesn't work for me, whereas I think the BMW Grand Coupe is absolutely gorgeous (compared to the 5-series). The RS7 suffers as well but it works out a little better and since there is no RS6 in the states, we have no other super-sedan Audi option.

However, I agree and understand more people prefer the looks of the S7 as it looks more exotic than the standard conservative looks of the S6.

That said, the more objective reasons to go for the S6 are:
- Lower price
- Lower weight / slightly faster acceleration (0.1 seconds) - Some say the S6 is the more dynamic feeling despite being taller and narrower
- 5 seats
- Headroom for adults. I'm ~6'1" and have no issues with headroom in the S6

S7 reasons:
- Hatch versatility
- Rear seats are more specialized due to the lack of a middle seat
- Lower, longer and wider (this may be bad as my S6 barely fits in the garage with my tool bench where it is

I will add that the S6 trunk is huge, and I really don't need anything bigger as we have an SUV which tackles the versatility things. I think the 5th seat is more versatile than a trunk in my case. During my search (for lightly used), I had a similar issue, finding S6s was very hard. In the major Texas big-4 cities, I could usually find 5 or so S7s, but there was almost never any S6s, so I had to jump quick when one came available.

[HIS4]

I studied this a lot, but ultimately I went with the S6. I'm definitely not in the norm or consensus here, but I don't like the A7/S7, I don't like the squared off and droopy looking rear. Something just doesn't work for me, whereas I think the BMW Grand Coupe is absolutely gorgeous (compared to the 5-series). The RS7 suffers as well but it works out a little better and since there is no RS6 in the states, we have no other super-sedan Audi option.

However, I agree and understand more people prefer the looks of the S7 as it looks more exotic than the standard conservative looks of the S6.

That said, the more objective reasons to go for the S6 are:
- Lower price
- Lower weight / slightly faster acceleration (0.1 seconds) - Some say the S6 is the more dynamic feeling despite being taller and narrower
- 5 seats
- Headroom for adults. I'm ~6'1" and have no issues with headroom in the S6

S7 reasons:
- Hatch versatility
- Rear seats are more specialized due to the lack of a middle seat
- Lower, longer and wider (this may be bad as my S6 barely fits in the garage with my tool bench where it is

I will add that the S6 trunk is huge, and I really don't need anything bigger as we have an SUV which tackles the versatility things. I think the 5th seat is more versatile than a trunk in my case. During my search (for lightly used), I had a similar issue, finding S6s was very hard. In the major Texas big-4 cities, I could usually find 5 or so S7s, but there was almost never any S6s, so I had to jump quick when one came available.

The exclusiveness of either model is not an issue as there are less than 5 of each on the island. I'll have to look into the length and width issue because that was one of my concerns for my garage.

[m j b]

I had no idea that the S6 had air suspension. Shoot. One reason I bought my A6 (w/o sport) was for a comfy ride. I just assumed that the S6 would be stiff and uncomfortable, like my S5 was. Dang. Well, you know what happens when you assume...

The A6 trunk is great, especially with the seats folded down. I bought a 55" TV and had no trouble sliding it in there. Mounting it on the wall, well, that was another story.

I just checked out the Audi website, and all S6 iterations come with summer tires, which sucks. It doesn't snow enough here to justify a separate set of wheels and tires, but I hate driving on summer tires when the weather gets cold.

[moosehead1]

I can get a bigger TV in my trunk than an S6 can.

Oh wait....

[BrianV]

I can get a bigger TV in my trunk than an S6 can.

Oh wait....

I can get a 5th passenger in my S6 ;)

Too each their own, there are countless discussions/videos/reviews that cover the differences. It mostly comes down to the styling choice, the S6 is the traditional/conservative choice and the S7 is the edgier choice. Only other objective differences are whether you need the 5th seat and more headroom of the S6 or prefer the utility of the hatch. Anyone who buys the S6 because it's lighter and a tenth faster is probably buying the wrong car anyways.

[eyeloveteeth]

I can get a 5th passenger in my S6 ;)

Too each their own, there are countless discussions/videos/reviews that cover the differences. It mostly comes down to the styling choice, the S6 is the traditional/conservative choice and the S7 is the edgier choice. Only other objective differences are whether you need the 5th seat and more headroom of the S6 or prefer the utility of the hatch. Anyone who buys the S6 because it's lighter and a tenth faster is probably buying the wrong car anyways.

i disagree! if you need to fit a dog, seats down in a hatch back is going to win over sedan for large dogs!

[VeryBadman]

I can get a bigger TV in my trunk than an S6 can.

Oh wait....

I can't resist re-posting this again when the hauling topic was brought up.



Yes, a freaking office table and chair plus orange juice and chicken from Costso!

[CanuckRS]

I can't resist re-posting this again when the hauling topic was brought up. Yes, a freaking office table and chair plus orange juice and chicken from Costso!

yup, just try that with a sedan and a trunk...no way jose. it's the closest thing you can get to a wagon, just a bit less space but even more accessible imo.

[kouzman]

I can't resist re-posting this again when the hauling topic was brought up.



Yes, a freaking office table and chair plus orange juice and chicken from Costso!

Definitely a huge cabin! Maybe I am to crazy bc my RS7 is brand new with less than 1000 miles, but for carrying things or even daily with the bad winter I have my Ram 1500 Sport CC.

Both the 6 and 7 are impressive cars. I love the design of the 7 of course and I would go with the 6 only if I needed the 3rd passenger room in the back....

[VeryBadman]

Definitely a huge cabin! Maybe I am to crazy bc my RS7 is brand new with less than 1000 miles, but for carrying things or even daily with the bad winter I have my Ram 1500 Sport CC.

Both the 6 and 7 are impressive cars. I love the design of the 7 of course and I would go with the 6 only if I needed the 3rd passenger room in the back....

Unfortunately my other car is a tiny 2 series bimmer so RS7 is the one with largest cabin to carry big stuffs. Also, being able to fit the 3rd passenger in the back is not really a good reason to get the 6 over 7 anyway. It's so uncomfortable even for a girl with small figure so it's only good for short drive.

[eyeloveteeth]

Unfortunately my other car is a tiny 2 series bimmer so RS7 is the one with largest cabin to carry big stuffs. Also, being able to fit the 3rd passenger in the back is not really a good reason to get the 6 over 7 anyway. It's so uncomfortable even for a girl with small figure so it's only good for short drive.

LOL - my wife hates the S7 - but i just texted her that photo - (she wanted me to get the S6).

[BrianV]

i disagree! if you need to fit a dog, seats down in a hatch back is going to win over sedan for large dogs!

Where did I say anything about dogs (for you to disagree). I agree that with dogs, the hatch is better. My dogs shed bad, they aren't allowed in my Audi and are only allowed in the Volvo. That said, with past cars, I'd put the seats down and allow them free roam from the trunk to the backseats, but notwithstanding, especially for larger dogs, the hatch/S7 wins.

[BrianV]

I can't resist re-posting this again when the hauling topic was brought up.



Yes, a freaking office table and chair plus orange juice and chicken from Costso!

Were your seats down (assume so given that the box says 47" L)? It actually seems quite narrower than the S6, it barely fit the 30" wide package. I believe with the seats down that I'd have no problem fitting that in an S6 (or any other sedan that allows its back seats to go down). Big package down the gut, smaller package on top loaded from the back seat.

[CanuckRS]

fyi: cargo/trunk specs for a6 vs a7

a6: capacity with seats up 530Litres
a7: capacity with seats up 535Litres

a6: capacity with seats down 995Litres
a7: capacity with seats down 1350Litres

[VeryBadman]

fyi: cargo/trunk specs for a6 vs a7

a6: capacity with seats up 530Litres
a7: capacity with seats up 535Litres

a6: capacity with seats down 995Litres
a7: capacity with seats down 1350Litres

In cubic feet please Mr. Canadian!

Joking aside it's just as you said, the 7 capacity is bigger than 6.

[CanuckRS]

i think that info was from a uk site, so ya...the rest of us use metric ;)

and yes, with seats down the 7 series has about 35% MORE space..sweet.

[eyeloveteeth]

Where did I say anything about dogs (for you to disagree). I agree that with dogs, the hatch is better. My dogs shed bad, they aren't allowed in my Audi and are only allowed in the Volvo. That said, with past cars, I'd put the seats down and allow them free roam from the trunk to the backseats, but notwithstanding, especially for larger dogs, the hatch/S7 wins.

actually i traded in the 2013 XC60 Rdesign for the S7 (i have a lab) - i think the material in the rear of the volvo was harder to clean off than in the S7 lol.

i'm quoting a different thread about needing to fit a full sized lab - my b

[Fredro Starr]

I should have taken a picture of when I bought our green egg and put it in the back of our 7.

The salesman's look was priceless when he saw me pull up. "You're gonna put that in that?!?"

"Yessir!"

[tenspeed]

I should have taken a picture of when I bought our green egg and put it in the back of our 7.

What is a "green egg"?

[jared13]

I'm glad to hear that the 7 provides something tangible over the 6 given the price difference. 10 grand more was a dubious proposition on styling alone for me. Ultimately, $ savings > cargo capacity for me since my other vehicle is an MDX. To each his own.

I also noticed the subtle differences in size, height, and seating position when driving the 6/7 back to back.

For the record I like the looks of the 7 better but not enough to make me pay for one. Interestingly, there are way more 7s around here than 6s so I actually see them all over the place but rarely see a car like mine. My local area might not be a good sample for the rest of the country.

[Fredro Starr]