2016+ Audis S6

[bdwonder]

Hi,

I was hoping the owners of Audi S6 model for years 2016 and 2017, could help me out.

I am concerned with few items on this vehicle.

Read in few places and heard from different folks some opposing facts.

Is the S6 air suspension harsh at all? I am looking for something that can be a very comfortable and pleasant cruiser, and that can soak up large potholes and etc quite well. And at the same time, something that can be tighter and stiffer when switching to Dynamic or Sport. Is the Audi S6 Air Suspension such a car? How is the Audi S6 Air Suspension?

Also, how is the transmission and turbos on this car? Is there any significant or annoying lag? Or is the transmission actually very good, and minimal turbo lag?

Thank you!

[Brooklyn]

No offense brother, but all of the questions you asked are subjective. You could get 10 responses and half of them might say yes, and the other half no. You need to test drive the car, or get a ride from someone with the car and see for yourself. I have a 2013 and there is a noticeable difference to me in ride "softness" from Dynamic to Comfort modes. I also detect lag, albeit a small amount, while my old lady says she doesn't feel any lag at all. I prefer the transmission response on my old A6 3.0t, but the wife says the transmission on the S6 feels much more responsive to her. I've further clouded the issue by getting the APR TCU tune. Highly recommend you find a S6 to test drive, or lash up with someone on the NYC regional forum and go for a quick drive. If you're in NYC, the ride is probably going to be harsh no matter what you're driving!

[cdubya19]

I have a MY16 S6. I like the air suspension. I think it's a comfortable highway cruiser in any mode and soaks up pothole just fine in comfort mode. The dynamic mode is a little bit tighter than the comfort obviously, but it's not "Sport car" tight. Don't think an air suspension will ever be as tight as a non-air suspension on a sports car like a GT3RS for example.

Transmission in general is great with fast shifts. Only thing I find annoying is in S mode and slow speeds, the shifts between 2nd and 3rd sometimes feel weird like it doesn't know what gear it wants to go in.

Don't feel there is a lot of turbo lag. It's also very subjective and depends on what you driven and compare it with.

You just have to test drive one to know if it's for you.

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[bdwonder]

I have a MY16 S6. I like the air suspension. I think it's a comfortable highway cruiser in any mode and soaks up pothole just fine in comfort mode. The dynamic mode is a little bit tighter than the comfort obviously, but it's not "Sport car" tight. Don't think an air suspension will ever be as tight as a non-air suspension on a sports car like a GT3RS for example.

Transmission in general is great with fast shifts. Only thing I find annoying is in S mode and slow speeds, the shifts between 2nd and 3rd sometimes feel weird like it doesn't know what gear it wants to go in.

Don't feel there is a lot of turbo lag. It's also very subjective and depends on what you driven and compare it with.

You just have to test drive one to know if it's for you.

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thanks dude. appreciate the response!

- - - Updated - - -

No offense brother, but all of the questions you asked are subjective. You could get 10 responses and half of them might say yes, and the other half no. You need to test drive the car, or get a ride from someone with the car and see for yourself. I have a 2013 and there is a noticeable difference to me in ride "softness" from Dynamic to Comfort modes. I also detect lag, albeit a small amount, while my old lady says she doesn't feel any lag at all. I prefer the transmission response on my old A6 3.0t, but the wife says the transmission on the S6 feels much more responsive to her. I've further clouded the issue by getting the APR TCU tune. Highly recommend you find a S6 to test drive, or lash up with someone on the NYC regional forum and go for a quick drive. If you're in NYC, the ride is probably going to be harsh no matter what you're driving!

Thanks! Good info. I def need to test drive one at the dealership.

[OmaHahn]

"Significant or annoying turbo lag?" If you've done any research at all, you'd know this car at over 4,300 lbs sprints 0-60 in 3.9 seconds stock!!.....ummm I would safely say there's no lag there! And with a minor Stage 1 tune would make this car even quicker and more responsive! "This isn't your grandpa's turbo-charged car." It's safe to say "most" newer cars using turbo technology have addressed and corrected the lag issues from the archaic single turbo systems.

[bdwonder]

"Significant or annoying turbo lag?" If you've done any research at all, you'd know this car at over 4,300 lbs sprints 0-60 in 3.9 seconds stock!!.....ummm I would safely say there's no lag there! And with a minor Stage 1 tune would make this car even quicker and more responsive! "This isn't your grandpa's turbo-charged car." It's safe to say "most" newer cars using turbo technology have addressed and corrected the lag issues from the archaic single turbo systems.

right...what I mostly found was 4.4 seconds 0-60. im sure the 3.9 was in perfect conditions, on perfect day, after many many attempts. But you cant equate this run with everyday driving. In everyday driving, that's where the lag could peak it lagging turbo head lol. I just asked this question because a guy I've spoken to on my vacation claimed the transmission was slow and there was a noticeable turbo lag. I've heard others state the same thing, while many others claim the opposite.
Im not looking to tune this car, going to keep it stock. Just want a fast sedan, with comfort ride. Not planning on racing or tracking. Just spirited driving.

[Barritia]

The transmission is far from slow. It's probably one of the fastest on the market on a car in this price range so that's not something you should worry about. It's a turbo car so expect lag. I have not driven one turbo vehicle that didn't have lag. It's the nature of the beast
But when that boost comes in it comes in hard. The 4.4seconds to 60 was Audi's numbers but it has been tested by a few publications at 3.9seconds to 60 and tuned would be even less. I can't really give a review on the suspension as I'm not stock height but even lowered the comfort mode is def comfortable still and stock was very smooth. I can't image you would like the preset options.

[bdwonder]

The transmission is far from slow. It's probably one of the fastest on the market on a car in this price range so that's not something you should worry about. It's a turbo car so expect lag. I have not driven one turbo vehicle that didn't have lag. It's the nature of the beast
But when that boost comes in it comes in hard. The 4.4seconds to 60 was Audi's numbers but it has been tested by a few publications at 3.9seconds to 60 and tuned would be even less. I can't really give a review on the suspension as I'm not stock height but even lowered the comfort mode is def comfortable still and stock was very smooth. I can't image you would like the preset options.

That's what i was thinking. Thanks man. Appreciate the response.

[dogears]

I have a 2016.... There is a touch of lag when compared to the instant response of a high HP non turbo motor, but things spool quickly. The biggest issue is that you can't "power brake" the tranny like you can in the RS7 or S8. This means the only way to get a no lag launch is using launch control. Not super practical. If you like crazy hole shot launches all the time and don't feel like using launch control, then I see where the critiques come from.

You can always add a tune box, pick up at least 50-70hp and keep the warranty. I have driven in an S6 with the box and it is a big difference. Won't fix the launch issue though!

[wwhan]

Well there is lag, especially in Drive, I drive my 2016 S6 in Sport mode over 95% of the time which minimizes the lag. I came from a b8 S4 stage, which had no lag and instant off the line power. One handy feature is the ability to pull down the shifter into sport mode and leave the MMI throttle set in auto. I pull it down into sport every time I drive the car which keep the rpm higher and engine brakes. Yank on the shifter again and it is in Drive, with low rpm and no engine braking.

My S6 has sport option, so the exhaust is more aggressive in sport mode.

I keep Suspension in comfort mode which is just soft enough, with Eurocode sways and end links, to keep it flatter and more solid on corners.

Now with a stage 1 ECU tune, in sport mode the lag is minimal, but Not compared to the instant power of stage 2 S4.

Power on the S6 comes alive between 2500 & 3000 rpm, below 2500 rpm, it is sluggish.

[goliath1]

Suspension can be described in 1word...BUTTAH.

The different modes do make a diff. My pref is comfort.

Lag is there but IMHO the pure smoothness and torquey acceleration far outweighs any lag negatives. Turbo = lag. Laws of physics in action. Flip the shifter to the right to manual and I'll bet u feel no lag.

Seems to me those u have spoken to may be uber critical.

[MileMan402]

These are just my opinions, but if people could try out a few different cars back to back I'd like to think they'd agree with me.

Suspension: Great at soaking up small bumps and undulations in the road. However it is not so great at soaking up larger potholes or bumps in the road. The suspension is much softer than my Focus RS so it's more comfortable for 95% of driving, but IMO the S6 feels like something is going to break in the front suspension when you hit a larger hole or bump.

Turbos: Very minimal lag. They are small turbos for a 4.0L V8, which is why they spool fast and die in the upper rpm's.

Transmission: "Laggy" from a stop. A lot of people attribute this lag to the turbos, but really it's the trans. This is because of the DSG. The clutch packs disengage when you come to a stop and they have to re-engage when taking off. This is what is "laggy". Sport mode, TCU tunes, throttle boosters, etc. can all improve this, but there will still be a delay you can feel versus the ZF8 auto in the A6/RS7.

Overall I love my S6, which is why I'll probably keep it for a few more years. Sounds like the guy you talked to didn't know what he was talking about or was used to a totally different car - then I could see how things could be perceived differently. You should really go test drive one.

[Kirks5oh]

what are you comparing the car to??

my GTR has a harsh ride. audi is amazingly soft in comfort mode. GTR has a decent amount of turbo lag, but a crazy top end. audi has minimal to no lag. and the transmission is a twin clutch auto---enough said

[Ze_Nardo6]

right...what I mostly found was 4.4 seconds 0-60. im sure the 3.9 was in perfect conditions, on perfect day, after many many attempts. But you cant equate this run with everyday driving. In everyday driving, that's where the lag could peak it lagging turbo head lol. I just asked this question because a guy I've spoken to on my vacation claimed the transmission was slow and there was a noticeable turbo lag. I've heard others state the same thing, while many others claim the opposite.
Im not looking to tune this car, going to keep it stock. Just want a fast sedan, with comfort ride. Not planning on racing or tracking. Just spirited driving.

Not at all...there are numerous performance tests by an assortment of different groups nailing 3.7-3.9 0-60 times consistently with these cars...not once in perfect conditions. These cars move with launch control. 0-60 in sub 4 seconds in a 4300-4400lb car in stock form is insanely impressive. As others have stated, the turbos are pretty small allowing for less lag and a punchy midrange...but lack some performance in the top end.

[Webtoker]

I have a MY 16 and it's the best suspension I have ever had all round.


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[wwhan]

The main weak point of the S6 DSG is the lack of off idle, low RPM, torque & the double clutch transmission at low RPM (no torque converter to help bump RPM up to stall speed).

The 2016 S6 DSG can operate in freewheel mode in Drive (with very little or no engine braking). In Sport mode the clutch is engaged with engine braking, plus the RPMs stay higher.

Operating in Drive slowing from 40mph entering a corner, then accelerating out of the corner, there is a throttle dead spot, since the engine comes off near idle with no torque converter to help accelerate coming out of the corner.

One just just needs to pull back on the shifter to enter Sport mode, before entering a corner, to resolve this problem.

In Sport mode from 40mph entering a corner, then accelerating out of the corner, the throttle is more responsive, since the engine is engaged and the RPM is above 2k RPM to help accelerate coming out of the corner.

[Dguth]

What he said. ^^great explanation but easily addressed.


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[Ze_Nardo6]

I have a MY 16 and it's the best suspension I have ever had all round.


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What is meant by "MY" in MY 16?

[mbauer0]

What is meant by "MY" in MY 16?

Model Year


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[bdwonder]

I have a 2016.... There is a touch of lag when compared to the instant response of a high HP non turbo motor, but things spool quickly. The biggest issue is that you can't "power brake" the tranny like you can in the RS7 or S8. This means the only way to get a no lag launch is using launch control. Not super practical. If you like crazy hole shot launches all the time and don't feel like using launch control, then I see where the critiques come from.

You can always add a tune box, pick up at least 50-70hp and keep the warranty. I have driven in an S6 with the box and it is a big difference. Won't fix the launch issue though!

Thanks!

- - - Updated - - -

Well there is lag, especially in Drive, I drive my 2016 S6 in Sport mode over 95% of the time which minimizes the lag. I came from a b8 S4 stage, which had no lag and instant off the line power. One handy feature is the ability to pull down the shifter into sport mode and leave the MMI throttle set in auto. I pull it down into sport every time I drive the car which keep the rpm higher and engine brakes. Yank on the shifter again and it is in Drive, with low rpm and no engine braking.

My S6 has sport option, so the exhaust is more aggressive in sport mode.

I keep Suspension in comfort mode which is just soft enough, with Eurocode sways and end links, to keep it flatter and more solid on corners.

Now with a stage 1 ECU tune, in sport mode the lag is minimal, but Not compared to the instant power of stage 2 S4.

Power on the S6 comes alive between 2500 & 3000 rpm, below 2500 rpm, it is sluggish.

thank you.

[bdwonder]

These are just my opinions, but if people could try out a few different cars back to back I'd like to think they'd agree with me.

Suspension: Great at soaking up small bumps and undulations in the road. However it is not so great at soaking up larger potholes or bumps in the road. The suspension is much softer than my Focus RS so it's more comfortable for 95% of driving, but IMO the S6 feels like something is going to break in the front suspension when you hit a larger hole or bump.

Turbos: Very minimal lag. They are small turbos for a 4.0L V8, which is why they spool fast and die in the upper rpm's.

Transmission: "Laggy" from a stop. A lot of people attribute this lag to the turbos, but really it's the trans. This is because of the DSG. The clutch packs disengage when you come to a stop and they have to re-engage when taking off. This is what is "laggy". Sport mode, TCU tunes, throttle boosters, etc. can all improve this, but there will still be a delay you can feel versus the ZF8 auto in the A6/RS7.

Overall I love my S6, which is why I'll probably keep it for a few more years. Sounds like the guy you talked to didn't know what he was talking about or was used to a totally different car - then I could see how things could be perceived differently. You should really go test drive one.

Thanks dude! Appreciate the write up. Really good info.
Regarding the S6 air suspension when meeting larger bumps and potholes. Does it really crash and feel as you described? My BMW 435 feels this way, and I hate it. I was hoping the S6 Air Suspension would be much better against large potholes.

[bdwonder]

Not at all...there are numerous performance tests by an assortment of different groups nailing 3.7-3.9 0-60 times consistently with these cars...not once in perfect conditions. These cars move with launch control. 0-60 in sub 4 seconds in a 4300-4400lb car in stock form is insanely impressive. As others have stated, the turbos are pretty small allowing for less lag and a punchy midrange...but lack some performance in the top end.

wow, that's actually pretty good. I can see S6 easily in everyday street driving, outpacing and out-running an F10 M5s.

[bdwonder]

I have a MY 16 and it's the best suspension I have ever had all round.


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it says you have a Daytona Grey. Would you mind posting some pictures? It's my first color choice. I think its brilliant. thanks.

[Webtoker]

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[zcd2.7t]

Thanks dude! Appreciate the write up. Really good info.
Regarding the S6 air suspension when meeting larger bumps and potholes. Does it really crash and feel as you described? My BMW 435 feels this way, and I hate it. I was hoping the S6 Air Suspension would be much better against large potholes.

I disagree regarding the suspension feel over larger bumps - I've never once experienced anything that I'd consider a "harsh" feeling from my suspension, even in Dynamic mode over rough roads. Different reactions from different drivers may be a result of previous personal experience on other cars. My previous DD was a B8 S4 with ADS (which included adaptive dampers) and a STaSIS "Touring" suspension (3/4" lower than stock ride height, stiffer springs). Even that car, in Dynamic and over big bumps wasn't harsh. It could occasionally feel abrupt, but no bad sounds, nor vibrations or feelings ever made their way to the cabin.

The S6 is MUCH more compliant than that car, even in Dynamic...

Also, to answer a question you posed in another thread, yes, there's a very distinct difference in ride height (3/4") and overall responsiveness in "Dynamic" vs. "Auto" or "Comfort" suspension settings. I'd actually prefer that the Dynamic ride height be the default height, with Dynamic lower (and stiffer) than that.

[MileMan402]

I disagree regarding the suspension feel over larger bumps - I've never once experienced anything that I'd consider a "harsh" feeling from my suspension, even in Dynamic mode over rough roads. Different reactions from different drivers may be a result of previous personal experience on other cars. My previous DD was a B8 S4 with ADS (which included adaptive dampers) and a STaSIS "Touring" suspension (3/4" lower than stock ride height, stiffer springs). Even that car, in Dynamic and over big bumps wasn't harsh. It could occasionally feel abrupt, but no bad sounds, nor vibrations or feelings ever made their way to the cabin.

The S6 is MUCH more compliant than that car, even in Dynamic...

Also, to answer a question you posed in another thread, yes, there's a very distinct difference in ride height (3/4") and overall responsiveness in "Dynamic" vs. "Auto" or "Comfort" suspension settings. I'd actually prefer that the Dynamic ride height be the default height, with Dynamic lower (and stiffer) than that.

That is why I tried to say that my comments were subjective based on my experience with a variety of cars. There is a reason that some manufacturers have technologies that detect defects such as potholes and stiffen the suspension before impact.

Don't get me wrong, the suspension in my S6 is much more comfortable and compliant than my RS the majority of the time, but over large potholes or bumps it is much more jarring in the S6. Many times after driving over an unavoidable bump or pothole at speed in the S6 my first thought is "OUCH!" (because the car has feelings, right?) lol. Although the stiff suspension on the RS may actually cause the car to move more vertically, it doesn't feel as overwhelmed in the scenario. (Sorry this is probably hard to explain in text).

Edit: I believe the reason why I feel this way is because the suspension setup on the S6 is very quick to drop into a pothole since the dampers aren't stiff enough. See this video from Ford detailing their pothole mitigation tech:

[bdwonder]

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wow! that color, it's simply stunning.

[jsmonet]

The main weak point of the S6 DSG is the lack of off idle, low RPM, torque & the double clutch transmission at low RPM (no torque converter to help bump RPM up to stall speed).

The 2016 S6 DSG can operate in freewheel mode in Drive (with very little or no engine braking). In Sport mode the clutch is engaged with engine braking, plus the RPMs stay higher.

Operating in Drive slowing from 40mph entering a corner, then accelerating out of the corner, there is a throttle dead spot, since the engine comes off near idle with no torque converter to help accelerate coming out of the corner.

One just just needs to pull back on the shifter to enter Sport mode, before entering a corner, to resolve this problem.

In Sport mode from 40mph entering a corner, then accelerating out of the corner, the throttle is more responsive, since the engine is engaged and the RPM is above 2k RPM to help accelerate coming out of the corner.

It cannot be overstated just how easy and fluid the motion becomes to throw the car into sport temporarily. On the off chance you need a bit more response, a little pull and you're all set.

re: the air suspension. It soaks up imperfections better than any other car I've driven so far, including a number of luxobarge suvs. You also don't give up much in handling for that softness. Want everything a bit sharper? Put it in dynamic and suffer the OH SO HARSH RIDE--oh, wait, even then it's comfortable.

Lag: it's a DI v8 with small turbos. Any lag you perceive is likely from being in comfort mode where it lets everything relax a bit, as wwhan said ^^right there.

ecu and tcu tune do some very nice things to the car, but it's great even without.

[bdwonder]

It cannot be overstated just how easy and fluid the motion becomes to throw the car into sport temporarily. On the off chance you need a bit more response, a little pull and you're all set.

re: the air suspension. It soaks up imperfections better than any other car I've driven so far, including a number of luxobarge suvs. You also don't give up much in handling for that softness. Want everything a bit sharper? Put it in dynamic and suffer the OH SO HARSH RIDE--oh, wait, even then it's comfortable.

Lag: it's a DI v8 with small turbos. Any lag you perceive is likely from being in comfort mode where it lets everything relax a bit, as wwhan said ^^right there.

ecu and tcu tune do some very nice things to the car, but it's great even without.

thanks!

[dogears]

True, except the DSG does not have the same full time ability to brake torque the motor for hole shot launches. Car is a pig for a split second off the line, even in sport mode. If you use launch control it gets better, but that is limited to 200 uses and you have to engage it. My biggest complaint. If the S6 had the ZF that would be sweet!

Don't get me wrong, it is a split second and then the big push..... But still, nothing like the G force of launch control.

It cannot be overstated just how easy and fluid the motion becomes to throw the car into sport temporarily. On the off chance you need a bit more response, a little pull and you're all set.

re: the air suspension. It soaks up imperfections better than any other car I've driven so far, including a number of luxobarge suvs. You also don't give up much in handling for that softness. Want everything a bit sharper? Put it in dynamic and suffer the OH SO HARSH RIDE--oh, wait, even then it's comfortable.

Lag: it's a DI v8 with small turbos. Any lag you perceive is likely from being in comfort mode where it lets everything relax a bit, as wwhan said ^^right there.

ecu and tcu tune do some very nice things to the car, but it's great even without.

[Barritia]

I always drive in dynamic and with traction control off so I'm always in launch mode. The cars not as fun in comfort and D and it's awful around corners with traction control on.