by Larry Lark, Herald Special Sections Writer
What perfect timing. You know, the holidays are over. The presents and decorations are stored away. Your furnace goes out. It’s still winter. And you’re feeling a little down in the dumps.
Sorry for getting a little autobiographical, but I trust I’m not the only one experiencing the doldrums.
But when the 2017 Audi S6 sedan 4.0T quattro S tronic luxury sedan is delivered to your driveway and your world changes forever — well, at least for a week — suddenly, the sun is shining, there’s a spring in your step and happy days are here again.
I’m not kidding, the S6 is a life-changer. It’s a sports car for everyday driving. That means it’s not only a performance wunderkind, but it’s practical — which is my pet peeve with sports cars. The S6 seats five adults and includes a trunk that would make any golfer smile.
Powered by a 4.0-liter, TFSI V8 engine mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission, the combination generates 450-horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. That means the S6 sprints from 0-to-62.1 miles per hour (100 kilometers) in 4.4 seconds.
And get this, the car is still rated at 27-miles-per-gallon fuel efficiency by the EPA. Now that’s German engineering. The other half of the sports car equation is handling. Is there a doubt? The S6 gives the road a bear hug around corners, and on wet or icy road surfaces, thanks in part to the car’s permanent all-wheel drive system and drive select with sport differential.
Where is an Autobahn when you need one? I underperformed in the S6 the entire week, and felt guilty — and unfulfilled. I was able to goose the engine enough from standard starts to the speed limit (with a little room to spare), but didn’t take it to the next level.
Because I’m a softy at heart, those of you who read these review know I love creature comforts designed for no other reason but to spoil and pamper. The quilted, heated, leather seats with 12-way adjustments for the driver were better than a trip to the chiropractor. The Bose surround-sound system, impeccable. The fine-grain birch and red-carbon twill inlays, sublime.
And then, of course, the technology and safety features, as one would expect, are off the charts. The navigation system literally displayed images that looked like they were downloaded from Google Earth. When I approached my home, it was already on-screen, with Middle Gulch just behind.
The multi-view camera views were equally impressive, as was the power sunroof, sunshades, smartphone interface and parking system.
Adaptive cruise control makes driving down the freeway a breeze, Audi active-lane assist, pre-sense plus, high-beam assistant and top-view camera system with distance sensors are other goodies.
2017 AUDI S6 SEDAN
BASE PRICE: $70,900
AS TESTED: $82,425
Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.
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