Audi has officially discontinued the gasoline-powered S6 sedan, marking the end of an era for one of its long-standing performance nameplates. The sporty four-door no longer fits neatly within the company’s evolving portfolio, particularly now that the latest generation of the combustion-powered A6 comes equipped with a strong standard engine and the brand is simultaneously pushing forward with electrified performance models like the S6 E-Tron.
The decision to phase out the traditional S6 does not come as a major shock. With the arrival of the updated A6 in dealerships, the S6’s role had become increasingly unclear. Positioned between the standard A6 and the more extreme RS6, the S6 often felt like an in-between option that struggled to define its purpose. Buyers seeking everyday luxury and solid performance could opt for the well-equipped A6, while enthusiasts craving maximum power and sharper dynamics were naturally drawn to the RS variant. This left the S6 occupying a narrow space in the middle of the lineup.
According to a report from Edmunds, Audi of America does not intend to introduce an S6 version based on the newest gasoline-powered A6 generation. Although the report has drawn attention, Audi has yet to provide an official public statement confirming the move. Motor1 reached out to the automaker for clarification, but as of now, the expectation is that the S6 in its traditional internal-combustion form will not return for this generation.
The outgoing S6 was powered by an advanced turbocharged and supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with hybrid assistance. This setup delivered an impressive 444 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, giving the sedan brisk acceleration and strong mid-range performance. It combined smooth power delivery with Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system, making it both quick and composed in various driving conditions.
However, the new A6 offered in the United States already comes standard with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 mild-hybrid engine producing 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. While not as powerful as the outgoing S6, this output significantly narrows the performance gap that once justified the S badge. As a result, the distinction between the regular A6 and the S6 has become less pronounced than in previous generations.
Audi first introduced the S6 more than three decades ago as a sportier alternative to the conventional A6. For many years, production occurred intermittently, with certain generations appearing in limited runs. Beginning in 2006, however, Audi made the S6 a permanent fixture in its lineup—until now. Although the gasoline S6 is being retired, Audi’s performance strategy is far from over. The company will continue to offer the fully electric S6 E-Tron, aligning with its broader electrification goals, and a new iteration of the high-performance RS6 Avant is also on the horizon.