First Drive: 2016 Audi A6/S6

Yet, underneath all the changes, the A6 is more refresh than redesign, as it still rides on a 2,912 mm wheelbase. During our test loops through the German countryside near Dresden, the driving dynamics feel quite similar to the outgoing A6.

Ride quality, even over cobblestone streets, was impeccable, while road noise was kept to a minimum. Larger undulations were handled with ease as well.

The A6 equipped with the 2.0 TFSI motivated the car without struggle, through the engine note coming from the four-pot was less than impressive (to be fair, I would say there aren’t many impressive four-cylinder engine notes out there). However, it was extremely quiet during normal, light-footed operation.

We then set out with the A6 3.0 TFSI equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive. Overall, the drive was smoother, with nary an issue to report.

2016 Audi A6, 2016 Audi A6 S-Line headlight, 2016 Audi A6 Allroad wheel, 2016 Audi S6 Sedan. Click image to enlarge

However, both vehicles do have slightly slow steering in comparison to some of their counterparts, knocking some winds of confidence out of your sails. You still feel connected, but maybe not as much as you would in cars of some competitors.

As for the S6, the top model in the Canadian lineup as we won’t be seeing the RS6 anytime soon, driving dynamics are top notch, yet the über-sedan does communicate its weight to the driver.

The raucous 4.0L V8 produces an engine note fit for the gods when driven with fervour. And thanks to the Quattro all-wheel drive, none of the 450 hp is wasted on wheel spin. That note is even more pronounced in Dynamic mode, but don’t rely on it for anything but aggressive driving. If you select Dynamic from the available Drive Modes and drive the S6 gingerly, the transmission will get confused and hunt and peck for gears. Instead, if you are looking for some noise, use the configurable Individual mode and set the exhaust to wide open while keeping the transmission in auto or comfort.

The bottom line for all the new A6 and S6 models is this – if you like the old one, chances are you will like the new one, too. And if you are looking for updated styling, the new refresh is just the ticket.

2016 Audi A6 Allroad dashboard, A6 S-Line shifter, rear seat HVAC, S6 seat detail. Click image to enlarge

However, if you are hunting for something brand new, the A6 isn’t there quite yet. And with Audi about to reveal a new design language next month in the form of a concept touted to become the new A9, it might be worth holding off a year or two.

That said, if you did pick up one of the new Audis when they come out toward the middle of next year, we wouldn’t fault you. Not one bit.

Pricing for the 2016 Audi A6 was not available at the time of publication.