by The End of the Traditional S6 Era
Audi has officially confirmed that the updated A6 model will not have a traditional sporty S6 version, even though the new RS6 is already on the way. For fans of the S6 badge, only two options remain: the fully electric S6 e-tron Sportback, which is not even a classic sedan but a liftback, or the standard A6 with the S Line trim package, which, at least on paper, turns out to be even faster.
The new Audi A6 e-tron looks more attractive than the BMW i5 and Mercedes EQE due to its lower price.
The German automaker currently offers 13 model lines in the US market, totaling 31 models. Seven of them are sedans, and the rest are crossovers or SUVs. The range becomes even wider if you consider the e-tron electric variants of the Q4, Q6, and A6 models. Given this, the decision to quietly “retire” the S6 name does not seem like a big surprise.
Power of the New A6
As experts report, the standard Audi A6 is not devoid of sporty character at all. It is equipped with the same 3.0-liter bi-turbo V6 engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology as new models like the S5 and SQ5. Its power is 362 hp and 550 Nm of torque. This allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, which is one-tenth of a second faster than the previous S6 with 444 hp.
An Audi representative confirmed to journalists that the S6 model will not be offered for the 2026 model year. However, he refrained from commenting on the possible return of this modification in the future.
Updates for the A6
The information about the absence of the S6 in the current model lineup coincided with Audi’s launch of the updated version of the standard A6 for the US market for the 2026 model year. This update is part of a general modernization recently undergone by the Audi A5, Q6, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron models.
This means that, like other updated models, the 2026 Audi A6 TFSI received an updated four-spoke steering wheel, now equipped with two scroll wheels. The multimedia system was also updated to contain fewer lists, and owners can order a high-quality video camera integrated into the base of the rearview mirror.
Improved parking assistance function and enhanced voice control have also appeared. Audi carried out these updates while keeping the model’s starting price at $64,100.
These changes in Audi’s strategy clearly indicate a priority on electrification and adaptation to new market conditions. The abandonment of the high-performance but traditional S6 sedan in favor of an electric Sportback and the increasing power of base models demonstrate how the priorities of both manufacturers and buyers are changing. Progressive technologies and software updates for the interior are now often valued more than pure mechanical power in a classic execution. At the same time, maintaining the price of the updated model may become a key argument for clients looking for a modern premium sedan with good dynamics but without the “S” badge.
