With the world financial crisis over and the re-shaped economy rising, Audi rushed to offer a new S version for the fourth generation of the A6 Avant.
Audi launched the fourth generation of the A6 in early 2011 for the European market, and one year later, it was available everywhere else. Like all its predecessors, it was available in two body versions: sedan and station wagon, the latter being traditionally named Avant by the carmaker. The S-model was a sportier version and featured a few differences when compared to the standard model.

Audi had a special package named S-line, which the customer could add on any less-powered version of the A6 Avant, while the S6 was the real deal. It sported silver door mirror caps and a red and gray logo on the massive, singleframe grille. On the sides, Audi installed V8T badges on the front fenders, while at the back, it installed an aluminum-like shield under the bumper, flanked by two twin elliptical pipes. At the top of the tailgate, the carmaker added a roof spoiler.

Inside, the S6 Avant featured an elegant yet sporty interior. Audi placed an S6 badge on the steering wheel and embroidered it on the seatbacks of the front seats. The same logo appeared on the instrument panel on the center TFT display between the tachometer and the speedometer. A few carbon-fiber trims adorned the door panels and the center console.

But the S6 Avant was about what was under the bodywork. Audi installed a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 under the car’s hood. It paired it with a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox. It sent the 420 hp to all corners via a Torsen center differential, not a Haldex system.