It will take a careful and knowledgable eye to tell the exterior differences between the 2016 Audi S6 and S7 and their 2015 counterparts. Audi’s A6 and A7 lineups have undergone a mid-cycle refresh that is not unlike sharpening a well designed knife. This is precisely what Audi is trying to do with the latest S6 and S7.
How can this be done? How about raising the power, improving efficiency, and reducing the price along with updating interior and exterior touches. The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 now makes 450 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm and 406 lb-ft of torque that starts at a low 1,400 rpm and goes all the way to 5,700 rpm. The EPA ratings are slightly better: 18 MPG city, 27 MPG on the highway, and 21 MPG combined. The 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission helps it get 4.4 second 0-60 mph sprint, according to Audi.
Finally, the entry price goes down by a sizable $4,600 to $70,900 for the Premium Plus model.
The story is similar with the S7, but there are several noteworthy differences. The mechanicals are about identical, but the S7 make the maximum 450 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm (300 rpm earlier than the S6). The S7 is more luxurious with the interior designed for four (not five). Its hatchback allows it to swallow 24.5 cu-ft of cargo (versus the 14.1 cu-ft trunk of the S6).
However, the S7 is also 78 pounds heavier than the S6 (curb weight of the S7 is 4,564 pounds). This has a slight negative effect on the acceleration and fuel economy. The 0-60 mph time is 4.5 seconds and the EPA rating is 17 MPG city, 27 MPG on the highway, and 20 MPG combined. It’s unlikely you will notice this difference by the seat of your pants or at the pump. The 2016 Audi S7 starts at $82,900, which is $400 more than the previous model.
Watch the full video comparison between the two Audi S-cars.
