Just like the tiny A1 and the more-powerful RS6 Avant, the Audi S6 is in for a facelift for the 2015 model year, and a fresh host of spy shots have just arrived to help us decipher what's new on the high-performance sedan->ke142. Up front, the most notable changes will include a revised front grille flanked by a pair of headlamps sporting a new LED design. Same goes for the rear end, where a set of taillights will replace the current ones. An all around nip and tuck is also present under that camouflage, but we'll only be able to notice it all once the production version is out in the open.

All told, don't expect the 2015 model to change too much, but the crisp body and interior updates will keep the S6 fresh for a few more years.

Moving under the hood, the twin-turbo, 4.0-liter, V-8 engine, shared with the RS6->ke1305 and the Bentley Continental GT, could see a 20-horsepower bump from the current 420-horsepower output, meaning 0 to 60 mph will drop below the current 4.5-second estimate.

The sedan won't be unveiled until late 2014, so make sure you stick around for more spy shots and updates.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Audi S6.

2015 Audi S6

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Audi S6
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Competitors

BMW 5 Series

With 560 horsepower under its hood, the BMW M5 might be a bit too much for the S6 to handle. On the other hand, the 550i is more suited for a fair comparison. The latter outputs 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque coming from a twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8, while an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is in charge with sending the oomph to the wheels.

Priced from $64,825, the 550i will give you an extra $9,000 to spend on extras, with plenty of options and accessories to choose from. Highlights include 18-way power front seats, rear seat entertainment, Driving Dynamics control, auto Start-Stop, brake energy regeneration, xenon adaptive headlamps and Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection.

For $3,000, the 550i can be equipped with the M Sport package that adds more aggressive body kit among others. As with most BMWs->ke178, several Individual exterior paints and interior leather and trims are up for grabs.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Powered by a biturbo, 4.6-liter, V-8 engine tuned to develop 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, the range-topping, non-AMG Mercedes E550 4MATIC falls short in terms of power, but has the $61,400 starting price tag on its side. While the E63 AMG puts more power to the ground through its 550-horsepower, 5.5-liter, V-8, the $92,770 sticker pushes it nearly twenty grand above the Audi S6.

The current E-Class->ke373 received its mid-cycle facelift in early 2013. Although exterior modifications were kept to a minimum, the sedan rolled out with a sportier stance, which can be further improved by additional AMG styling packages.The E550 4MATIC is obviously packed in standard form, with a heap of options available inside and out, including large, 19-inch wheels, illuminated door sills, rear seat entertainment and a panoramic roof.

As far as performance and safety go, the sedan can be fitted with Lane Keeping and Blind Spot Assist, Parktronic with Active Parking Assist and Exit and Mercedes->ke187' AirMatic adaptive air suspension.

History

The S6 nameplate was introduced 20 years ago, when Audi renamed its 100 model the A6. Initially available with a turbocharged 2.2-liter, five-cylinder engine, the original S6 received a more powerful 4.2-liter V-8 unit before being replaced by a completely new model in 1999.

The aforementioned V-8 was the only engine available on the second generation model, with a larger, 5.2-liter V-10 taking its place on the third-gen iteration that was sold between 2006 and 2011. The V-8 returned in the form of a 4.0-liter unit on the current S6, which was put into production in 2012 for the 2013 model year.

Audi S6