Road Test: Audi A6 S6 TFSI Quattro 4dr S Tronic

May we present the mildly refreshed S6, Audi's sub-RS performance saloon that's been treated to a raft of mild upgrades for added oomph.

Changes to the standard A6 (left) carry across to this car, but the S6's engine has been uprated by 30bhp. That means the wonderful 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 - as used in the Bentley Continental GT, don't forget - produces 444bhp and 406lb ft of torque, put to good use by a 7spd twin-clutcher and four-wheel drive.

The chassis remains the same, and so while it's faster than before, it remains a cool, understated, thunderously fast saloon car that's mostly fuss-free. It has a hugely grippy chassis that handles its mass well, coupled with that regular Audi trope of artificial but accurate steering.

Spec the sports exhaust, and it returns a metallic rasp that's quite delightful. Naturally, it comes with an impeccably appointed interior too, now better than ever, thanks to infotainment upgrades.

It's faster and cheaper than a BMW 550i M Sport saloon, but the Beemer's more involving, yadda yadda yadda - you know the score. The Audi makes a great case for itself, though, if you want comfortable, crushing pace with a bombproof interior.