2017 Audi S6

Call the S6 Audi's version of just right: more spacious than the compact-ish S4, and less ostentatious than the massive S8, this mid-size sedan is a great way to move four people in very quick comfort.

Based on the A6, the S6 ditches a V6 engine for a forced-induction V8 that feeds 450 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi's well-known Quattro all-wheel drive system with a sport differential.

Not quite as potent as BMW's M5 or AMG versions of Mercedes-Benz's E-Class, the S6 is a closer competitor to cars like the BMW 550i and Mercedes-Benz E 550, which is still fine company to find yourself in. If you want M- or AMG-like performance in a four-door Audi package, you have to look to the RS7, with its own version of this V8 cranked up to 605 hp in the optional "Performance" trim.

For the S6's $90,850 pricetag, standard features include 20-inch wheels, speed-sensitive power steering, LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights, automatic high beam, headlight washers, sunroof, power trunk with hands-free operation, power-folding, auto-dimming and heated side mirrors, four-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front Valcona leather seats with four-way lumbar and driver memory, heated front and rear seats, power rear window sunshade and manual rear side window sunshades, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Audi MMI navigation plus, MMI touch with handwriting recognition, eight-inch colour display screen, 14-speaker stereo with satellite radio, Bluetooth and smartphone interface, colour driver information system display, intelligent keyless entry with push-button start, front rear parking sensors and rear and top-view cameras, cruise control, pre-sense rear, side assist, drive select and red brake calipers.

Fuel saving stuff like an auto start/stop and cylinder-on-demand systems contribute to the S6's not-unreasonable fuel consumption estimates of 13.3/8.8 L/100 km (city/highway), according to the Natural Resources Canada test method.

Notable options include a $2,000 "multicontour and ventilation package" that adds 14-way power front seats with massage and ventilation functions; a $2,900 "driver assistance package" brings pre-sense plus, active lane assist and adaptive cruise with stop-and-go function; a "night vision assistant" is a $2,500 addition; and finally, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo adds $6,500 to the bottom line.