The new Audi S6 premium sport sedan offers one of those rare treats in life — getting more for less. In this case, more kicks, less money.

The formula is simple, really. Audi took the more sedate A6 and lit a fire under it with a twin-turbo 444-hp engine, added extra boost with an electric supercharger and gave it cheetah-like agility by adding rear-wheel steering.

Then Audi introduced a new entry-level trim called the Premium that knocks around 5,000 bucks off the sticker (now around $73,700). More kicks, less money. It even gets its own Convenience package with features like driver assists and surround-view camera.

The S6 isn’t the ultra flash, but it does get sportier elements than the A6 like a blacked-out grille and 21-inch V-spoke alloys with red brake calipers. And, for 2024, there’s a revamped honeycomb grille and bumpers with aluminum inlays, new LED headlamps and daytime lights. New colors Ascari Blue and Grenadine Red Metallic round out the bolder elements.

Power comes from a 2.9-liter V-6 engine which is assisted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to juice the supercharger. Together they produce 443 pound-feet of torque and a sprint to 60 mph in a brisk 4.2 seconds. From a stop it’s not neck-jarring but it accelerates swiftly and evenly through the torque band.

Standard on the S6 is a smooth-shifting 8-speed transmission and Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Light and responsive steering make in-town maneuvers and parking a breeze, while the optional 4-wheel steering makes S6 feel more like a compact.

An adaptive sport suspension smooths out rougher roads while offering intelligent management through sharp curves. Sailing through them is fun with a leather-covered flat-bottom steering wheel and paddle shifters, which offer good response but are smallish and plastic.

Flip into Dynamic mode and steering tightens and gear changes are more aggressive. Other modes include Comfort and Auto, making the highway rides quiet and composed but maintain plenty of passing punch.

The EPA rates fuel economy at 19 mpg city, 26 highway for a combined 22 mpg. That’s about average for a midsize luxury sedan with a V-6.

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