Just like that, Audi Sport has three new S models in its portfolio. The S6 Saloon, S6 Avant, and S7 Sportback have officially been revealed to confirm a rumour that’s been circulating on the Internet for close to eight years – diesel power. Back in May 2011, a report emerged about the three models getting a TDI engine, followed by a similar story in September 2017. Now, it’s finally official. The new S models arrive in the UK this summer.

At the heart of the three cars is a 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine with an electric-powered compressor and a 48-volt mild hybrid system to cut fuel consumption and boost performance. Why does this sound familiar? Because the recently launched SQ5 TDI for the European market has a similar setup, with an identical torque of 516 pound-feet available from the same 2,500 rpm. However, horsepower is slightly different, with the new S6 and S7 models offering 349 bhp whereas the performance SUV has 347 bhp.

2020 Audi S6 Avant TDI

As far as performance is concerned, the quickest of the bunch is the S6 Saloon with its sprint to 62 mph taking 5 seconds whereas the S6 Avant and S7 Sportback need an additional tenth of a second to complete the task since these are slightly heavier. In all three cases, an electronic top speed limiter kicks in at 155 mph.

While Europe is getting this high-tech TDI engine, other markets such as the United States, Asia, and the Middle East will get the cars with a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6. Developing 444 bhp and 443 lb-ft – it’s the same engine you’ll find in the RS4 Avant, RS5 Coupe, and the RS5 Sportback. Audi doesn’t say anything about the performance delivered by the TFSI-powered versions of the three cars, but we’re expecting them to be a tad slower than the RS4 and RS5 due to a higher weight.

2020 Audi S7 Sportback TDI

The exterior and interior styling upgrades over the lesser models of the range are subtle, which is exactly what you’d expect from a performance-oriented Audi model. The cars are sending that understated vibe some customers are fond of, and of the three, the Avant is the jack of all trades.

Gallery: 2020 Audi S6 Saloon, Avant TDI

Gallery: 2020 Audi S7 Sportback TDI

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Agility for the long haul: Audi S6 and S7 now as TDI models with electric powered compressor

  • Performance, presence and comfort – S6 Sedan, S6 Avant and S7 Sportback
  • Impressive 700 newton-meters (516.3 lb-ft) of torque thanks to combination of electric powered compressor, 48-volt primary electrical system and V6 TDI engine
  • S model design: sporty look and sophisticated pedigree

Sportiness meets efficiency – the new Audi S6 and S7 models make their entrance with a torquey V6 TDI engine, offering customers in Europe the ideal performance models for the long haul. For the first time, Audi has combined an electric powered compressor with a 48-volt primary electrical system. The S sport suspension with damping control, dynamic all-wheel steering and the ceramic brake system tick all the boxes for dynamic cornering and deceleration. The striking design with the sophisticated looks of an S model lends these sporty full-size models particular presence.

Audi S6 Sedan: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.3 – 6.2(37.3 – 37.9 US mpg)*; 
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 165 – 164 (265.5 – 263.9 g/mi)* 
Audi S6 Avant: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.5(36.2 US mpg); 
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 171 (275.2 g/mi) 
Audi S7 Sportback: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.5(36.2 US mpg); 
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 170 (273.6 g/mi)

* Fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures given in ranges depend on the tires/wheels used as well as the selected equipment