From a design perspective, a sportier version of an existing model typically includes a few new badges, a body kit, some interior tweaks, and maybe larger alloy wheels. So, it shouldn't be a huge surprise to find all of those elements covered by the 2007 Audi S6, which is essentially a more athletic rendition of the popular A6 sedan. Compare the two and you just might notice the S6's ten-spoke 19-inch alloys (the A6 offers standard 16- or 17-inchers), the redesigned lower front fascia complete with 10 horizontally-positioned LED daytime running lights that truly set the S6 apart from anything else on the road, alloy mirror housings, smoked headlight lenses, subtle body enhancements on the lower doors, quad rather than dual chrome exhaust tips, not to mention S6 and V10 badges on the body, grille, calipers, and engine. Furthermore, the front end has actually been widened to accommodate the large V10. To some, including us, these minor, almost imperceptible changes perfectly satisfy one's desire to fly under the radar while also getting the occasional nod of approval from knowing enthusiasts. However, others may find the S6 not sufficiently differentiated from the A6. To each his own, as they say.

Inside, the contrast between A6 and S6 is equally restrained. Gray birch trim, which can be replaced with optional carbon fiber inlays, dresses the dash, doors and center console, a three-spoke thickly-padded steering wheel replaces the four-spoke version found in the A6, and S6 nomenclature finds its way to the tachometer. Otherwise, the S6 and A6 are nearly identical, which means they both feature top-notch plastics and leather, interior build quality that is among the best in the industry, and a particular focus on superior ergonomics. The leather-wrapped, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel allows for optimum placement, while forward of the properly-positioned shifter reside clearly-marked buttons for the climate control system. Radio controls are largely confined to dials on the steering wheel spokes and the MMI center dial, which like the COMAND feature from Mercedes-Benz and iDrive from BMW, packages oft-used items together for simplified use, theoretically. Compared to its competitors, the S6's MMI setup is relatively easy to navigate, though some of us would still prefer to drop this new level of automotive bureaucracy in favor of simple, clear buttons only.