Compare the2024 Audi S6VS 2023 Porsche Panamera

The S6’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Panamera doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The S6 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Panamera doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the S6. But it costs extra on the Panamera.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The S6 has Car-to-X Services, a system that seemlesly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The Panamera doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the S6’s optional Rear Cross-Traffic Assist uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side and Automatic Brake Activation automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. The Panamera doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

Both the S6 and the Panamera have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available night vision systems, blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

There are over 54 percent more Audi dealers than there are Porsche dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the S6’s warranty.

The S6’s 2.9 turbo V6 hybrid produces 119 more horsepower (444 vs. 325) and 111 lbs.-ft. more torque (442 vs. 331) than the Panamera’s standard 2.9 turbo V6. The S6’s 2.9 turbo V6 hybrid produces 1 more horsepower (444 vs. 443) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (442 vs. 405) than the Panamera 4S’ standard 2.9 turbo V6.

On the EPA test cycle the S6 gets better mileage than the Panamera Sedan running its gasoline engine:

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Audi S6 higher (5 out of 10) than the Porsche Panamera (3 to 5). This means the S6 produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Panamera every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the S6’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Panamera:

In an emergency stopping situation, many drivers don’t press the brakes with enough force to stop the vehicle in the shortest distance. The S6 has a standard brake assist system to detect emergency braking situations (by how hard and how quickly the brake pedal is pressed) and then automatically apply maximum braking immediately in order to help prevent a collision. The Panamera doesn’t offer a brake assist feature.

The S6 stops shorter than the Panamera:

The S6’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Panamera’s standard 45 series front and 40 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the S6 has standard 21-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the Panamera.

The S6 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Panamera; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The S6 is 3.8 inches shorter than the Panamera, making the S6 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The S6 has 3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Panamera (99 vs. 96).

The S6 has .1 inches more rear headroom, 1.8 inches more rear legroom and 2.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the Panamera.

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the S6 easier. The S6’s trunk lift-over height is 27 inches, while the Panamera’s liftover is 29.7 inches.

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the S6 offers cargo security. The Panamera’s hatchback body style, non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

The S6 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Panamera doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The S6’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the Panamera.

If the windows are left open on the S6 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Panamera can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The S6’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Panamera’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the S6 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Panamera doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The S6 has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Panamera doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the S6 has standard extendable sun visors. The Panamera doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The S6 has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Panamera.

The S6 Prestige’s Park Assist Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Park Assist Plus will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Panamera doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Insurance will cost less for the S6 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the S6 will cost $1460 to $9855 less than the Panamera over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Audi S6 will be $13573 to $98347 less than for the Porsche Panamera.

The Audi A6/S6/RS 6 outsold the Porsche Panamera by almost two to one during 2023.