The standard A6 model achieved the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP safety ratings so Audi S6 safety should be just as good. Standard kit includes front airbags with front deactivation, side head airbags, stability control and seatbelt monitoring. As well as this there are a number of safety options available. Potential customers can specify adaptive cruise control with stop and go, active lane assist, speed limit display and night vision assistant that detects pedestrians that are in the path of the car.

If you are after a quick car but need some added practicality, then the Avant model is the best option. This version has a more-than-useful loadspace of 565 litres with the rear seats in place. Drop the rear seats and this expands to a substantial 1,680 litres. This doesn’t mean the saloon model is useless, however. The bootspace on this model is 530 litres and easily trumps the BMW 5 Series’ rather measly 375 litres of loadspace.

As well as the loadspace, there are plenty of useful spaces around the cabin with a sizeable glovebox and decent-sized door pockets.