A6 vs S90
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The A6 and the S90 show how Audi and Volvo each approach the midsize luxury car class. Neither car runs away with this one; most of the differences are small enough to shrug off.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance S90 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.2
- Fuel Economy & Range4.0
- Engine & Performance1.4
- Fuel Economy & Range3.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The S90 has 34 hp more power
Only a little separates them: 295 hp on the S90, 261 hp on the A6. The S90’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The S90 has 37 lb-ft more torque
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the S90 (310 lb-ft versus 273 lb-ft). More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
S90 leads
In the engine & performance category, the S90 isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The S90 scores with 34 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the S90 is the stronger car.
Total system output
A6: 261 hp S90: 295 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
A6: 273 lb-ft S90: 310 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
On fuel economy & range, the A6 and the S90 are effectively level. The takeaway: fuel economy & range is not where these two differ.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the space & practicality section; the two are too close to separate. Both cover space & practicality well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The A6 and the S90 match each other closely in this area. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the A6 and the S90 part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A6 | S90 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (12V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo- and supercharged I4 |
| Total system output | 261 hp | 295 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft Least torque in class | 310 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A6 | S90 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A6 | S90 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A6 | S90 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A6 | S90 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the S90 if…
- you want more power (295 hp vs 261 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (310 lb-ft vs 273 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how Volvo does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the A6 or the S90?
On the specs compared here, the S90 makes more sense for most buyers; the A6 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The A6 and the S90 are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. To me, the standout is that the S90 offers 34 hp more power.
If you’d rather have strength in the things a spec sheet can’t capture, go with the A6. If engine & performance is what you’d miss, go with the S90.
My pick: the S90.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.