After initial negative comments about the S6 ride harshness, recent tests (AW, MT, C&D) are praising the ride. Only R&T had something negative to say, but even that reviewer really liked the car overall. Interesting.

My new car purchase is on hold for now. We decided to replace my wife's aging Odyssey first. If I can talk her into a roomy AWD crossover like the CX-9, that would free me up to go for a flat-out performance car like the S6. If she wants to get another Odyssey, I will probably go for the A8 with all-seasons. I want to have at least one good all-weather AWD car in the family, and I am not keen on switching to winter tires every year.

I was all set to get an A8 until I drove an RS4, which was so much fun to drive that I started to think that I would like to emphasize performance over luxury at this point in my life (still south of 50). The RS4 is a little too small for me, and the S8 is too expensive, but the S6 is in my sweet spot. I have been a BMW guy and always aspired to an M5, but the S6 is blowing away the M5 in ALL the comparisons (and is on par with the E63 AMG), on top of being easier to justify to the wife price-wise.

The ride is a bit bumpy with the steel spring suspension. But its not much harsher than the 4.2 S-line. I have very little complaints about my S6 and I've had it for 7 months now. The bluetooth isn't that great. The RS4 ride is better do to the dynamic ride control(which I hope will be on the RS6, as well as the ceramic brakes from the S8 and DSG), but I think the S6 feels very sporty and while not having 500hp like the M and the AMG, for most drivers is more than adequate. I have a ML63 AMG and can say that engine is awesome, but I LOVE the understated looks of the S...plus the LED strips are way cool..

This is encouraging to me, actually. The 4.2 S-line that I drove is significantly smoother than my 2001 540i Sport, so based on your observation I think the S6 would be just fine.

I'm a little conerned about your bluetooth problem, though. Could you elaborate?

I owned a '05 4.2 S-line before the S and the ride quality is similiar. The S-line had 18" tires and the S has 19" so there is a difference based on the tires.The S suspension is firmer than the S-line, but if you want to float on a cloud get a Lexus. I live at 8400 feet in Colorado and have Blizzaks on and even with snow tires the ride is ok. As for the bluetooth, my car (and the aforementioned S-line) sometimes drops calls, it doesn't show as many bars on the MMI as you actually have on your phone which can drive you crazy when you know your phone has reception but the car says you have no bars and the connection is bad. Also, there is no way, other than to turn the Bluetooth off in your phone, to just use the handset inside of your car if its connected to the MMI. I actually use a bluetooth headset in my car. I suppose geography(although it happens when I am down in Denver as well), your particular phone(mine's a Moto KRZR), and your carrier all play a role..minor to me when compared to all the great aspects of the car, did I mention the engine? Also, keep in mind that after Tech package, and other options it will be close to 80 grand. Its not that much cheaper than the M or AMG. Mine cost 81,000 after paint and options... worth every penny though..

I do not have a Razor, but I'm sure it has an option when you're in a call to switch off hands-free like my T-mobile MDA. As far as number of bars...there is no standard for what signal strength % constitutes one bar or five....so each phone and car (in this case) may display a different number of bars for the same % of signal strength.

I've had Bluetooh in 4 cars now and I have to say this is probably the best....The only exception might be my experience with an aftermarket Parrot setup.

Too bad they couldn't put in the magnetic dampers for the '08 S6. I drove an STS once with the magnetic shocks and was impressed how they worked. Most likely nothing will be changed from '07 to the '08 model.

Except when I get a 2nd call, I can NOT put it on hold. (have to use the phone for that.) The bluetooth is too stupid to do that, it will just hang up on the 1st call.

I have no problems with the steel springs. They are firm but I feel like I am glued to the road.

Bruce

I am sometimes able to switch to the headset or handset in the car, but not consistently. I am hoping that the MMI upgrade will take care of that. My concern is that I am due to replace the 650 now and not sure which PDA/smart phone is the best choice (staying at Verizon) that will pair with the car.

Everyone who has been in the car and used the BT has raved over the sound quality and connecton consistency in the S6. My phone connects with the car's BT before I even get my seatbelt fastened.

I was very concerned about ride quality on the S6. Coming off one of the first C6 4.2's which I later learned (long after replacing many fillings) had suspension issues.

The S6 is very firm, but not jarring, and smooth over frost heaves and desintegrating NH roads. Much like BMW's I've owned/driven.

Mate that with its remarkable agility and stickyness, V10, you have one great car!

This is good to hear. I am looking at ordering a 2008 S6 but was concerned about ride quality from some of the reviews. I only had a few short minutes to test an '07 S6 and it was only on very smooth interstate. I currently have an '04 S4 so I am used to pretty firm ride.

Neil