Audi S3 Sportback and Saloon
The entry point to Audi’s ‘S’ range is the S3. Based on the A3, you can have it as either a saloon or Sportback (hatchback). Don’t think the ‘entry-level’ status means either is short on performance, though.
With a turbocharged 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet, the S3 can sprint from 0-60mph in just 4.6 seconds.
Audi S6 Saloon and Avant
The S6 is quite a different ‘S’ model as rather than a petrol engine under the bonnet, Audi uses a diesel engine. But don’t let that put you off as it’s a 340bhp 3.0-litre Bi-turbo diesel engine that also serves up a monstrous 700Nm of torque. This allows 0-60mph in just 4.8 seconds, while Audi claims an impressive 40mpg.
You can have the S6 in a standard Saloon guise or a more practical Avant estate model if you prefer.
Audi S7 Sportback
The Audi A7 is one of the firm’s most glamorous models, with its extended shape and A8-like technology making it an especially cool choice. It gets even better if you choose it as the S7, too.
Sharing the same diesel engine as the S6, here it can manage 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds, and Audi has even engineered in a sportier sound. It certainly doesn’t sound like a diesel.
Audi S8
In the luxury car world, few cars have a better reputation than the Audi A8. This limousine is renowned for its comfort and sensational interior, and Audi manages to keep both of those traits while turning it into the sporty S8.
Using a mighty 571bhp 4.0-litre V8 engine, it’s one of the most powerful ‘S’ models, with performance close to that of an ‘RS’ model. In fact, 0-60mph takes as little as 3.6 seconds.
Audi SQ2
SUVs are especially popular now, and there’s been an increasing trend for sportier SUVs as well. Audi caters for this audience with the SQ2 – a performance version of its popular Q2 crossover.
Sharing the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with the S3, it develops 296bhp, and allows this model to reach 0-60mph in a staggering 4.7 seconds, while still retaining impressive space for a compact SUV.
Audi SQ5 and SQ5 Sportback
The SQ5 was an important car for Audi, as not only was it the firm’s first sporty SUV, but it was also its first performance car to use a diesel engine. The diesel engine remains to this day, as it uses a 337bhp 3.0-litre engine that can take this family SUV from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds.
The SQ5 offers an especially upmarket interior, while you can also choose it in a sleeker ‘Sportback’ bodystyle if you prefer.
SQ7
One of Audi’s best ‘S’ models is the SQ7 – a seven-seat SUV that has the performance to match plenty of sports cars. With one of the best car interiors of any vehicle and masses of space, it really is a fantastic choice.
Though the SQ7 was originally available as a diesel, Audi has more recently switched to a 500bhp 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, which can take it 60mph in a staggering 3.9 seconds.
SQ8
One of Audi’s best ‘S’ models is the SQ7 – a seven-seat SUV that has the performance to match plenty of sports cars. With one of the best car interiors of any vehicle and masses of space, it really is a fantastic choice.
Though the SQ7 was originally available as a diesel, Audi has more recently switched to a 500bhp 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, which can take it 60mph in a staggering 3.9 seconds.
SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron Sportback
Audi’s ‘S’ brand is now looking to the future, with the electric SQ8 e-tron. Renamed recently from just being called the ‘e-tron S’, it features an innovative triple electric motor powertrain that serves up 496bhp, and enables a 0-60mph time of 4.3 seconds.
Audi also claims an electric range of up to 278 miles, albeit not if you use all the performance! There’s also a more coupe-like Sportback version if you’re looking for something more stylish.