Introduction
Back in 2002, Audi unveiled the first version of its RS 6 Avant – a fast estate that could compete in performance with most sports cars, while being incredibly practical for everyday life.
Since then, the RS 6 has developed into one of the best all-rounders on the road and in its current guise, it is more powerful than many of the world’s great supercars from the 1980s.
But with the A6 receiving a makeover in 2018, this current version of the Avant is on its way out to make room for a new version in the near-future.
We get behind the wheel of the Performance version to see why the RS 6 is so good…
Performance
Under the bonnet of the RS 6 Avant rests a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, which in Performance guise develops 597bhp – 45bhp more than the standard Avant. Along with the 700Nm of torque, eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, the RS 6 can be catapulted from 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds and go on to a limited top speed of 155mph.
If you’re feeling brave enough, the limiter can be raised to either 174mph or 189mph, but the standard performance is more than ample for day-to-day life. Along with the V8 bellow when you press the throttle, the RS 6 rockets away from a standing start with no problem at all and is one of the most capable cruisers around as it has more than enough to get you up to speed on the motorway.
See Available RS6 Deals
Ride & Handling
With the quattro all-wheel drive setup, finding grip won’t be an issue as it offers consistent traction on both wet and dry surfaces – while taming the ferocious V8 without any problems.
As with many modern cars, steering feel isn’t the best, but the RS 6 can be placed on the road very easily – despite its rather large dimensions. Getting down narrow lanes can be interesting, but most the time you’ll find the RS 6 can be easy to control and drive. The adaptive sports suspension helps keep the ride in check by soaking up most imperfections on the road – but with the sporty nature of the model, it can be firm.
See Available RS 6 Deals
Interior & Equipment
Based on the previous generation of the A6, the RS6 comes with much the same interior space – so users will find there are plenty of storage pockets and bins to put things in. But practicality isn’t reserved for the cabin, as the 564-litre boot is more than ample for most occasions.
If you need the added space and not the rear seats, customers can access to 1,680 litres of load space. Passenger space is also very good, with people using the rear seats getting more than enough head and leg room.
Standard equipment on the RS 6 is extensive to say the least, with items such as 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive air suspension, high-performance brakes, LED headlights, RS exterior styling, heated sports seats with Valcona leather upholstery, electric tailgate and an RS steering wheel.
Automatic air conditioning, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, seven-inch colour display in the instrument binnacle, Bose surround sound system and Bluetooth are also included as standard.
The Performance version adds alcantara to the upholstery make-up, a sports exhaust system, privacy glass, 21-inch alloy wheels and additional safety assists, such as cruise control, the parking system plus setup and rest recommendation system.
Cost
The standard RS 6 isn’t exactly cheap, as prices start from £81,470 for the 552bhp version. With the additional equipment on-board, the Performance offering starts from £88,385 – and when you chuck in a few optional extras that can get very close to supercar money at £100,000.
With the booming V8 under the bonnet, running the RS 6 won’t be cheap either, with Audi claiming fuel economy of 29.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 223g/km CO2 – putting it close to the top tax brackets.
Verdict
If you’re after a car that offers ferocious performance and high levels of practicality, there are few cars that can keep up with the RS 6. It isn’t the most obvious fast car in the world by looking at it, but when you push the throttle to the floor you will know instantly. Of course, you will have to compromise on running costs and buying the car in the first place as it is rather costly. But this car offers a very unique experience, as it can be an excellent cruiser and outright monster within seconds – something many cars can’t offer.
