Latest RS 6 Avant lands with 592bhp
● Prices start at £85,000 ● 592bhp, 800Nm V8 engine
AUDI is celebrating its 25th anniversary of building high-performance estate cars by launching the new RS 6 Avant.
The range-topping Audi performance estate car will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. While in previous years the S6 and RS 6 Avants have shared engines, the latest models break with that tradition. The S6 now packs a 344bhp 3.0-litre mild-hybrid diesel engine but the RS 6 uses one of Audi Sport’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol motors.
Equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, the 592bhp V8 wagon can get from 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds. Maximum torque stands at 800Nm – available between 2,100 and 4,500rpm – while the top speed is limited to 155mph. You can raise this figure with one of two performance packs; the Dynamic Package lifts it to 174mph, while the Dynamic Package Plus will take the five-seater estate to 190mph.
As usual, the RS 6 gets a full suite of modes in the Audi Drive Select system, which changes parameters such as throttle and engine response, but there are also two new modes. RS1 tunes the steering, engine, suspension and the differential for more enthusiastic driving, while RS2 turns off the ESC. Go for the (again, optional) sports exhaust system and the RS modes also change how the RS 6 sounds.
Air suspension is fitted as standard on the new RS 6 but it can be upgraded to the RS Sport Suspension Plus pack, which uses steel springs and three-stage adjustable dampers. Four-wheel steering is another feature on the extensive options list.
The RS 6’s body is 40mm wider than a regular A6’s, and its blistered arches cover standard-fit 21-inch alloy wheels. Up front, the new model ditches the standard A6 Avant’s headlights and instead poaches the slimmer ones found on the A7. There’s also
“Equipped with an eight-speed auto and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive, it can get from 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds“
a new wider and flatter grille, a front bumper with massive air intakes, and a new bonnet.
A pair of Nappa leather and Alcantara sports seats dominate the front cabin and the steering wheel gets aluminum paddles.
The RS 6 will go on sale in the UK early next year, priced from around £85,000 – although the lengthy options list means that figure can rise north of £100k.