Audi Rs6 Avant

Audi RS 6 Avant

During the twenty-five years of the Audi RS badge, the RS 6 is something of a legend. This is a car with such awesome power it puts hardcore sports cars in the shade, yet can sedately take the whole family to the beach for the day.

The Exterior

Awesome it may be but this car is totally practical as it is available only in the Avant (estate) styling. Although the latest model RS 6 is based on the regular A6 saloon, very little of that car is carried over; in fact, only the roof, tailgate and front doors. The front and rear wheel arches are flared wider, of necessity to accommodate the 21” wheels, and the front and rear bumpers are unique to this car.

At the front the hood dominates; The sharply defined lines of the unique ‘powerdome’ bonnet lead down to the usual RS honeycomb grille, which in turn is flanked by sharply angled air intakes and aero blades, the designers taking a cue from the Audi R8 supercar. RS Matrix LED laser headlights with darkened trims complete the look optionally over the standard LED units.

The characteristic Audi Avant silhouette dominates with an elongated front section, long, straight roofline leading to the convenient hatchback. Special RS sills with black inserts also add emphasis to the flanks. At the back, a roof edge spoiler and an RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser and design elements in gloss black feature, culminating in the two massive, purposeful tailpipes. The Audi exclusive range offers numerous customisation options.

The Interior

A long wheelbase increases the space inside for passengers, both front and rear. There’s plenty of adjustment with the comfortable, supportive sports seats and steering so most drivers can get settled. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of the RS 6 is the huge amount of rear legroom on offer, although the transmission tunnel intrudes centrally, as would be expected on an all-wheel drive car. The RS sport seats come in perforated Valcona leather with honeycomb pattern and RS embossing. The perforation also allows ventilation for the first time.

The sleek, modern dashboard is orientated toward the driver with a horizontal alignment and tiered, three-dimensional structure. The user interface of the all-digital operating system features a top multi-mode interface (MMI) touch response display.

As ever, the Audi virtual cockpit is a signature feature but also incorporating special RS displays provide information on tyre pressure, torque, power output, engine oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration measurements and g forces. A shift light display prompts the driver to up-shift when the maximum engine speed is reached. The latter is an extra that driving enthusiasts are going to really like, when piloting the perforated and flat-bottomed sport leather steering wheel with its large RS shift paddles carved from aluminium. For convenience on the go, steering wheel multifunction buttons allow the driver to also directly select the Audi ‘drive select’ modes.

As a family car or business express, the luggage compartment has a capacity of between 565 and 1,680 litres, depending upon the configuration of the split-folding rear seat bench. A power tailgate and luggage compartment cover are standard. In combination with the optional convenience key, sensor control allows the tailgate to be opened with a foot gesture. Buyers wishing to import the Audi RS 6 can also specify a trailer towing hitch and camera-based trailer assist, which helps the driver when reversing and manoeuvring with a trailer.

Driving The Audi RS 6

The suspension, lowered from the base car settings of course, is again, RS-specific with the option of air suspension available. The word ‘awesome’ was used above and this is where it has meaning. The 4.0 litre TFSI (petrol) engine in the RS 6 Avant delivers 592bhp and a mighty 800 Nm of torque, with 62mph being reached in a scant 3.6 seconds. That’s supercar territory. Top speed is electronically governed at 155mph and, as ever, the soundtrack is symphonic.

All that power gets fed to all four wheels quattro style through an eight-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox, augmented by a central differential. Handling is superb and improved by rear-wheel steering which helps to keep everything in line. All the safety technology we expect is on board, including superb brakes. It’s not all about power though, when required the twin-turbo-charged V8 will rumble quietly along, eating the miles with ease.

This is a practical car that just happens to be seriously fast. Few other similar cars come close. The Audi RS 6 is roomy, comfortable, and with significantly improved handling it is in a class of its own.

It’s Powerful But Is It Reliable?

Reports show that the RS 6 is trustworthy, certainly in terms of build quality. For most of the time the astonishing engine

is going to be quite unstressed and should prove long-lived. Find out more about this remarkable car by getting in touch with us here at MHH International for more information about our export services.