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Jul 13, 2023

Why The Audi RS6 Avant Is The Ultimate Wagon

In the past, Audi made a name for itself with its sports wagons. Does the current Audi RS6 Avant live up to its heritage? The Audi RS6 Avant first came to be just over two decades ago, back in 2002.

In the past, Audi made a name for itself with its sports wagons. Does the current Audi RS6 Avant live up to its heritage?

The Audi RS6 Avant first came to be just over two decades ago, back in 2002. It was a performance wagon unlike any other, excluding other models from Audi, of course. At that time, Wagons were still popular, and Audi was the manufacturer that decided to up the ante and make a performance trim in the guise of the RS6 Avant. What was also interesting at that time was that performance cars from the German manufacturers such as the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG models had less obvious visual cues as to what their true intentions were. They were the definition of the term "wolf in sheep's clothing".

Time went on, and wagon aficionados could always rely on Audi to honor its performance wagon tradition. The current Audi RS6 Avant isn't so subtle with its design, and it doesn't take a connoisseur to see it means business. Its muscular looks jump at the eyes, ushering a visceral and intimidating feeling in those who behold it. And what a view it is. A modern station wagon with gorgeous proportions, 22-inch wheels that sit higher in the body due to the car's low profile, and stellar performance.

MSRP, engine, and performance specifications seen in this article were taken from Audi's official website and press releases. The Audi RS6 Wagon's factory top speed is limited to 155 MPH, but an estimate on the top speed without the electronic limiter was possible based on top speed runs, one of which will be shared below.

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Make no mistake about it, the Audi RS6 Wagon is a supercar. And for 2024, Audi took it a step forward and managed to crank out 30 more horsepower and 37 pound-feet of torque for what they're calling the Audi RS 6 Avant performance.

However, Audi says its usual customer wants a car that will be used as a daily commuter, but can also be driven hard on a track and then carry the whole family plus luggage all the way to that ski resort up north. Still, this is a rare care. First, although it is not a limited production vehicle, it has a few things going against it with regard to marketing, and that is thoroughly unfortunate, but it is what it is:

MSRP

$125,800

Engine

4.0-Liter twin-turbocharged V-8

Power Output

621 horsepower

Torque

627 pound-feet

0-60 MPH

3.3 seconds

Top Speed

155 MPH (190 est.)

Transmission

8-speed Tiptronic

It's a pity, but you won't see many around. Still, it is nice Audi keeps cementing in consumers' heads who's the real deal when it comes to performance wagons.

The 155 MPH top speed is electronically limited, but it is safe to say it can reach 190 MPH without the limiter if the video below is any indication. It goes without saying, the Audi RS6 Avant makes full use of Audi's legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system.

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Audi did a bit more than just get some extra horsepower and torque from the V-8 engine for the 2024 model. There is, for instance, an optional lightweight 22-inch wheel that's 11 pounds lighter. This reduces unsprung mass and helps further increase the car's dynamic behavior. Some more weight was shaved off in the sound insulation from the engine compartment and cockpit. These weight savings along with the improved engine output reduced the 0-60 MPH time by 0.2 seconds from the 2023 model.

There is also an exclusive Bronze edition with a limited production of 75 units. This Bronze edition comes with unique external paint, wheels, and a gloss carbon exterior package. Inside you'll find Bronze stitching on the leather seats, Audi's Dynamic Ride Control, and a sport exhaust. All RS6 Avant come with adaptive air suspension specifically tuned for optimal performance.

RELATED: This 1,200 HP Satin Black Audi RS6 Is Faster Than Most Supercars

Being a wagon, the Audi RS6 Avant is a unique car almost by definition. How many station wagons are left out there anyway? The thing is though, despite having been neglected into oblivion, wagons are great. Where else will you find that much cargo space (30 cubic feet) wrapped in a package that accelerates, brakes, and tackles corners like a supercar, especially with the help of dynamic all-wheel steering? Unlike a performance SUV, the RS6 Wagon makes no compromises like being top-heavy and having to resort to all sorts of electronic wizardry to be able to keep it tamed while driving spiritedly.

This does not mean, however, that the RS6 Avant is devoid of tech. Far from it. For practicality, it has a top view camera system, remote park assist, adaptive cruise control with lane assist, and even a night vision assistant as optional, allowing the driver to see pedestrians or animals on the road through the dashboard at far greater distances with the use of a thermal imaging camera. The Bang & Olufsen optional sound system provides advanced 3D surround and make for an immersive sound experience. There is also an available head-up display with all the relevant info the driver needs while not having to take his or her eyes off the road.

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When the RS6 first came out, it already boasted today's winning formula. A twin-turbocharged V-8 that made 444 horsepower that was good for a 0-62.1 MPH in 4.7 seconds with a five-speed automatic gearbox. Already at this first generation, a great deal of high-end engineering went into the suspension system. Audi's Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) was present in the form of a hydraulic pitch and roll compensation. To this day, this is still a technology that is unique to RS models.

In 2008 the world witnessed the advent of the twin-turbo V-10 engine on the RS6. With a 5.0-Liter displacement, this engine output was 572 horsepower and 479.4 pound-feet of torque. The transmission now had six gears, and the powertrain was enough for a top speed of 174 MPH. A couple of years later, in 2010, the 'plus' trims were reaching 188.3 MPH.

By 2013 the third generation of the RS6 Avant came out. Back to the V-8 and with a little less power than the previous V-10 engine, this generation was also lighter and had its weight lower down, improving its overall dynamic behavior. This time, the 4.0-Liter twin-turbo V-8 pushed out 552 horsepower and the eight-speed tiptronic transmission became the standard. In tandem with the times, during low-load situations, the engine deactivated four cylinders for better fuel efficiency. The RS6 left an indelible mark in the supercar world, and it is this type of heritage and know-how that evolved to the ultimate Audi Performance Wagon that we have today.

A car and motorcycle enthusiast, Bruno enjoys writing about and following up on what's happening in the industry. He's easy and friendly. Known to drop the bass on occasion.