Audi RS6 Avant Review 2024

August 2019

2020 Audi RS6 revealed

Audi has released pictures of its fourth-generation RS6 model with a 600PS twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine.

With the exception of the front doors, roof and tailgate, the exterior of the RS6 Avant comprises exclusively RS-specific parts, along with flared arched and 21-inch alloy wheels.

The new RS6 Avant is one of the first Audi Sport models to feature the new RS design language. In addition to a new bonnet with powerdome, it also adopts the front headlights from the A7 model line which are not only slimmer and more sporting in style but also offer the RS Matrix LED laser headlight with darkened trims. Similar to the LED rear lights, they feature a dynamic indicator along with RS-specific sequencing when the vehicle is locked and unlocked.

The three-dimensional honeycomb structure within the Singleframe grille is finished in gloss black, and its surround and the quattro logo in the bumper have been removed in this latest incarnation of the design. Below the standard LED headlights, side air inlets open on the strikingly drawn new RS bumper and extend almost into the lower edge of the headlights.

The characteristic Avant silhouette dominates in the side view – elongated front section, long, straight roofline and flat D pillars, which rest on the quattro blisters. RS-specific sills with black inserts also add emphasis to the flanks. The dynamic rear-end consists of the roof edge spoiler and an RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser and design elements in gloss black. In hallmark RS style, the RS exhaust system flows on both sides into oval chrome-coloured tailpipes.

The 4.0 TFSI in the new Audi RS6 Avant delivers 600PS and 800Nm of torque, which is maintained between 2050 and 4500 rpm. In 3.6 seconds the high-performance Avant sprints from zero to 62mph, and where conditions permit the driver can see 124mph by the time 12 seconds have elapsed. Top speed is electronically governed at 155mph.

The twin-turbo V8 is combined with a 48-volt main electrical system. A belt alternator starter lies at the heart of the mild hybrid system (MHEV), recovering up to 12kW of power during light deceleration and stored in a seperate lithium-ion battery. If the driver lifts off the accelerator at a speed of between 34 and 99mph, the drive management selects one of two options: Depending on the driving situation and setting in the standard Audi drive select dynamic driving system the new R 6 Avant recovers energy or coasts for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off. Re-applying pressure on the accelerator instructs the belt alternator starter to restart the engine. MHEV technology allows for start/stop operation at speeds of up to 13mph.

Another key efficiency-focused component is the cylinder on demand (COD) system, which at low to intermediate loads and speeds deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 in the high gears by switching off injection and ignition and closing the intake and exhaust valves. In four-cylinder operation the operating points in the active cylinders are displaced toward higher loads in areas of the characteristic map with higher efficiency, while the deactivated cylinders largely run without losses, like gas springs. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, they are reactivated instantly.

For all its efficiency, Audi says the 4.0 TFSI remains a thoroughbred V8 in terms of character and sound. The driver can influence that sound using the Audi drive select system. In the new, customisable RS1 and RS2 modes accessible via Audi drive select, customers decide themselves whether the sound should be full-blooded or balanced.

The standard eight-speed tiptronic with optimised shift times and a new Launch Control function transmits the power of the 4.0 TFSI to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The drive forces are distributed to the front and rear axle in a ratio of 40:60 via the all-mechanical centre differential. If one wheel slips, more drive torque automatically goes to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70 percent can be channelled to the front wheels and up to 85 percent to the rear wheels.

The wheel-selective torque control optimises the agile and safe handling of the new RS6 Avant – it brakes the wheels with reduced load on the inside of a bend slightly before they can begin to spin. The quattro sport differential shifts the drive torque when cornering at speed as required between the rear wheels, thus improving traction, stability and dynamics.

In the new RS6 Avant the front and rear axles use a five-link design to handle the induced longitudinal and transverse forces separately. The linkages and the subframes are made largely of aluminium. The track width is 1668 millimetres at the front and 1651 millimetres at the rear.

The body of the new RS6 Avant is 20 millimetres lower than in the Audi A6 Avant with standard suspension; at speeds of 74mph and above, it is lowered by another 10 millimetres. At the other end of the scale, a lift mode is available to raise the vehicle by 20 millimetres for low speed driving. The very wide spread of the RS sport air suspension offers the driver a free choice between long-distance comfort and maximum performance.

The new RS6 Avant features progressive steering with its direct ratio as standard. The system develops significantly higher return forces with increasing steering angle for precise steering feedback. Its newly developed power assistance directly connects the driver and road.

The driver can change the character of the RS6 Avant using the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. Six profiles are available: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, and the individually configurable RS-specific RS1 and RS2 modes, which can also be activated directly using the “RS MODE” steering wheel button. This automatically opens the RS-specific displays in the Audi virtual cockpit. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system influences the engine and transmission management, the power steering, the suspension, the dynamic all-wheel steering, the quattro sport differential, the engine sound and the characteristics of the automatic air conditioning. The RS2 mode exists specifically to influence the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) directly at the push of a button.

The new RS6 Avant is fitted standard with 21-inch alloy wheels in 10-spoke star design, which are shod with 275/35 size tyres. An RS-specific wheel in 22-inch 5-V-spoke trapezoid design with 285/30 tires will be available on the Vorsprung specification. The newly developed RS ceramic brake system weighs around 34kg less than its steel counterpart, thus reducing unsprung masses. The Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) features a sport mode or can be switched off entirely.

The interior design features a driver orientation and inlays in matt brushed dark aluminium. With its horizontal alignment and its tiered, three-dimensional structure, the instrument panel appears light and sleek. The user interface of the all-digital operating system harmonises with the clear black-panel design. The top MMI touch response display is incorporated almost invisibly into the black-panel architecture. The “RS Monitor” display provides the driver with the option to see an overview of the temperature status of the drive components, the maximum g acceleration figures along with information on tire pressure and temperature in the top display.

In the Audi virtual cockpit, special RS displays provide information on tyre pressure, torque, power output, engine oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration measurements and g forces. The shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the maximum engine speed is reached.

The fully perforated and flat-bottomed sport leather steering wheel features new large RS shift paddles made of aluminium and multifunction buttons that allow the driver to also directly select the new Audi drive select RS1 and RS2 modes. RS and RS6 logos adorn the interior on the steering wheel, seats and the illuminated front door sill trims. The Audi Sport emblem is projected onto the road when the front or rear doors are opened.

The RS sport seats come in perforated Valcona leather with honeycomb pattern and RS embossing. Their perforation also allows ventilation for the first time.

The new RS6 Avant is even roomier inside. The luggage compartment has a capacity of between 565 and 1,680 litres, and the loading width between the wheel arches is now 1.05 metres, 14 millimetres larger than the previous model. The split-folding rear seat bench in the ratio 40:20:40 can be released and folded conveniently from the luggage compartment – the luggage compartment length has grown to 1.99 metres as a result. 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. The optional swivelling trailer towing hitch features an electric release function. Also available as an option is the camera-based trailer assist, which helps the driver when reversing and manoeuvring with a trailer.

The paint range for the new Audi RS6 Avant includes thirteen colours, including the two RS-specific colours Nardo grey and Sebring black, crystal effect along with a choice of five matt effect paint finishes. The Audi exclusive range offers numerous customisation options.

December 2019

Audi RS6 Avant prices announced

The RS6 Avant is priced from £92,700 OTR with a choice of four specification packages – RS6, RS6 Carbon Black, RS6 Vorsprung and a limited run RS6 Launch Edition.

Dynamic all-wheel steering is standard throughout the ranges to enhance low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability, and three of the four variants in each line-up combine this with RS-specific adaptive air suspension. The conventionally sprung RS sport suspension plus with diagonally linked adaptive dampers that are the basis of the Dynamic Ride Control system is standard for the top-tier Vorsprung versions in each case, and can be optionally specified for all other versions.

Externally, RS6 and RS7 Sportback models feature 21-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and lighting animations, privacy glass and aluminium mirror housings and detailing. Carbon Black versions upgrade to a 22-inch wheel with a black finish and add a carbon black styling package that finishes elements such as mirror housings, window trim strips, spoilers and inserts in gloss carbon and gloss black. The top Vorsprung models also feature a 22-inch wheel in a titanium matt gloss design and a gloss black styling package. In addition, their trademark twin oval tailpipes are exclusively finished in black to illustrate the fact that the sport exhaust system with its enhanced acoustics is also a standard Vorsprung feature.

Inside, all models are equipped with heated and ventilated front RS sport seats with integrated headrests, electric adjustment and honeycomb-stitched Valcona leather upholstery. These are complemented by an electrically adjustable RS flat-bottomed steering wheel incorporating new, larger aluminium shift paddles and a new RS mode button that gives instant access to two additional personalised driver profiles – RS 1 and RS 2 - that can be set and saved via the Audi drive select system.

The all-digital operating system with its black-panel design is of course also standard for all versions, as is the Audi virtual cockpit plus with its 12.3-inch binnacle display, which also offers the option of special RS screens providing information on tyre pressure, torque, power output, engine oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration measurements and g forces. A shift light is also included to prompt the driver to upshift when the maximum engine speed is reached. Naturally, the generic specification also includes everything from MMI Navigation Plus to Audi connect internet-based services and Audi Phone Box wireless charging, plus useful assistance systems such as camera-based traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and a rear-view camera.

RS6 and RS7 Sportback Carbon Black models are marked out internally by striking carbon twill inlays and an RS design package that adds to the luxury feel through additional inserts in either grey Fine Nappa leather or grey Alcantara for areas such as the centre console sides and door armrests.

Vorsprung variants place even more emphasis on occupant comfort and contentment with features such as a panoramic glass sunroof, power door closure, Bang & Olufsen 3D audio and front and rear seat heating. They also include a configurable head-up display for even greater driver convenience, plus the Tour and City Assist packs, equipping them with virtually every advanced driver aid available for the model lines, from adaptive cruise assist and the predictive efficiency assistant to Audi side assist and cross traffic assist front.

For maximum choice the RS6 and RS7 Sportback models will also be offered for a limited period in an exclusive Launch Edition specification that combines highlights from all the variants. Externally, red brake callipers that are unique to this version are visible through 22-inch alloy wheels with a black gloss turned finish, and these are complemented by the gloss black styling pack. The panoramic glass sunroof and the sport exhaust are also standard, as is top speed de-restriction to 174mph. Inside, the Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system is a key enhancement.

Among the headline options for the two ranges are five matt-effect paint finishes, the sport exhaust system (standard for Vorsprung and Launch Edition versions), ceramic brakes and de-restriction of top speed from 155mph to 174mph (also standard for Vorsprung and Launch Edition models).

In just 3.6 seconds the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback with eight-speed tiptronic transmission can touch 62mph from a standing start, and where conditions permit the driver can see 124mph by the time 12 seconds have elapsed. Top speed is electronically governed at 155mph, or 174mph in the Vorsprung and Launch Edition versions.

This performance is delivered as responsibly as possible through the use of mild hybrid technology. A belt alternator starter powered by a 48-volt main electrical system lies at the heart of the MHEV system, which can harvest energy during light deceleration and store it in a separate lithium-ion battery, and also initiate coasting at speeds of between 34 and 99mph for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off. A cylinder on demand (COD) system is also incorporated, and at low to intermediate loads and speeds deactivates four of the V8’s eight cylinders to conserve fuel.