If power corrupts, the fourth generation Audi RS 6 Avant is definitely the shadiest offering to emerge from the German marque so far. Jonathan Crouch checks out its mettle...

Ten Second Review

Estates don't come any quicker - and very few cars of any kind do full stop. The RS 6 Avant uses the 4.0-litre TFSI twin-turbo V8 with mild hybrid assistance and a thumping 800Nm of pulling power. The result is 600PS, 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds, 124mph in 12 seconds and one queasy looking Labrador.

Background

One-upmanship, the car industry is awash with it and car enthusiasts wouldn't have it any other way. If the leading manufacturers were any less hell-bent on outdoing their rivals at every opportunity, cars like the Audi RS 6 Avant would simply never have been dragged into being. There are those who will greet news of this 600PS super estate with abject horror and most right-minded observers will at least briefly entertain the possibility that Audi may have gone a shade too far this time, but you have to admire the firm's commitment. For car nuts the world over, the only thing more exciting than the prospect of climbing into an RS 6, firing up the V8 biturbo engine then administering the full beans will be the thought of what BMW and Mercedes will do to top it. Rest assured, as soon as news of the RS 6 broke, the machinations of the powers that be in Munich and Stuttgart will have been directed along similar lines.

Driving Experience

The engine in question is the same V8 already found in star cars like Audi's S8 flagship. Don't be dismayed by its extra mild hybrid tech if all you care about is performance. The 4.0 TFSI remains a thoroughbred V8 in terms of character and sound as 62mph flashes by in just 3.6s. And 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 auto transmission 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 system. The drive forces are distributed to the front and rear axle in a ratio of 40:60 via an all-mechanical centre differential. If one wheel slips, more drive torque automatically goes to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70% can be channelled to the front wheels and up to 85% to the rear wheels. There's also wheel-selective torque control for more agile handling, the system braking the wheels with reduced load on the inside of a bend slightly before they can begin to spin. And you get a quattro sport differential that shifts the drive torque when cornering at speed as required between the rear wheels, thus improving traction, stability and dynamics. So there's everything you need to ruin the day of that supercar driver behind.

Design and Build

The RS 6 hints at its fearsome capabilities via a predictably aggressive exterior. With the exception of the front doors, roof and tailgate, the exterior of the RS 6 Avant is different from any ordinary A6 Avant, comprising exclusively RS-specific parts, including a power-dome bonnet, a roof edge spoiler and an RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser. In hallmark RS style, the RS exhaust system flows on both sides into oval chrome-coloured tailpipes. The cabin's decorated with inlays in matt brushed dark aluminium and the centre-dash screen's 'MMI touch response' display is incorporated almost invisibly into the black-panel architecture. There's also an "RS Monitor" display that provides the driver with the option to see an overview of the temperature status of the drive components and the maximum g acceleration figures, along with information on tyre pressure and temperature in the top display. In the Audi virtual cockpit instrument cluster screen, special RS displays provide information on torque, power output, engine oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration measurements and g forces. Plus there's a perforated flat-bottomed sport leather steering wheel that features 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. And, as ever with an RS 6 Avant, it's practical too. The luggage compartment has a capacity of between 565 and 1,680-litres. The sort of capacity a supercar owner could only imagine.

Market and Model

Whichever way you look at it, buyers will be facing a hefty pricetag for an RS 6 - around £93,000 - which would be a lot for a large estate car but not so much when you consider its performance credentials. Only pure-bred supercars can match the RS 6 for pace and they come with supercar pricetags and supercar practicality, rendering them out of the question for many. Whatever your view on it, there's no doubt that you'll have an easier time justifying the purchase of an RS 6 to your other half that of a Lamborghini Huracan. The RS 6 interior does a decent job of justifying the car's pricing. The standard A6 feels genuinely special inside with some beautiful design touches and real quality throughout. This gives the RS6 a solid platform which it builds on with Valcona leather ventilated RS sports seats, a flat-bottomed RS steering wheel and expensive-looking aluminium detailing. There are read-outs for turbo boost pressure and oil temperature too. The paint range for the RS 6 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.

Cost of Ownership

Thanks to its new 48-volt mild hybrid electrical system, the twin-turbo V8 combines maximum performance with surprising efficiency. Audi says up to 22.6mpg is possible on the WLTP combined cycle. A belt alternator starter lies at the heart of the mild hybrid system and up to 12kW of power can be recovered during light deceleration and stored in a separate 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 car 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.

Summary

So exactly who is it that goes out and buys a vehicle capable of transporting a family of four and their holiday luggage on a sub 8-minute lap of the Nurburgring Nordschleife, overtaking a gaggle of supercars in the process? The Audi RS 6 Avant is definitely not your average executive saloon or estate and that's a given. It's a car with an awesome array of talents, from its 600PS performance to its 1,680-litre payload capacity, and one that takes the executive supercar arms race to a whole new level. Some will find the idea of a saloon or estate car with 800NM of grunt from a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 difficult to reconcile with the modern motoring age of proliferating speed cameras, spiralling fuel prices and emissions-based vehicle taxation. In the end, though, if the RS 6 buyers aren't forthcoming, the bottom could potentially fall out of this highly specialised and proudly contested market sector. That would deny car enthusiasts the world over the opportunity of seeing where those crazy Germans will go from here.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Adaptive windscreen wipers with integrated washer jets

Electric front/rear windows

Heat insulating darkened glass in side and rear windows

Rain and light sensors

Privacy glass with rear/side windows and acoustic glazing side windows

Brakes

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) including ABS, ASR and EDL

Electromechanical parking brake

EBD - Electronic brakeforce distribution

Communication

Audi connect safety and service (e-call)

Audi smartphone interface with app store includes wireless Apple carplay, Android auto and Amazon alexa integration

Bluetooth interface

Voice control system

Audi connect with Amazon Alexa Integration

Driver Aids

Lane departure warning system

Dynamic all wheel steering

Audi drive select with 2 configurable RS modes

Surround view camera system

Driver Convenience

Operating buttons in black, glass look with haptic feedback including extended aluminium look

Power operated tailgate

Automatic start/stop system

Convenience key

Driver Information

MMI navigation with MMI touch + twin touch screens 10.1" and 8.6" with haptic and acoustic feedback

Audi virtual cockpit plus with RS specific design and 12.3" display with additional graphic display options

Head up Display

Service interval indicator

Driving Mirrors

Frameless auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors with integrated LED indicators and kerb view function for passenger side

Engine

48V Mild hybrid technology

73 litre fuel tank

Increased top speed to 174mph

Entertainment

Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System with Dolby Atmos

Audi music interface

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Radiator grille in honeycomb structure, large front air inlets and rear diffuser in gloss black

RS front bumper with air inlets on both side

Rear side wing doors

RS rear spoiler in body colour

Black window trims

RS sports exhaust system with high gloss black oval tailpipe trims

Exterior Lights

HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light with dynamic light design and dynamic turn signal

LED rear combination lamps with dynamic light design and dynamic turn signal

LED daytime running lights

3rd brake light

Headlight washers

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

4 zone deluxe automatic climate control

Interior Features

Illuminated front and rear door sill trims with aluminium inlays and RS6 logo

Electric steering wheel adjustment

Front centre armrest

Stainless steel pedals and foot rest

Interior Lights

Entry LED with RS Performance projection (Audi Beam) in front and rear

Audi phone box light

Packs

Storage pack - RS6

Ambient lighting pack plus - RS6

Park assist pack with park assist plus - RS6

Air quality pack - RS6

Safety

Direct tyre pressure monitoring system

Extended pedestrian protection measures

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Manual child lock in rear doors

3 point rear seatbelts

Audi pre-sense front

Audi pre sense basic

Seats

Front and rear headrests

Front seat ventilation

RS sports seat plus

Single passenger seat

Heated front seats

ISOFIX and Top Tether child seat mounting for the outer rear seats

4 way electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger

3 seat bench in 2nd row

ISOFIX child seat mounting and Top Tether with front passenger airbag deactivation

Electrically adjustable front seats with driver memory

Security

Keyless Go

Anti theft alarm with tow away protection

Immobiliser

Towing

Without tow bar preparation

Transmission

Quattro sports differential

Wheels

Performance tyres

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 279

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 280

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 280

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinder Layout: V8

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

CC: 3996

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: 4A5RRA

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 12.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 12.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 12.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 23

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 23

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 23

General

Badge Power: 630

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Engine CC: 4.0

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

Coin Series: RS6 Perf Carbon Blck

Coin Description: TFSI Quattro

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 86.7

Top Speed: 174

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.4

Engine Power - KW: 463

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 630

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 627

Engine Torque - NM: 850

Engine Torque - RPM: 2300

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 285/30 R22

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 22" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 Y SPOKE

Tyre Size Rear: 285/30 R22

Vehicle Dimensions

Width (including mirrors): 2110

Height: N

Height (including roof rails): 1487

Wheelbase: 2929

Length: 4995

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2740

Minimum Kerbweight: 2075

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 73

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2100

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 665

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 548

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.1

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1658

Brakes

RS Steel brakes with brake callipers in red gloss

Chassis/Suspension

RS Sports suspension plus with dynamic ride control

Driving Mirrors

Gloss carbon mirror housing

Embellishment Trims

Carbon twill inserts

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Solid paint

Panoramic glass sunroof

Crystal effect paint

Audi exclusive paint

Audi exclusive matt paint

Packs

RS dynamic pack plus - RS6

Gloss carbon black styling pack - RS6

Fine nappa leather with audi exclusive interior design bicolour package - RS6

RS grey design plus pack - RS6

City assist pack - RS6 Performance/carbon/vorsprung

Tour pack - RS6 Performance/carbon/vorsprung

RS red design plus pack - RS6

Grey RS ceramic brakes pack - RS6

Blue RS ceramic brakes pack - RS6

Red RS ceramic brakes pack - RS6

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Ascari blue

Metallic - Mythos black

Metallic - Floret silver

Metallic - Glacier white

Metallic - Grenadine red

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Daytona grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Nardo grey

Paint - Special

Audi exclusive matt - Sonoma green

Audi exclusive matt - Glacier white

Audi exclusive matt - Ascari blue

Audi exclusive matt - Dew silver

Audi exclusive matt - Nardo grey

Audi exclusive matt - Floret silver

Audi exclusive matt - Daytona grey

Audi Exclusive - Custom

Crystal - Sebring black

Safety

Side airbags, front and rear including head airbag system and illuminated belt buckles

Security

Remote central locking

Service/Warranty

Audi warranty - 5 years or 90000 miles

Audi warranty - 4 years or 75000 miles

Towing

Towbar

Towbar including trailer assist

Trim - Leather

Valcona leather - Black with mercato blue honeycomb stitching, black dinamica headlining, black carpet and dashboard + Coloured RS logo

Fine nappa leather with audi exclusive interior design bicolour in Alaska blue - Black with blue stitch, black dinamica headline, carpet and dashboard

Fine nappa leather with audi exclusive interior design bicolour in Crimson red - Black with red stitch, black dinamica headline, carpet and dashboard

Fine nappa lthr with audi exclusive interior design bicolour in Iguana green - Black with green stitch, black dinamica headline, carpet and dashboard

Fine nappa lthr with audi exclusive int design bicolour in Clendula yellow - Black with yellow stitch, black dinamica headline, carpet and dashboard

Valcona leather - Black with rock grey honeycomb stitching, black dinamica headlining, black carpet and dashboard + Coloured RS logo

Valcona leather - Black with express red honeycomb stitching, black dinamica headlining, black carpet and dashboard + Coloured RS logo

Wheels - Alloy

22" 5 Y spoke black gloss turned finish alloy wheels with performance tyres from continental

22" 5 Y spoke matte neodymium gold alloy wheels with performance tyres from continental

22" 5 Y spoke matte grey alloy wheels with performance tyres from continental