Back in 1994, when the first of the RSes - the RS2 - broke cover, many thought that Audi was just toying with the idea of a performance stationwagon.
Little did fast car fans know that it was hint of bigger things to come. With time, the automaker proved that it meant business, delivering no less than three generations of the RS6 and giving the RS treatment to those it deemed fit (RS3, RS4, RS5, and the more recent RS Q3). It seemed Audi was concerned about family men with an appetite for performance.
This third generation still has all the power it needs to set its wheels on fire, with unassuming looks that never quite flaunt its might.
Yet, while previous RS6 generations were available in both sedan and Avant guises, the latest encore is offered exclusively in wagon style. And needless to say, it gets a host of the latest tech wizardries to help it despatch all the power firmly to the tarmac, and to stay at the top of the family tree.Exterior
Despite keeping to its wagon-ish proportion, the RS6 Avant looks angrier and more aggressive than before. The bumper air intakes feel as though they have been bored as large as possible while trying to keep within the limits of the facet.
Little did fast car fans know that it was hint of bigger things to come. With time, the automaker proved that it meant business, delivering no less than three generations of the RS6 and giving the RS treatment to those it deemed fit (RS3, RS4, RS5, and the more recent RS Q3). It seemed Audi was concerned about family men with an appetite for performance.
This third generation still has all the power it needs to set its wheels on fire, with unassuming looks that never quite flaunt its might.
Yet, while previous RS6 generations were available in both sedan and Avant guises, the latest encore is offered exclusively in wagon style. And needless to say, it gets a host of the latest tech wizardries to help it despatch all the power firmly to the tarmac, and to stay at the top of the family tree.Exterior
Despite keeping to its wagon-ish proportion, the RS6 Avant looks angrier and more aggressive than before. The bumper air intakes feel as though they have been bored as large as possible while trying to keep within the limits of the facet.
There are also two side blades that flank the lower jaw, giving an impression of the car cutting through air - even at standstill.
These descriptions may paint an uncouth or barbaric image, but the truth is far from so. Instead, the RS6 Avant still carries a strong sense of sophistication and refinement as with its tamer siblings, only that a tinge of aggressiveness has now been added into the recipe.
That said, it still takes a pair of trained eyes to tell that this isn't the usual luxury goods with an Audi badge. The deliberate body kit, massive 21-inch forged rims or fist-sized oval pipes may hint at a thing or two about the hidden performance, but they are never enough to tell the whole truth about how much of a supercar-killer this car really is.
These descriptions may paint an uncouth or barbaric image, but the truth is far from so. Instead, the RS6 Avant still carries a strong sense of sophistication and refinement as with its tamer siblings, only that a tinge of aggressiveness has now been added into the recipe.
That said, it still takes a pair of trained eyes to tell that this isn't the usual luxury goods with an Audi badge. The deliberate body kit, massive 21-inch forged rims or fist-sized oval pipes may hint at a thing or two about the hidden performance, but they are never enough to tell the whole truth about how much of a supercar-killer this car really is.
Interior
The cabin is instantly familiar to anyone who has been acquainted with the four-ringed marque. Wearing the special RS badge, it has enough show to complement the go, with the usual wooden or aluminium trims taken over by carbon weaves that speak volumes about weightlessness and speed.
There is careful attention to little details, in the aim to make the RS6 Avant look and feel special for its occupants. The honeycomb-quilted RS sport seats on our test car, for instance, add drama to both visual and touch senses. And they are just as supportive at the rear, although they leave lesser allowance for the centre seat, which we reckon is best left for shorter commutes.
The cabin is instantly familiar to anyone who has been acquainted with the four-ringed marque. Wearing the special RS badge, it has enough show to complement the go, with the usual wooden or aluminium trims taken over by carbon weaves that speak volumes about weightlessness and speed.
There is careful attention to little details, in the aim to make the RS6 Avant look and feel special for its occupants. The honeycomb-quilted RS sport seats on our test car, for instance, add drama to both visual and touch senses. And they are just as supportive at the rear, although they leave lesser allowance for the centre seat, which we reckon is best left for shorter commutes.
Despite the sporty vibes, the RS6 Avant is still a very comfortable place to view the cityscape past by - although we would much expect it to be in a blurry frenzy most of the time as with a car of such pace. The firmly bolstered sport seats give immense support, but isn't by any standard too harsh for comfort.
But as with any performance-oriented models, most of the RS6's goodies are dedicated for the person at the helm. To demonstrate its racing genes, there is now a boost display and lap timer on the instrument console. One of the highlights, naturally, is the thick, leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering - almost a 'pre-requisite' for a car of this genre.
But as with any performance-oriented models, most of the RS6's goodies are dedicated for the person at the helm. To demonstrate its racing genes, there is now a boost display and lap timer on the instrument console. One of the highlights, naturally, is the thick, leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering - almost a 'pre-requisite' for a car of this genre.
The Drive
Engine downsizing isn't the end of the world (for car enthusiasts that is). Or at least, this is what the RS6 Avant has proven. Despite being down on both engine capacity and number of cylinders from its predecessor, the 4.0-litre V8 delivers performance that is nothing short of mind-blogging - courtesy of 560 strong horses and 700Nm of torque.
The weight loss and a new eight-speed gearbox, too, help translate into a more eager performance. To better illustrate how fast the car is, century sprint is completed in just 3.9 seconds - shaving 0.6 seconds off the record of its predecessor.
That is quicker than the 'base' R8 V8's 4.6 seconds. And it makes any sub-five seconds sports car look like child's play.
While the brutal acceleration is something that we can never quite get enough of, there are other merits that shouldn't go unnoticed.
The steering rack, for example, has been tightened for sharper, more concised handling to match its blistering pace. The car is also quick to respond to any tugs at its helm, which makes it feel very nimble despite its heft (yes, the car still tips the scale at 1.9 tonnes).
Then there is Audi's track-proven quattro all-wheel drive system, which never seem to take leave from traction, providing optimised grip even in wet conditions. It is like having a double shot espresso to curb your Monday blues - fast acting, effective, and there when you need it the most.
The clinical handling, however, may not be to everyone's taste. Those looking for some drama (such as tyre burnout or whipping the tail out in corners), especially, will find it dull and too predictable.
Conclusion
A supercar in its own rights, the latest RS6 Avant is not just the most powerful car in Audi's current lineup, but also the fastest stationwagon money can get you.
Need we say more?
The clinical handling, however, may not be to everyone's taste. Those looking for some drama (such as tyre burnout or whipping the tail out in corners), especially, will find it dull and too predictable.
Conclusion
A supercar in its own rights, the latest RS6 Avant is not just the most powerful car in Audi's current lineup, but also the fastest stationwagon money can get you.
Need we say more?
