Top 3 things you need to know about the Audi RS6

The RS6 Avant is most certainly a popular model within the Audi performance range and is unique within the segment. Not only does it offer aggressive styling cues but also performance which could embarrass select sports cars. The RS6 Avant combines this performance with the latest tech and the practicality of a wagon body style to create an all-round attractive package. 

The latest iteration of the RS6 claims to be even more suited for everyday use while retaining the performance credentials that make it so popular with buyers. So why would you rather choose the new model instead of a used Audi RS6, we take a closer look at the new model and list the top three things to know about the Audi RS6 Avant.

 

1. Design

One of the key design characteristics of the RS models are the flared wheel arches and in the case of the new RS6, the vehicle has been widened a further 40mm to bolster its imposing styling. Filling those arches are 22-inch alloy wheels finished in silver, matt titanium look with a gloss turned finish and gloss turned anthracite black finish. 

Upfront the headlamps feature a sportier headlight structure with HD Matrix LED headlights as well as Audi laser light as standard. The bonnet also gets a refresh and incorporates a power bulge. Lower down is a revised bumper with large air intakes which compliments the flatter hexagonal honeycomb grille which is finished in glass black. 

At the rear feature a roof edge spoiler and an RS-specific bumper with a rear diffuser. The trim elements are finished in a glossy black to match the RS sport exhaust system also finished in black. 

 

2. Interior and tech

Much like the exterior, the interior design incorporates sharp edges into the styling with predominantly horizontal lines. The interior is also minimalistic as in place of physical buttons, Audi added a secondary screen below the MMI touchscreen infotainment display to control functions such as the air conditioning. The upper MMI touch display is used to display an overview of drive system component temperatures, maximum g-forces and information regarding tyre pressures and temperatures. 

The system moves across to the Audi virtual cockpit which is standard on the RS6. Items such as tyre pressure, torque, performance, oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration, and g-forces can be accessed from here too. The infotainment system is further bolstered by the Audi Connect functionality which if you have the dedicated MyAudi app installed, allows the owner to connect to the vehicle.

This functionality allows the owner to access information about the vehicle remotely as well as lock/unlock the vehicle and even set up speed limits and geofencing if someone else is using the vehicle. Owners can also expect standard driver and assistance systems such as lane change assist, park assist package with 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control and Audi pre sense rear package.

 

3. Performance

The reason why the Audi RS models and more specifically the RS6 model is so popular with performance car buyers is the powerful engines and drivetrains that feature beneath the bonnet. In the case of this model, Audi fitted a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol motor bolstered with a mild hybrid system (MHEV) with a 48-volt system and couped to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

The 441 kW and 800 Nm of torque are sent to all four wheels via Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. This will allow the car to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and continue to do so until it reaches 250 km/h. Owners can have Audi increase the top speed to 280 km/h by fitting the RS Dynamic package. 

While this is staggering performance, owners can conserve fuel with the 48-volt mild hybrid system and the cylinder on demand (COD) system which deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5, and 8 by halting injection and ignition and closing the intake and exhaust valves. Combine this with the standard adaptive air suspension system and you get a comfortable and efficient drive.

Pricing for the new Audi RS6 Avant TFSI quattro, at the time of writing this article, is set at R2 070,000 before optional extras.