Motoring journalists love station wagons, and this appears to be a global thing, as each one I've asked seems to have a special place in their fictitious garages for at least one wagon. I get it; a station wagon makes sense, taking a saloon car's inherent practicality and driveability and adding a larger rear storage section. South Africans don't get it, or perhaps they do, but they don't seem to like them, especially in the 21st Century, where hatchbacks, SUVs, and crossovers dominate the passenger car segment in 2024. That being said, there are a few wagon enthusiasts among us, and for those with the means, the product I recently drove is something they should strongly consider: the Audi RS6 Avant Performance.
Related: Audi RS 7 Sportback (2021) Review – Everything a fast Audi should be, and more!
Styling
While I harp on the fact that vehicle design and how a vehicle is perceived is entirely subjective, in the case of the RS6, I feel there is a unanimous feeling among people that this is about as beautiful as a station wagon can be. The press unit, looking like Batman's daily driver with its Sebring Black paint, black accents, and Matte Neodymium Gold wheels, commanded attention wherever I went, and for good reason. I found myself looking back at the car each time I walked away from it, and that's a sign that the brand has done something right with the aesthetics.
The press car is not exactly how a standard RS6 leaves the factory, as it is specified with the Black appearance package, carbon decorative inserts and matte carbon exterior mirror housings. These additions, with the wheels and special;l paintwork factored in, add some R240 000 to the list price!
Interior & Space
Stepping inside the RS6 is about as luxurious an experience as one has come to expect from large Audi products. The German brand is renowned for interior design and execution, and the RS6 is no different. It manages to feel sporty, well-built, and luxurious simultaneously, which, at around R3.0 million, one might expect to be a given, but this is not always the case with new cars.
The infotainment system feels slightly small by 2024 standards, but its functionality and resolution are still impressive. I am not a fan of the digitised climate control panel, as it's prone to fingerprint marks. However, the brand's Virtual Cockpit, or digitised instrument cluster in non-marketing speak, is still among the best in the business from a functionality perspective.
The press unit was fitted with a host of optional extras, such as adaptive cruise control, lane change warning, park assist, head-up display, control surfaces covered in Alcantara, black Dinamica Microfiber inserts, RS floor mats, seatbelts with red accents, and leather seats with diamond pattern with red stitching. These have added over R150 000 to the product's list price alone!
In terms of practicality, the RS6 is one of the most versatile performance cars, with a 565-litre boot that expands to 1 680-litres, a 75-litre fuel tank and an impressive braked towing capacity of 2 100kg.
Performance and driving impression
The RS6 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which, thanks to bigger turbochargers with more boost pressure, now produces 463kW and 850 Nm of torque sent through all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Its 0-100 km/h time is claimed at 3.4 seconds, while the top speed on our press unit has been derestricted and is now 305 km/h. The press unit also has the RS dynamic package plus fitted, meaning all-wheel steering, dynamic steering, a sports rear differential, and the above-mentioned top speed increase. The press unit also has the R202 000 ceramic brake upgrade, signified by the red callipers, meaning the RS6 tested is about as potent as this product can be from the factory.
The latest RS3 is the first Audi RS product I have felt a proper hooligan from a driver engagement perspective, so my hopes were high for the updated RS6. While the RS6 isn't the most engaging large German product available, this Performance version is slightly louder, faster, sharper, and generally in keeping with what a large performance wagon should be.
It manages to blend usability with effortless, grin-inducing performance. The ride and handling are well-judged for road driving, but there is a lack of feel and feedback, perhaps to be expected from such a large performance car. The level of grip is immense, with the spades of understeer evident in previous models all but eliminated thanks to a quattro system that can send up to 80% of the power and torque to the rear axle. In contrast, the locking centre and updated rear differential, along with the massive brakes, mean that there's the handling and braking performance to match its immense straight-line speed.
The massive 22-inch wheels are scratch magnets, with the 285/30 section tyres looking almost painted on to the gorgeous 5-spoke alloys, but make potholes, kerbs and manoeuvring through parking garages an anxiety-inducing experience. The wheels aside, the RS6 can do the daily grind as well as most luxury products, managing to feel quiet, refined, and comfortable.
Fuel economy
Audi claims that the RS6 will consume fuel at 12.2 L/100km, and I managed 13.1 L/100km. However, if I wasn't enjoying myself too much exploiting the performance on offer, I feel that the claimed fuel economy figure is achievable.
Safety
The RS6 is based on the wider A6 range, which achieved a 5-Star EuroNCAP safety rating in 2018, scoring 93% for adult occupant safety, 85% for child occupant safety, 81% for pedestrian safety and 76% for its safety assist systems.
Pricing
The base price of the RS6 Avant Performance is R2 370 300; however, our press unit has a staggering R726 030 worth of options, inflating its price to just over R3.0 million. Therefore, those interested in an RS6 should be careful when specifying the car, as the price can increase significantly. The model comes as standard with a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan and roadside assistance.
Verdict
I drive many cars as a part of this job, something I am eternally grateful for, and some, more than others, tug at my heartstrings. The RS6 is one of those products. It just feels so complete, offering the looks, performance and practicality that a car enthusiast with a family is after. While it's certainly not perfect, it is an incredibly desirable piece of kit, and those with the means and desire to add one to their garage should do so while the V8 is still available!
