Overview
You might think that 591 horsepower would be enough for the Audi RS6 Avant, but apparently it isn’t. For 2024, Audi decided to turn up the dial, adding a new Performance model that promises a ridiculous 621 horses. The new variant is also less heavy, so acceleration should prove pretty brutal. Still, the RS6 Avant’s quest for more power doesn’t change anything about its impressive practicality, comfortably housing five in an interior full of rich materials and plenty of stylish technology. There’s plenty of room to store cargo behind the power rear liftgate, too. The RS6 Avant remains a niche option in a sea of ​​performance-oriented SUVs like the BMW X5 M, as the station wagon’s only real competitor comes in the form of the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. While the Porsche’s curvaceous looks may appeal to some, the RS6 Avant’s bold and rugged design is also one of its biggest selling points.
What’s New for 2024?
The RS6 Avant gets a new Performance model for 2024, boosting the V-8’s horsepower and torque while making some revisions to the chassis. The Performance model also shed a few pounds, wore new wide Continental Sport Contact 7 285 tires, and added some new colors.
Price and Which One to Buy
Although the Performance model adds more horsepower, the standard RS6 Avant is still great, and you can dress it up with a variety of luxury options. Unless you want a gray car, you’ll have to pay extra for a different paint color. We will be spraying ours in beautiful Navarra Blue Metallic. We’d also opt for the Black Optic package, which gives the wagon a more sinister look with black exterior bits and beautiful 22-inch wheels on summer performance tires. Those who want their Avant to hit 190 mph will have to shell out for carbon ceramic brakes, but we’d spend that money on massage seats up front and the Executive package (more leather-covered surfaces, heated rear seats, soft-close doors, and a head-up display). . Of course, our wagon needed the optional sports exhaust so we could enjoy its intoxicating engine sound.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
Audi provides the RS6 Avant with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8, which generates 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Power plant combined with a 48 volt hybrid system which is found on other Audi products, such as A8 luxury sedan and also cross Q8. The RS6 Avant channels its standard Quattro all-wheel drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission. That combination helped skyrocket our 5031-pound test car to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds at 120 mph. The new 2024 Performance trim boosts output to 621 hp, and Audi claims this shaves several tenths off the wagon’s acceleration time. Performance also gets lightweight wheels and a revised center differential. But those numbers don’t do justice to the wagon’s ability to raise our heart rates and vibrate our eardrums with great acceleration and a wicked soundtrack. Rolling on a set of 22-inch wheels with summer performance rubber and supported by a sport-tuned air suspension with adaptive dampers, our Tango Red RS6 Avant test car was capable of a relaxed or rolling ride depending on the selected driving mode. The long-roofed Audi also feels very nimble thanks to its four-wheel steering differential and rear torque-vectoring. Our car stopped from 70 mph in a neat 160 feet with standard brakes. A set of front and rear carbon-ceramic stoppers are available in large quantities, and the upgrade unlocks a higher top speed of 190 mph.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
The RS6 Avant is expected to get 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, which is in line with what the E63 S and Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo manage. Once we could run the RS6 Avant on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which was part of the our extensive testing regimen, we can judge the real world mpg. For more information on the fuel economy of the RS6 Avant, visit the website EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
Inside, the RS6 Avant showcases sophisticated design and advanced technology. The driver faces a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and the dashboard features a pair of large touchscreens between the front passengers. The rest of the cabin is covered in leather and accented with shabby materials. The RS6 Avant has a list of upscale standard features, including heated and ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof and wireless phone charging. Buyers can order a head-up display, massaging front seats, more luxurious leather and heated rear seats for more coin. The wagon has 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats as well. A powered rear liftgate comes standard; motion activated is optional. The new Performance trim brings blue accents to the stitching and contrasting seat belts.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A 10.1-inch touchscreen controls the infotainment system. It supports standard features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bang & Olufsen stereo, built-in navigation and Wi-Fi hotspot. Below the top display is an 8.6-inch touchscreen that contains settings for climate control as well as other vehicle functions. Although both screens have large icons that are easy to see and use, they can be distracting for drivers, especially lower ones. We miss the old scroll knobs that used to accompany Audi’s infotainment system.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Audi cars offer several standards driver assistance technology, with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist both available. For more information on the RS6 Avant crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Night vision is available with large animal and pedestrian detection
- Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are available
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Audi’s limited warranty and powertrain are in line with plans offered by Mercedes and Porsche.
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No free scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Audi RS6 Avant
TYPE OF VEHICLE
front engine, all wheel drive, 5 passenger, 4 door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$119,840 (base price: $110,045)
ENGINE TYPE
twin turbocharged and intercooled V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
244 in33996 cm3
Power
591 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque
590 lb-ft @ 2050 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multi-link/multi-link
Brakes (F/R): 16.5-in vent, cross-drilled disc/14.6-in vent, cross-drilled disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4, 285/30ZR-22 (101Y) AO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 115.4 inches
Length: 196.7 in
Width: 76.8 inches
Height: 58.6 inches
Total passengers: 101 feet3
Cargo volume: 30 feet3
Curb Weight: 5031 lb
C/D TEST RESULT
60 mph: 3.1 seconds
100 mph: 7.8 seconds
130 mph: 13.6 seconds
150 mph: 19.6 seconds
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.4 seconds
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 seconds
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.1 seconds
1/4 mile: 11.5 seconds @ 120 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 156 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 160 feet
Braking, 100–0 mph: 318 feet
Road grip, skid pad 300 feet: 0.94 g
The standing start acceleration time leaves a 1-foot launch of 0.3 seconds.
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 17/15/22 mpg
C/D TESTS EXPLAINED
More Features and Specifications