Audi RS6 A6 Avant 4.0 TFSI Quattro
By Ian Strachan
The Audi RS6 Avant is the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing. Looking at this fairly conservative estate car won’t give you a single clue that within this car is a growling beast.
Yes, it has body kit add-ons, alloys to die for, red brake calipers and huge twin exhausts, but even these don’t indicate the sizzling performance of this powerful car.
You’d never guess that beneath the bonnet sits a 600 horsepower four litre V8 power plant which will take you from 0-60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds, with a governed top speed of 155 mph. Only when you start it up and feel the throb of power do you realise what you’re dealing with. A very fast car indeed.
It’s also a very expensive car, costing about the same as a Range Rover. But for that you get pretty well every extra you can think of as well as stonking performance. And of course it’s an estate car so you also get an impressively large loadspace.
Don’t expect frugality from this car. You’ll get just over 22 miles to the gallon if you’re careful, but this V8 engine is a big unit powering a big car.
Married to an ultra smooth eight speed tiptronic automatic gearbox it gives neck-snapping acceleration when you want it, but is also capable of giving a smooth and sedate ride on long journeys.
Ride and handling are both refined and composed, with sure-footed cornering, even at speed. The Quattro permanent four wheel drive set-up means confident handling and superb grip in all weathers.
Inside, the RS6 Avant is roomy in the extreme, particularly in the back. The black leather seats are nicely trimmed and very comfortable. Controls are well laid out and clear, with a large touchscreen which shows satnav, radio and climate control settings.
Loadspace is as impressive as the interior of this roomy car, with a low loading sill and little wheel arch intrusion. It’s plenty wide enough for a set of golf clubs.
Standard equipment includes cruise control, an impressive sound system, automatic light and wiper activation, electric seats, lane-keeping aid, blind spot monitor, Audi Sport puddle lights and electrically operated and heated door mirrors.
The on-the-road price of this car is just over £100,000. That might sound eye-watering, but you’re getting a car with eye-watering performance.
