Test drive: Audi RS6 Avant Up until now, Audi merely aspired to compete with BMW in the sportiness stakes. But the student now wants to surpass the master! The new RS6 Avant, flagship of the Quattro division, proves the point. This new RS6 Avant fears nothing and no one, neither the BMW M5 Touring nor the Mercedes E 63 AMG estate. The RS6 Avant is the Audi of superlatives: boasting 580 PS, not only is it the most powerful Audi ever made, it’s also the most powerful estate of all time!  © Motorlegend As you can imagine, the previous generation, which boasted a “mere” 450 PS (480 in the Plus version), seems timorous indeed by comparison... Also developed by Audi’s Quattro GmbH division, it worked wonders on motorways – its favourite stomping ground – but was penalised by suspension that was not sufficiently “bourgeois” and agility that was rapidly caught out on winding routes. However, since that time, Audi models have continued to improve their running gear and refine their chassis. The new RS6, flagship of Quattro GmbH, therefore embodies in its own way the quintessential “new Audi”. An exceptional machine with a rather discreet appearance, a veritable missile in evening dress...  © Audi On the road We have to face the facts: the Audi RS6 Avant fooled us. We certainly didn’t expect it to be a featherweight, but we were very surprised to read in the technical data that it weighs in at 2,025 kilos (unladen, we should specify). When driving, the RS6 seems lighter, so much does its ultra-efficient chassis push back the limits of grip. It is hard to detect them on the open road, this fiendish Audi being able to go everywhere so hard and fast. Its 580 PS and omnipresent torque catapult it from one bend to the next at breakneck speed. But it is already time to hit the brakes (you pity them in advance, they are so severely tested), before starting to corner in this large estate. We saw no understeer. At the extreme limit, the four wheels of the RS6 begin to skid. The rest of the time, it proves quite agile, easily taking the corner when you take your foot off the gas and even stepping up the pace when coming out of the bend. Amazing. All the more amazing because the RS6 Avant also boasts remarkable versatility. Comfortable (especially with the adjustable DRC option, by choosing the “comfort” setting), flexible, silent, equipped with a smooth automatic gearbox, it will transform long journeys into a daily constitutional. On the flip side, its cocoon-type aspect filters out sensations too much. The engine’s pleasant tone remains muffled. Even on minor roads, you quickly find yourself going at foolish speeds, so much does the RS6 put you at ease. It’s best to keep a cool head onboard this cannonball...  © Motorlegend Our opinion Ultra-high performance, devilishly efficient, rather fun and yet surprisingly comfortable, the Audi RS6 Avant brilliantly manages to square the circle. It is an undeniable technological feat, a perfect compromise – if such an expression really means anything. Nevertheless, the RS6 without doubt goes too far. Just like the Group B cars of the 1980s, it is the embodiment of a senseless power-output one-upmanship. The Audi RS6 Avant would be just as good with 500 or 450 PS. It would not be setting any records then, and would perhaps be less talked about, but would still be devilishly attractive. In seeking an “advertising coup” with 580 PS and 280 km/h (174 mph), Audi is being deliberately provocative. But the more modest RS4 will already satisfy fans of sportiness, with its more communicative V8, more contained weight and superior agility. By adding horsepower galore and amazing comfort, the RS6 isolates its driver a little too much from the outside world. Sometimes it’s best to leave well alone... Strong points: Very high performance, ultra-efficient handling, surprising agility, maintained comfort (particularly with adjustable DRC), immaculate trim, top-of-the-range presentation, space and boot. Weak points: Overly filtered sensations (of speed in particular), high price, numerous costly options. Technical data Model tested: Audi RS6 Avant Body style : estate Engine Fuel type: petrol Capacity: 4,991 cc Number of cylinders: 10 Cylinder layout: V Number of valves: 40 Fuel supply: direct injection, 2 turbochargers Power output: 580 PS at 6,250 rpm Max. torque: 650 Nm from 1,500 rpm Transmission All-wheel drive Gearbox: 6-speed automatic Steering Hydraulic rack-and-pinion Turning circle: 12.2 m Brakes Front brakes: ventilated discs Rear brakes: ventilated discs Option: ABS Suspension Front: double wishbone Rear: trapezoidal link ESP: standard, can be completely deactivated Wheels : alloy Tyres: 255/40 R 19 Dimensions (m) Length: 4.928 Width: 1.889 Height: 1.46 Wheelbase: 2.846 Max boot capacity (dm3): 1,160 Fuel tank capacity (litres): 80 Unladen weight (kg): 2,025 Performance Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) (s): 4.6 Fuel consumption (l/100 km) Urban: 20.4 Extra urban: 10.3 Combined: 14 CO2 emissions (g/km): 333 Price of model tested: £77,625 |
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