The RS6 Avant has always aimed to offer sportscar performance, bordering on supercar if we’re honest, combined with every day practicality. It’s also always been styled in a ‘wolf in sheeps clothing’ type of way, which has kept it aggressive yet elegant. This is the third generation of the Teutonic estate and we know you’re dying to find out what’s behind that hexagonal Audi grille…
Audi has followed BMW and Mercedes-Benz in strapping two turbochargers to its V8 engine. The 4.0-litre biturbo produces 412 kW and 700 Nm of torque and is linked to a quattro all-wheel drive system via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain endows the family estate with enough grunt to launch from 0 – 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Of course, that won’t be enough for many, so a ‘Dynamic’ package raises the maximum speed to 280 km/h and a ‘Dynamic Plus’ package completely de-restricts the car for a top speed of 305 km/h.
We can’t talk about a vehicle these days without referencing its fuel consumption and emissions. In the case of the Audi RS6 Avant, the blown 4.0-litre V8 sips, if you’ll believe it, just 9.8 L/100km on average. Audi claim say this represents a 40 percent improvement over the previous RS6′s 5.0-litre biturbo V10, but how? Well, the engine features start/stop technology and a cylinder-on-demand system, which deactivates 4-cylinders when they aren’t needed. In addition, the new RS6 is 100 kg lighter than before, thanks to extensive use of aluminium.
In response to the masses of power and torque available, Audi have installed a specially tuned, 20 mm lower, air suspension or alternatively, a tauter sport suspension with steel springs and Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). Stopping power is courtesy of ventilated brake discs on all four corners, with the front units measuring 390 mm in diameter and slowed by six-piston calipers. Carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs, measuring 420 mm, are offered as an option.
As expected, the RS6 follows tradition in the way it’s bold, but not in-your-face. The front bumper is aggressive with massive air intakes, matt aluminium accents and, interestingly enough, the largest ‘quattro’ logo we can remember seeing on any recent production Audi, which is located at the base of the honeycomb grille. A set of LED headlights complete the trademark Audi look in front, while a set of roof rails continues the Avant tradition, along with brushed aluminium side mirrors and a set of 20-inch alloy wheels cements the side profile. At the rear we find a set of LED tail-lights, together with a large diffuser, RS-style oval exhaust pipes and a tailgate-mounted spoiler.
The interior boasts Audi’s latest technology and is lavish to say the least. Premium materials and high-end accents compliment leather / Alcantara sport seats and carbon fibre trim. A flat-bottomed, thick-rimmed, RS steering wheel and RS logo atop the gear lever provide unique RS6 touch points, while illuminated sill plates welcome passengers. Convenience features include Audi’s MMI infotainment system with satellite navigation, with optional extras being a head-up display, 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and Internet connectivity.
The RS6 Avant will be launched in Europe in mid-2013, with other world markets to follow towards the end of the year.
