Insurance Group: N/A
MPG: 28.8
CO2: 229
0-62 Mph: 3.9 secs
BHP: N/A BHP
Range: 475 miles
PROS: This model offers the ultimate performance available in an estate car, and comes loaded with equipment too. It also handles quite well and is immensely practical.
CONS: Buying and running costs for the car are very high, and while the estate does offer practicality suitable for a family, the slightly firm ride is not as comfortable for the passengers as it could be.
The engine in this version of the RS6 is only 4.0 litres when compared with the 5.0 litre engine in the previous generation, but even with the smaller engine it is still able to deliver even faster performance. In terms of straight line speed, acceleration from 0-62mph is achieved in a blistering 3.9 seconds, and the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, although it is possible to choose optional extras to increase this up to 189mph. Handling in the car is very good on the whole with steering that is quick to respond, although a little short on feedback, while the four wheel drive means drivers should remain firmly in control even when cornering quickly.
Getting comfortable in the car is straightforward with plenty of adjustment available, while the sports seats are very comfortable and offer plenty of support especially when giving the RS6 a good workout. The refinement in the cabin depends on your driving style, as the engine is relatively quiet when being driven calmly, but once you put your foot down the roar from the engine is clearly audible.
Although this is an estate car, Audi have done a very good job in trying to give it a sporty look, with the chrome detail around the front end and the LED lights highlighting the dynamic headlight cluster during the day. The quattro logo on the bottom air grille is a sign of the car's heritage, while the chrome detail is also seen on the wing mirrors and the roof bars too. The large alloy wheels help to complete a very nice package.
Inside the car there is plenty of equipment, and the superb fourteen speaker BOSE stereo system is certainly a sign of the premium nature of the RS6, along with a good satellite navigation system. Air conditioning and cruise control help to make it a relatively tame companion for long motorway journeys, which will almost certainly be accompanied by switching the suspension into comfort mode.
Although the RS6 does deliver sports car performance, it is still a very practical car with a cabin that allows adults in the front and the rear of the car to travel in comfort, and also enjoys a large boot. One good feature is the touch free automatic tailgate which opens the boot at the touch of a button.
As you would expect for a car that is boasting such impressive performance, there are also plenty of safety systems included to help keep it under control, with a gear change indicator, a side assist system to alert them about other cars in the blind spot and an active lane assist that will alert the driver if the car is drifting from their lane without indicating. Audi has an excellent record for reliability, and the RS6 should share this feature.
With a list price of £76,135, there is no doubt that the RS6 is aimed at the very premium end of the market who are looking for excitement along with their practicality, and is priced around six hundred pounds above its main rival with similar performance, the E63 AMG estate from Mercedes Benz. Running costs have been improved from the previous version of the RS6, delivering an average 28.8mpg.
Insurance and tax costs for the RS6 are also quite high, while you are also likely to lose a fair amount when it comes to selling the car too. The model is delivered with three years RAC membership and a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty as standard, although this can be extended at an extra cost.
While the looks of the RS6 are generally very similar to Audi's standard A6 Avant, the power under the bonnet is a big step up, meaning that it has sports car performance within a practical package...
You might want to read reviews for other Large Exec cars that you can then compare to the Audi RS6. Here are some popular Audi RS6 alternatives:
