- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
4.0TT, 8 cyl.
- Engine Power
412kW, 700Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 9.8L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2013 Audi RS6 Avant – Quick drive review
From: $225,000 plus on-road costs.
Vitals: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol, 412kW, 700Nm, 8-sp auto, 9.8L/100km, AWD
What is it?
The most powerful engine Audi makes - in a station wagon.
What it isn't?
Underdone. Audi's quattro performance division has taken the S6 Avant and boosted its twin-turbo V8, re-tuned its quattro all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension and fitted it with the sports differential and bigger brakes.
What does it say about me?
That you want a performance car but have out-grown a two-door coupe. You've probably already got one of those and want something you can take your family in.
Who's buying it?
Parents who want to get their kids to school quickly.
If it were a celebrity, who would it be?
Brad Pitt. A family man but still an action star.
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Why would I buy it?
Because few other cars offer this combination of performance and practicality. RS6 Avant combines SUV size with sedan-like dynamics. Mercedes and BMW offer wagon variants of their AMG E63 and M5 models overseas but not here.
Does it cost too much?
It's a heck of a lot of money. But the RS6 is priced competitively against its sedan rivals - the AMG E63, M5 and Jaguar XFR-S.
Will I get a deal?
If you're buying one of these, chances are you've already got a good relationship with your Audi dealer.
Is it safe?
Well, it stops as quickly as it goes.
Will it get me noticed?
Being a station wagon it doesn't stand out like a sports car. People in the know will spot the 21-inch wheels and aggressive bodykit.
Any gadgets I can brag about?
You can pretty much brag about the entire car. But it is loaded with plenty of cool technology including a digital TV tuner and a 600-watt 14-speaker Bose stereo, plus Audi's clever touchpad system for the satnav - a great example of practical innovation, not a gimmick.
Will I get carjacked in it?
They'd have to catch you first.
How's the cabin ambience?
It's good without being great. The cabin's well laid out with quality materials throughout, but it does lack the wow factor you expect in a car costing this much. On the plus side, there is plenty of room for both front and rear seat occupants and luggage.
Isn't a station wagon a bit 'uncool'?
Wagons might not be as fashionable as SUVs in Australia but in Europe they are considered more desirable than sedans - hence this car. The RS6 has enough going for it to make even the staunchest sedan and SUV lovers change their minds.
Does it go?
More like a sports car than a station wagon. Zero to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds - and that doesn't feel like an outrageous claim. It accelerates with amazing ferocity and a fantastic soundtrack.
Does it like corners?
Surprisingly well for a car big enough to fit five adults. The RS6 comes standard with quattro's centre differential and adaptive air suspension. Our test car also came with the Dynamic package, which adds dynamic steering and RS sports-plus suspension with dynamic ride control. The steering is a particular highlight, not traditionally an Audi strength, but it is well-weighted and direct.
What about bumps?
Even with the various settings on the dynamic ride control (comfort, dynamic and individual) the ride is firm - but not uncomfortably so.
What about service stations?
The official figure of 9.8-litres per 100km comes thanks to cylinder deactivation technology, a first for an RS model. That number looks great on paper but you'd need a light foot, plenty of restraint and luck to hit it. But if you're spending almost a quarter of million on a car, fuel bills will probably be the least of your worries.
Would you buy one?
If I had the money I'd seriously consider the RS6 Avant. It offers space for a family, luxury comfort and sports car performance.
What else should I consider?
Really fast wagons are a bit thin on the ground. Your options are limited to the HSV Tourer R8 (from $74,290) and the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS 63 S ($265,145). If you want to consider a sedan then you've got plenty of options - BMW M5 ($229,900), Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S ($249,900), Jaguar XFR-S ($222,545) and even the HSV GTS ($95,490). There are plenty of quick SUVs to choose from - including the Porsche Cayenne Turbo ($222,100), Mercedes-Benz AMG ML63 ($179,400) and new Range Rover Sport.
The Spin
"The RS 6 Avant really is in a class of its own."
The Translation
No one else is brave (or crazy) enough to put such a powerful engine into a wagon.