Audi RS6 Quattro Avant

Costs

Nothing about the RS6 is going to come cheap. A high purchase price reflects the performance and luxury specification of the vehicle, as will high insurance premiums. Consumables such as tyres are likely to be expensive too, making the RS6 a considerable investment. However, limited numbers mean the model should not depreciate too severely.

Space and practicality

The roomy interior offers plenty of space for five-adults, and the large boot is also extremely useful. Fold the rear seats flat and the potential load space is enormous. Four-wheel drive adds an additional element of practicality, although the RS6 is hardly built for off-roading.

Controls and display

The RS6 features a well-organised assembly of dials and displays. A second colour display is integrated into the instrument binnacle, which compliments the full-size display in the centre console well. The sheer volume of equipment on the model means many buttons have spilled over to the gearshift surround, which can be distracting until locations become familiar, but switchgear and levers feel solid. Steering wheel paddle shifts make high speed driving safer and more efficient.

Comfort

With the adjustable suspension set to comfort, the RS6 offers a wonderfully refined ride, although it stiffens up sharply as the racier settings are selected. Wind noise is pared down to a bare minimum and road noise, despite the wide tyres, is also well controlled. The leather interior, particularly the RS front sports seats, is very comfortable. Both front and rear seats are heated.

Car security

The RS6 features Audi's usual high level of security including alarm, immobiliser and central locking. Covered storage is available inside and window tints can be specified at cost.

Car safety

The huge speed is countered by the RS6's huge brakes, but even more powerful and fade-free ceramic versions are a cost option. Tyre pressure monitoring is standard on the model and side airbags are included front and rear, over and above the usual airbag specification. Stability control, traction control and an electronic locking differential are also present.

Driver appeal

The RS6 is a real experience to drive, with eye-watering acceleration and a seemingly endless amount of grip. The heavy steering is far more suited to high speed driving than low speed crawls, but offers plenty of feedback. The difference between the comfort, dynamic and sport settings of the adjustable suspension is immediately evident and the settings are perfectly tuned to deal with relaxed or frenetic driving. The advanced four-wheel drive system limits the amount of electronic interference required for safe high-speed driving, enhancing the experience further.

Family car appeal

The RS6's size makes it an ideal family car, and its excellent build quality should be more than capable with dealing with abuse thrown at it by kids. Leather interiors are not always suited to family life however, and few drivers will want to explore the performance potential with their family onboard. However, the model has been designed to provide the dual role of everyday drive and super-car in equal measure.

First car appeal

The RS6 is too expensive, probably too large and far too powerful to make a sensible choice as first car. Although manageable, its considerable performance is best suited to a more experienced driver.

Quality and image

Audi's build quality is usually among the finest, and the RS6 is no different. Interior and exterior are beautifully finished and materials feel extremely high quality. The RS6 is not a particularly showy car and may be mistaken for a regular A6. This is no bad thing, as the A6 is a much-admired model. Among those in the know, the RS6 has as much appeal as any super-car.

Accessibility

A large car, the RS6 poses no problems in terms of accessibility. Five large doors make accessing the front, rear and boot extremely easy, while low sills fail to hinder progress. A motorised boot door is an extra benefit.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

As you might expect from a range-topping model in this price bracket, the RS6 features a full quota of gadgetry and toys. All incorporated into a menu-based control system in the centre console. The navigation, radio and myriad of other systems are for the most part easily accessed and controlled although there are small ergonomic issues thrown up by the sheer volume of buttons and equipment. The sound quality of the Bose surround-sound system and digital radio is superb.

Colours and trim

The discreet styling of the RS6 is matched by a selection of equally discreet colour choices. Silver, grey, red, green, blue and black are on offer. All RS6s come with the highest level of specification, which means fully electric seats, aluminium exterior trim and carbon interior details. It's a combination that works very well, and the styling and quality will not disappoint.

Parking

Equipped with parking sensors front and rear, there should be little reason to bump the RS6 during a parking manoeuvre. The four-wheel drive system has a notable effect of the RS6's turning circle, which may make tight manoeuvres troublesome. It's a large car, but good visibility makes it manageable.

Spare wheel

Temporary puncture repair kit fitted as standard.