If The Boot Fits
The Audi RS 6 Avant is hard to put into a normal niche. Should the headline be “Power Wagon,” “Leave the Station Fast,” “Family Swift,” or “Four-Door Fun”? Why this problem? This super car is a very rare station wagon.
Yes, it has four doors, a roomy interior and a classic wagon rear door, but under the hood lies a twin turbocharged 4-liter V8 engine producing a stout 591 horsepower that’s hooked up to an 8-speed automatic transmission. And all-wheel drive is part of the quotation. So, when going to the grocery store with the kids strapped in, you will get there quickly with a 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds.
Even with the classic station wagon overall look, there are many big clues that this car is not your average people carrier. First clue: the 22-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tires. Around the wheel wells and on the lower flanks are large, fiberglass flares, which showcase that this car is lower than most. And unlike the “normal” Audi, their classic large grille is completely painted black. On either side of the grille are super high-tech headlights, which are long and very narrow with numerous mini lights. The performance theme continues in the lift gate area, with a large spoiler on the back top of the roof, and super hefty dual exhaust pipes on either side of the low hanging rear bumper. Overall, a very interesting mix of practical with a performance-oriented spin.
An unmistakable luxury interior spin greets the driver and passengers. As one would hope and expect, leather is everywhere, with some interesting and varied imprints and patterns. Three large video screens greet the driver and front passengers. Under the dash pod, the usual speed and basic data is shown, but with a graphic tachometer and speedometer, along with other information, including the G meter, which shows your rate of acceleration. In the center of the dash are two large touch screens. The top 10-inch one has various screens showing maps, radio information and more. And when in reverse, a rear-view camera and a 360-degree camera help show what is around the car past your peripheral vision. Below that one is another full-size screen, which handles the automatic four-zone climate system, among other features. A large panoramic sunroof is also provided.
And since this Audi is technically a station wagon, there is a good amount of room in the second row of seats. A useful armrest with covered storage and two cup holders are also on-hand. And for cooling needs, four air vents are available: each on the door pillars and two in the back center console. Under the rear power liftgate is a lot of storage space. A removable rear cover of the back area is also provided. And perhaps more importantly, the split rear seat backs are easily dropped, resulting in a huge cargo area.
All the expected horsepower is there — punching the engine start button results in a deep exhaust note. Other performance features include paddles behind the steering wheel to manually shift the gears. The suspension settings can vary the ride from absorbing to sporty. In fact, even with the large tires and wheels, the ride — depending on personal choice — can be very smooth, even on rough roads. Steering is nicely weighted and very direct. A heads-up display shows the legal speed limit with the current speed on the windshield. Numerous automated safety features are built in (lane assist, side assist, rear cross traffic, etc.). And, of course, acceleration at any speed is swift, and, if needed, a launch-control system keeps the wheels on the ground.
The end-result for this Audi is a very practical luxury speedster. Oh yes, you can carry the kids to school or wherever, but at the same time, you can surprise your adult friends by throwing them back into their seats with a punch of the accelerator pedal.