RS 6 Avant – At a recent Audi Sport drive day at Philip Island, I drove the new RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback performance models.
Both these models are more powerful and faster than the outgoing models with improved dynamics. They also have that awesome V8 burble from the exhaust that enlivens the senses.
That comes from the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo TFSI engine. This has available a stunning 463kW of power and a handy 850Nm of torque.
They will sprint from 0-100km/h in about 3.4 seconds and are electronically limited to 250km/h which we did manage to see on the racetrack.
The RS 6 Avant was simply stunning around the Philip Island track. My mouth was aching I was grinning so much.
What is even more amazing is how Audi has managed to make this performance available in such a remarkably composed vehicle. You can drive these around town without fuss and apart from the burble, you wouldn’t know what lay beneath the bonnet.
Inside they are supremely luxurious and comfortable. Packed with every luxury and safety feature available.
The new RS 6 Avant performance starting from $241,500*, and the new RS 7 Sportback performance starting from $248,500* plus the usual costs.
This is a Motoring Minute
I’m Rob Fraser
TO LISTEN TO THE AUDI RS 6 AVANT QUATTRO RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW
What is good? |
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What is not so good? |
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More thoughts on the RS 6 Avant Performance and RS 7 Sportback Performance
Audi has released the latest versions of the RS 6 Avant Performance and RS 7 Sportback Performance in a stunning drive day at Philip Island.
- Both vehicles are beautifully designed.
- The RS 6 Avant is about as stunning as a wagon can get.
- RS 7 Sportback is simply one of the most elegant designs around.
- Both come with the awesome V8 biturbo TFSI engine.
- Both have the delightful V8 exhaust burble that enlivens the senses.
- These are the pinnacle of Audi design available for a petrol engine.
The 2024 performance models are more powerful and faster than the non-performance models they replace. That’s a fair effort as they were awesome. On top of that the new models are even more dynamically focussed.
Pricing for the new RS 6 Avant performance starting from $241,500*, and the new RS 7 Sportback performance starting from $248,500* (plus the usual costs). They are now available in showrooms.
“Audi has always excelled at producing high-performance cars that can impress as equally on track as they do on a day-to-day commute,” said Jeff Mannering, Director Audi Australia.
“Astoundingly, we have managed to build upon what was already a pair of very impressive models for a flawless drive with highly desirable packaging. Both the Audi RS 6 performance and Audi RS 7 performance would be a welcome addition to any Australian garage; sure to leave a lasting impression on those lucky enough to drive one.”
What do they look like?
Well, the RS 6 Avant is low, sleek, and practical. It’s the ultimate mum’s wagon. Whoever said station wagons are boring never drove one of these.
The RS 7 Sportback is perhaps amongst the top 5 elegant vehicles ever designed. Its simply beautiful. Long sleek lines, beautifully proportioned and again, practical.
What about inside
They haven’t changed much at all from the model they replace. That’s a good thing as both are supremely comfortable. They place driver ergonomics above almost everything.
Sit in either and its feels like you are at home.
The layout is typically Audi. It feels familiar. With a tight thick sports steering wheel, sports seats, and virtual cockpit. The centre stack is the same as most other Audis, with twin touch screens and Haptic feedback.
Surprisingly the rear seat leg room isn’t as much as you may expect. That’s fixed by going for a drive by yourself.
Boot space is cavernous.
Engine and drivetrain
The new RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance are the very pinnacle of the illustrious combustion RS range and offer more mind-blowing performance than ever before.
With a stunning 4.0L V8 biturbo TFSI engine these thoroughbreds boast an increase in boost pressure from 2.4 to 2.6 bar.
This ensures a whopping 463kW of power and prodigious 850Nm of torque.
The powerful duo are also now 0.2 seconds faster than the base versions in a 0 to 100 km/h sprint, capable of going the distance in just 3.4 seconds.
Suspension and brakes.
Both vehicles come with air suspension with electronic active dampers. This provides a balance between daily comfort and racetrack dynamics.
With that much get up and go you want to stop fast as well.
Brakes are a dual-circuit brake system with diagonal split, ESC/ABS/EBD, brake booster, hydraulic brake assist.
Front: Aluminium fixed caliper; Rear: floating caliper with integrated electronic parking brake.
I must admit I didn’t find out of the Audi ceramic brake option pack is still available.
Mild Hybrid technology
As impressive as this crushing performance is, progressive efficiency technologies are integral to the pair, and the engine continues to offer the efficiency measures of Cylinder on Demand and 48 Volt Mild Hybrid technology.
Its 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system can recover power while coasting or under light throttle, while the start/stop system also draws on the 48-volt electrical system and functions at speeds up to 22 km/h.
Moreover, cylinder on demand (COD) technology can shut down four cylinders under light throttle load, resuming within milliseconds when required. All of this is imperceptible to the driver and passengers within the vehicle.
That Audi V8 Burble
Additionally, reduced insulation between that which separates the engine, the interior cabin, and the rear of the vehicle ensures that passengers experience a thrilling next-level theatre of sound.
The reduction in sound-deadening material allows the emotive sound of the sport exhaust system to travel easily into the cabin and in turn contributes to a reduction in unladen weight of the vehicle.
Unlike a few people, I LOVE the exhaust burble and have been known to sit in the driveway and start stop the engine to hear the burst. On a longer trip its sweet music.
What drivetrain is used?
Power from the engine flows through a standard eight-speed tiptronic with faster shifting times to the permanent all-wheel drive quattro.
The self-locking centre differential is also lighter and more compact, improving driving dynamics and offering more precise cornering.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system lets the driver control the vehicle’s character with six profiles available: efficiency, comfort, auto, and dynamic, and two customisable RS-specific RS 1 and RS 2 modes.
Revised software for the gearbox and the resulting reduced shift times become apparent when the gear selector is set to ‘S’ or Dynamic mode is selected.
Audi RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance wheel and tyre package
The RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance retain the same elevated level of specification as the existing models, with the addition of a special wheel and tyre package thoroughly refined by the Audi Sport engineering team.
In addition to the engine upgrades, the duo rolls off the production line on standard 22” gloss silver and black metallic alloy wheels in 5-Y-spoke design.
Inspired by motorsport, the airy design aids brake cooling and the lighter rims are manufactured in a high-tech forging-milling process. The new lightweight wheel is around five kilograms lighter than the 22-inch aluminium wheel on the outgoing RS 6 Avant or RS 7 Sportback.
With a twenty-kilogram reduction in unsprung weight, there is a noticeable difference in throttle response.
Furthermore, these new wheels are then paired exclusively with a new specially developed ultra-high-performance Continental “Sport Contact 7” 285/30 tyre that equals or exceeds the previous tyres’ capabilities.
The tyres offer consistently better grip on both dry and wet roads and reduce understeering when cornering at speed, making for more precise handling. Notably, the brake path is also reduced by up to two metres with the new wheels when braking from 100 to 0 km/h.
What is the RS 6 Avant Performance like to drive.
Well, we didn’t get to drive them in everyday use.
However, we had the rare opportunity to test the RS6 Avant around the Philip Island racetrack.
Let me be clear here. A race driver I am not. I have no pretensions at all about my ability to match it with the professionals. I just enjoy driving really fast around a racetrack.
The cars’ ability far exceeds mine.
Obviously, acceleration off the mark is stunning for a road-based car.
On song acceleration is mind blowing and I found myself going flat out between the corners.
Brakes are another level. Even though they were used heavily, I didn’t notice any fade at all.
At times I just pipped 240km/h at the end of the straight before the brake point, Hard on the brake pedal, wash off speed and hit the apex, hard on the go pedal, and repeat multiple times around the track.
It really doesn’t get any better than this.
Well actually it does.
I had the opportunity to sit as a passenger with members of the Audi Sport drive team. This was for several laps and WOW.
They pushed the RS 6 well beyond what I dared to, and it simply hunkered down and went ballistic without fuss.
Remember readers this is a road-based car, NOT a race car.
This is the car you would want to choose to drive from Sydney to Noosa for a family holiday.
Both RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance are highly specified
Like their forerunners, the new RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance are highly specified, as expected of vehicles of such calibre.
Both feature several distinctive styling highlights available to customers wishing to further elevate their vehicle, with design features including matt grey exterior elements and new blue interior design packages.
Exterior packages
Two new exterior packages can be equipped, the first being a matt grey exterior styling package that replaces the matt aluminium exterior highlights from the non-performance model, and a matt carbon black package that features several exterior carbon highlights.
The exterior items altered in each package can include:
- the look of the front spoiler,
- front side flaps,
- side sill inserts,
- rear diffuser insert,
- trim strips on the side windows,
- exterior mirror housings,
- roof rails (RS 6 Avant only), and
- Audi rings and exterior badging, depending on which styling package is selected.
Several exterior paint options are available, with an Audi exclusive matt effect paint finish available at an extra cost and for the first time, Ascari Blue paint in both metallic and matt finish.
Another distinguishing feature is an entrance LED in the front doors that project the lettering ‘RS performance’ onto the ground next to the car for a true grand entrance.
Audi RS Interior packages
In the interior, the familiar RS design packages in grey and red have been expanded to include the colour blue.
The steering wheel in Alcantara black features contrasting stitching in Mercato blue, whilst the floor mats, the side of the centre console, and the selector lever cuff also come with blue contrasting stitching.
The front and outer rear seat belts are full-surface Ocean blue, while the selector lever knob and the side of the centre console are made with Dinamica microfibre, consisting of around 45% recycled PET fibres.
Further, both blue and red RS design packages that include additional enhancements and Dinamica elements can be equipped to both models if desired.
Additionally, the sports seats feature high-quality Valcona leather upholstery perforated with contrasting honeycomb stitching and 3-stage heating and ventilation.
Audi Owner benefits
Both the RS 6 performance and RS 7 performance also come with a peace-of-mind five-year warranty. Add to this twelve years manufacturer warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicles.
Alongside warranty, Audi Australia also includes a complimentary five-year Audi roadside assistance. This is as part of the purchase of an RS 6 Avant performance or RS 7 Sportback performance.
Five-year service plans are available for both of these models and customers also have the opportunity to purchase Audi Advantage. This is an Audi-exclusive program that allows owners to purchase two-year packages to extend their servicing, warranty and roadside assistance.
New vehicle customers can purchase two-year programs back-to-back at the time of purchase, or at a later date up to 8 years old, to extend the current manufacturer warranty beyond the current 5-year timeframe.
This allows new vehicle owners the security of a full factory warranty for up to 9 years, which is transferable to future owners of their vehicle.
Audi owners also receive a complementary membership during their warranty period to Audi Experience, Audi Australia’s bespoke loyalty program that offers access to exclusive national events, intimate Audi Ambassador experiences and premium partner offers.
Pricing+
The Audi RS 6 Avant performance and Audi RS 7 Sportback performance replace the previous non-performance models and are now available.
| Audi RS 6 Avant performance | $241,500 |
| Audi RS 7 Sportback performance | $248,500 |
(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)
Audi RS 6 Avant Performance and Audi RS 7 Sportback Performance final thoughts
They are both AWESOME.
The real appreciation came from a comparison with the RS e-tron GT which was also there and went around the track as well.
Yes, it was fast, at times faster than the RS models.
But it was soulless.
The RS models had personality, they provided aural delight. They made the heart pound faster and the smile fix on the face so much that it hurt.
All this performance and dynamics in a road based car that remains composed at all times.
They are expensive, but hey its only money.
Audi RS 6 |
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Model |
RS 6 Avant Performance |
| Model Price | $241,500 MLP* |
| Engine | 4.0L V8 Biturbo TFSI |
| Drivetrain | 8Sp Tiptronic Quattro |
| Battery Capacity / type | 48V |
| Power | 463Kw @ 6.000 rpm |
| Torque | 850Nm @ 2,300 – 4,500rpm |
| Fuel ADR | 11.8L/100km Euro 6 |
| Fuel on Test | N/A |
| Fuel capacity | 73L |
| Range (WLTP) / efficiency | 620km average |
| Realistic range | N/A |
| Fast Charge / Home (240V) | N/A |
| Safety | A6 – Five Star ANCAP (Feb 2018) |
| CO2 Emissions | 269g/km |
| 0-100kmh/Top Speed | 3.4 secs / 280km/h |
| Servicing | 12 MTh / 15,000km – Fixed price |
| Warranty | 5yr/ Unlimited km extendable |
| Roadside Assist | 5Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Overall Rating |
92/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 10 |
| Ride and Handling | 10 |
| Practicality | 9 |
| Fit for Purpose | 9 |
| Style / appeal | 9 |
| Technology/connectivity | 10 |
| Value for Money | 8 |
Dimensions |
RS 6 Avant Performance |
| Overall Length | 4995mm |
| Wheelbase | 2929mm |
| Width | 1951mm |
| Height | 1513mm |
| Wheels | 22 X 10.5J Alloy |
| Tyres | 285/30 R22 |
| Max ground clearance | Up to 120mm |
| Wading Depth | N/A |
| Approach | N/A |
| Rampover | N/A |
| Departure angle | N/A |
| Turning Circle KTK | 12.1m |
| Boot Capacity Min | 565L |
| Boot capacity Max | 1680L |
| Battery Weight | N/A |
| Kerb Weight | 2075kg |
| Payload (kg) | 665kg |
| GVM (kg) | 2740kg |
| GCM | 4840kg |
| Towing Capacity | 2100kg |
| Tow Ball rating | 210kg |
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