If there is one thing we love here at rideXdrive, it’s performance hatchbacks and wagons. So the Audi RS 6 Avant is the type of vehicle that makes us giggle. Audi has granted the wishes of enthusiasts like us and is bringing the RS 6 Avant to the United States. We’re at the LA Auto Show, where the Audi RS 6 Avant is on display.
You can also watch our first look HERE.
The front end styling on this super wagon, which is borrowed from the RS7, is likely one of the most aggressive and elegant front ends available from a car today. There are two large functional intake vents on the left and the right of Audi’s angular grille. Audi is a pioneer when it comes to headlight design and these full LED headlights, with laser light technology, are simply gorgeous. They sit just below the muscular and sculpted hood that lets you know this Audi means business. The dark blue paint on the vehicle at the LA Auto Show is beautiful and has metallic flakes. It’s very dark and in some lighting, almost looks black.
22-inch wheels are available and 21-inch wheels come standard. The car can also be outfitted with Audi’s carbon ceramic brakes, which are absolutely massive.
From the side, you can get a good look at the bulging fenders. I really don’t understand why these types of vehicles don’t get more love. This thing is stunning as far as we’re concerned but hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and we aren’t here to debate Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Judgement. The rear is also elegant and while a bit more understated than the front, its still very sporty. There are gorgeous LED taillights and a black mesh diffuser. The large oval RS exhausts should sound amazing when the Avant is at full growl.
Power is provided by a 4.0 liter twin turbocharged V8 that is partnered with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The engine produces 591 hp and 590 lb ft. of torque. With Audi’s quattro AWD, 0-60 can be done in about 3.5 seconds. Assuming US versions come with the option to change the speed governors, the RS 6 Avant has a top speed close to 190mph. The engine is connected to an 8-speed ZF transmission with launch control. We expect the RS 6 Avant will tip the scales at over 4500 lbs. So the V8 has plenty to carry around.
Of course, being a wagon, it is a very practical vehicle. With the seats up you get about 20 cubic feet of cargo space. That number increases to about 60 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. To put that into perspective, the Audi Q8 crossover has 60.7 cubic feet with the seats down.
The interior is very similar to other large Audi cars like the S6 and is top notch. It has beautiful well bolstered seats with contrast stitching and heating and cooling. The thick steering wheel comes wrapped in alcantara and feels good to hold on to. There’s alcantara roof lining and the material also covers the gear knob. The RS 6 Avant gets Audi’s virtual cockpit. Audi has a long history of building amazing interiors but I hate they have gone with the use of full on touch screens for everything. I am not a fan of the dual screen layout with the gloss black accents. They’re basically dust and fingerprint magnets. The screens do have haptic feedback and you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Otherwise the materials and build quality continue to be top notch. There’s real carbon fiber and genuine leather on the dash.
Moving to the rear there’s a decent amount of space, legroom, and headroom, which again goes to the wagon’s practicality. All of the materials are just as top notch in the rear with plenty of beautiful leather, climate control vents, and connectivity. Dual sunroofs make sure rear passengers can also get a great view of the sky.
The 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant has a starting price of $109,000. Dealerships should have the RS 6 Avant ready sometime in the spring of 2020.
