2024 Audi RS6 Avant Review, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

You might think that 591 horsepower would be enough for the Audi RS6 Avant, but apparently it wasn’t. For 2024, Audi decided to turn the dial and add a new Performance model that promises a ridiculous 621 ponies. The new variant also weighs less, so acceleration should be sufficiently brutal. And yet the RS6 Avant’s quest for more power doesn’t change its impressive practicality, with comfortable seating for five in an interior full of rich materials and lots of trendy technology. There is also plenty of space to store cargo behind the rear power tailgate. The RS6 Avant remains a niche choice in a sea of ​​performance-oriented SUVs like the BMW X5 M, as the station wagon’s only real rival comes in the form of the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. Although the curvaceous appearance of the Porsche may appeal to some, the RS6 Avant’s tough, hard design is also one of its biggest selling points.

What’s new for 2024?

The RS6 Avant gets a new Performance model for 2024, which increases the V-8’s horsepower and torque while making some revisions to the chassis. The Performance model also sheds a few pounds, wears new 285-width Continental Sport Contact 7 tires and adds some new colors.

Prices and which one to buy

While the Performance model adds horsepower, the standard RS6 Avant is still pretty awesome, and you can dress it up with all sorts of fancy options. Unless you want a gray car, you will have to pay extra for a different paint color. We would have ours sprayed in the nice Navarra Blue Metallic. We’d also opt for the Black Optic package, which gives the wagon an even more sinister look with black exterior pieces and flashy 22-inch wheels on summer performance tires. Those who want their Avant to reach 190 mph will have to shell out for carbon-ceramic brakes, but we’d spend that money on front massage seats and the Executive Package (more leather-covered surfaces, heated rear seats, soft-close doors and a head-up screen). Of course, our wagon needs the optional sports exhaust so we can revel in its intoxicating engine sounds.

Engine, transmission and performance

Audi gives the RS6 Avant a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8, which generates 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. The power source combines with a 48-volt hybrid system which is found on other Audi products, such as the A8 luxury sedan and the Q8 crossover. The RS6 Avant feeds its standard Quattro all-wheel drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The combination helped rocket our 5031-pound test car to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 11.5 ticks at 120 mph. The 2024’s new Performance trim boosts output to 621 hp, and Audi claims it shaves a few tenths off the wagon’s acceleration times. The Performance also gets lightweight wheels and a revised center differential. But those numbers don’t accurately demonstrate the wagon’s glorious ability to raise our heart rate and tingle our eardrums with its terrifying acceleration and wicked soundtrack. Our Tango Red RS6 Avant test car, which rolls on a set of 22-inch wheels with summer performance rubber and is powered by a sport-tuned air suspension with adaptive dampers, was able to deliver a relaxed or rolling ride depending on the selected drive mode. The long-roof Audi also felt extremely nimble thanks to its four-wheel steering and torque-vectoring rear differential. We stopped from 70 mph in a neat 160 feet with the standard brakes. A set of carbon ceramic stoppers front and rear are available for a considerable sum, and the upgrade unlocks a higher top speed of 190 mph.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The RS6 Avant is expected to earn 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, which is in line with what the E63 S and Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo manage. Once we can drive the RS6 Avant on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regime, we can evaluate its actual mpg. For more information on the RS6 Avant’s fuel consumption, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, comfort and cargo

Inside, the RS6 Avant displays a sophisticated design and the latest technology. The driver faces a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and the dashboard has a pair of large touchscreens between the front passengers. The rest of the cabin is covered in leather and accented with tough materials. The RS6 Avant has a range of luxury standard features including heated and ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof and wireless phone charging. Buyers can order a head-up display, massaging front seats, richer leather and heated rear seats for more coin. The wagon also has 30 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats. A power tailgate comes standard; a motion-activated one is optional. The new Performance trim brings blue accents to the contrasting stitching and seat belts.

Infotainment and connectivity

A 10.1-inch touchscreen handles the infotainment system. It supports standard features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, built-in navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Below the top screen is an 8.6-inch touchscreen that contains settings for the climate controls as well as other vehicle functions. Although both screens have large icons that are easy to spot and use, they can be distracting to the driver, especially the bottom one. We miss the old scroll button that used to accompany Audi’s infotainment systems.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

The Audi wagon offers some standard driver assistance technology, with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist both available. For more information on the RS6 Avant’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Available night vision with large animal and pedestrian detection
• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

Warranty and Maintenance Cover

Audi’s limited and powertrain warranties align with plans offered by Mercedes and Porsche.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More features and specifications