2021 Audi RS6 Avant Test Drive Review: Ballistic Warfare

At long last, the forbidden fruit that is the Audi RS6 Avant can be purchased on US shores. It's been a decades-long waiting game for Audi's fastest wagon, but it's one that doesn't disappoint. When it comes to fast cars that send power to all four wheels, the people in Ingolstadt really know what to do. And its latest creation may be even better than the incredible Audi R8 supercar. Since our market has been overlooked for years, the Mercedes-AMG E63 wagon has had the run of the hi-po wagon market, while less traditional choices like the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo have also taken a slice of the pie. Now that the RS6 is finally offered here, things will be shaken up with a new wagon that is fast, practical, spacious, and luxurious. Is this the ultimate one-car-garage filler? Well, its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that develops 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque makes a good case for that, but is it a jump ahead of the competition or just a worthy rival?

What's the Price of the 2021 Audi RS6 Avant?

As you can expect, this isn't a cheap car. Base pricing for the cheapest variant starts at $109,000 excluding the $995 destination charge. Sure, there's only one trim level, but the options that can be added make this thing so expensive that you could easily buy another decent car with all the options added on. Fully loaded, you're looking at a grand total of well over $140,000.

2021 RS6 Avant Exterior

Dimensions

2021 RS6 Avant Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

We all know the RS6 is stupidly fast, but it's so much more than a one-trick pony. There's no point in having the capability of achieving such high speeds if you'll only ever be able to use any of it on dead straight private roads. Fortunately, the RS channels its rally heritage by being obscenely brilliant in the corners, whipping you around the tightest bends far quicker than you think is possible. Sure, a Porsche 911, which is lighter, will be ahead, but the RS6 won't be far behind. V8 powered Audi's have been known to push into understeer due to the engine being pushed forward over the front axle, but there's little sign of that with the 2021 RS6. The only slight downside is the feel of the steering system, which still shows hints of being numb, although it's not as bad as some electrically assisted systems. Still, even without the ceramic discs, the RS6 continues to impress by being incredibly sharp and dependable when you jam hard on the brake pedal. Despite this, you can still comfortably bring the car to smooth stops time and time again.

Speaking of smooth, the ride is absolutely impeccable, with a long wheelbase and standard adaptive air suspension cushioning even the largest bumps and undulations. Overall, the RS6 is a brilliant driver, whether that driving is happening on the daily commute or on the quiet canyon pass. However, on the freeway it races past brilliant and into exceptional territory.

2021 RS6 Avant Interior

2021 RS6 Avant Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2021 Audi RS6 Avant A Good car?

The Audi RS6 is absolutely incredible, but it's not perfect. That thirsty engine is quite an important factor and the fact that the wagon can haul less than some other rivals stands as evidence that it's not quite the most practical. Still, it has an absolutely stunning cabin with gorgeous quilted leather, a list of standard features longer than your arm, and incredible performance. It deals with corners and straights with the same astonishing fire that you'd expect of a much smaller sports car, yet it has space for five people and their luggage. It also looks unlike anything else on the road, and its abilities are just short of supercar impressive . Sure, it's expensive, but what car with these sorts of capabilities isn't? The way we see it, this car is a bargain. It's two cars for the price of one - on the one hand, it's luxurious, comfortable, smooth, and civilized, but when you need Mr. Hyde to come out, he's ready and waiting. The ultimate one-car-garage filler? For many, certainly.

What Audi RS6 Avant Model Should I Buy?

Frankly, there's no such thing as a badly specced RS6. In bone stock base form, it's a highly impressive car, and there are no paint finishes or interior color choices that stand out as grotesque or unwholesome. Still, there are some things worth adding if you want a complete package. We'd definitely consider the ceramic brake upgrade to unleash the RS6's full potential if there are track days in its future. We also think that the Driver Assistance package with its adaptive cruise control is well worth adding, and the massaging front seats are also hard to ignore. Beyond that, there are plenty of other options that can further enhance it, but we'd be happy with this spec and the fact that it keeps the price below $130,000.

2021 Audi RS6 Avant Comparisons

2021 Audi RS6 Avant vs Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon

2021's Mercedes-AMG E63 S hasn't arrived yet, but the 2020 model is still worthy of consideration. Also powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, the E63 S produces a monstrous 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque - considerably more than the RS6 boasts. This helps make it a tenth quicker from 0-60 mph with a time of just 3.4 seconds. However, the Merc can only get to 180 mph, while the Audi only stops pushing at 190 mph if you spec the right options. The E63 S pulls a point back with its cavernous 35 cubic-foot trunk, 15 more cubes than the RS6 offers. Nevertheless, the Audi has a far more modern interior and also costs less, with the E63 S asking for at least 111,750 of your dollars. That's a small difference, but it's all the more obvious when the Merc is older. Ultimately, both are excellent choices, but it may be worth waiting for the facelifted 2021 E63 Wagon before making a final decision, because, at present, the RS6 is the better bet.

2021 Audi RS6 Avant vs Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

The Porsche and the Audi are very similar vehicles, sharing a number of components. One of these is the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, although in GTS form it only produces 453 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. So why not compare the Turbo instead? Well, this non-Turbo-badged model is already considerably more expensive than the RS6, with an asking price of $135,500 before you ask for any additional equipment, something that Porsche is famous for overcharging on. So does its longer body and lighter curb weight make a difference? Well, the cargo area only offers 18.3 cubes, which isn't far behind the RS6. However, with the seats down, it falls badly behind, offering in excess of ten cubes less. What about performance? Well, the Audi is almost half a second quicker from 0-60 and can outrun the GTS on top when the Porker hits its 179-mph limiter. The Audi seems like a clear winner in all respects.