2022 Audi RS6 Avant Review: Family Wagon Gone Nuclear
The high-performance station wagon is an endangered species, and the Audi RS6 Avant is one of the most intriguing specimens around. After being introduced last year as an all-new model, the RS6 Avant has quickly skyrocketed to the top ten list of dream cars for motor journalists across the globe. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, this family-friendly wagon can force its hefty body from 0-60 mph in only 3.5 seconds, all while cradling its occupants in premium luxury. It's not alone in the segment with both the Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon and the Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo providing alternate wagon-shaped thrills for the whole family. But with Audi's long history of super-wagons on its side and Darth Vader styling, it could be the most alluring of the lot.
2022 RS6 Avant Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 196.7 in | 115.3 in | 58.6 in | 76.8 in | 65.7 in | 65.0 in | 4,982.0 lbs |
2022 RS6 Avant Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Cars of this size aren't supposed to drive this well, but Audi has managed to get the 2022 RS6 Avant to turn on a dime. The RS6 Avant uses tuned adaptive air suspension that delivers both comfort and performance. On twisty roads, the RS6 Avant squats down and grips the road for dear life. When pushed too hard, the RS6 will predictably understeer. Despite the Audi RS6 Avant's weight, turn-in is still sharp. The overall driving experience can be changed by selecting different models on the select drive button, and the all-wheel steering is noticeable when turning in tight spots. With its long wheelbase, and full comfort mode in play, the RS6 Avant is an adept cruising machine with a hard edge, and overall daily comfort is up there with the best in Germany. Optional extras such as Dynamic Ride Control and carbon-ceramic brakes turn this thing into an even more capable street warrior, but even in stock configuration, the RS6 Avant manages to dazzle in most categories.
2022 RS6 Avant Interior
2022 RS6 Avant Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Audi RS6 Avant A Good wagon?
As a family station wagon, the 2022 Audi RS6 Avant isn't perfect. Some competitors offer more cargo space, and that twin-turbo V8 engine will suck down more gas than any Middle Eastern country could ever supply, but that's not really what this car is about. The RS6 Avant is perfect in every other way. It's a modern oddity that hides supercar performance behind a body shape that is considered extinct in most books. The exterior is aggressive enough to let people know that there's something serious about this car, and the interior is flush with luxury features and premium materials. Yes, it's expensive, and there might be more dynamically capable vehicles at this price point, but there is pretty much nothing as cool as this out there at the moment.
2022 Audi RS6 Avant Comparisons
2022 Audi RS6 Avant vs Audi RS7
The 2022 Audi RS7 is a four-door executive performance car that is powered by the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine found in the RS6 Avant. The RS7 has the same performance specs as the Audi RS6 Avant and uses the same quattro AWD system and eight-speed automatic transmission. The RS7 is a more traditional take on the high-performance car but is still a large vehicle, measuring half an inch longer than the RS6 Avant. Both cars share the same 115.3-inch wheelbase. Inside, both cars offer more or less the same amount of passenger space, but the RS6 Avant does come with more cargo space. These cars feel equally as good to drive and offer similar performance levels. The interior and level of standard tech of both cars are also comparable, so the choice comes down to the body style you prefer. We'd go with the RS6 Avant because it's a wagon.
2022 Audi RS6 Avant vs BMW M5 Sedan
Few performance sedans are more feared and loved than the BMW M5; it's been setting the benchmark in its class for decades, and the sixth-generation F90 is the best of the lot. Powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the M5 produces 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque which it sends to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. This allows the M5 to reach 60 mph in only 3.2 seconds and go on to a top speed of 190 mph in the right configuration. The M5 is a hair shorter than the RS6 Avant and offers slightly less rear-seat legroom and only 14 cubic feet of cargo space, but it is the better car to drive fast. The interior is refined, and there's lots of tech too. This is a close one - and the M5 is spectacular - but in our minds, fast wagons always win.