RS5 Sportback

Make
Audi
Segment
Sedan

There's been a positively filthy rumor floating around for quite some time that the new 2020 Audi RS6 Avant will be coming to America. Few have dared to believe it, but those with faith have now been rewarded.

For what feels like forever now, the sport wagon has become a rare breed in North America, with just a handful making their way across the pond. However, Audi has answered many a prayer and just unleashed the news that the new and potent 2020 Audi RS6 Avant will be sold here in the US. It's also one mean looking station wagon.

Under the hood, Audi has fit in an almighty 591 horsepower with a tarmac ripping 590 lb-ft of torque in the form of a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo, mild-hybrid V8. That power is controlled by an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Going by the numbers from Audi, you can pop your dog in the back and spoil it with a 0 to 62 mile per hour run in a scorching 3.6 seconds. The launch from 0-124 mph takes just 12 seconds, although the extra weight of a partner, kids, and the dog might slow that one down.

To get back down to zero again, Audi is fitting all-new steel brakes measuring 16.5 inches up front and 14.6 inches at the rear. For the more enthusiastic driver, carbon-ceramic brakes are offered and the front discs are a whopping 17.3 inches in diameter.

Standard air suspension should keep things comfortable, tight, and controlled and will also lower the Audi RS6 Avant almost an inch at higher speeds to make full use of the aerodynamics. The suspension will also lift 1.6 inches so drivers won't have to perform the awkward slow moving and angled approach to get over speed bumps.

Optional is the Dynamic Ride Control suspension that uses adaptive dampers linked from corner to corner. They are also hooked up to six driver modes that also affect engine power, throttle response, differential behavior, and the exhaust note. To make things really interesting, rear-wheel steering is another available option.

The optional Dynamic Plus package gives the RS6 Avant a top speed of 190 mph. And, while cruising at top speed, the driver will be sitting on 21 or 22-inch wheels and in the RS trim treated cabin. Details include open-weave carbon fiber and quilted leather seats along with all the glorious Audi tech the automaker has built a reputation on. That includes MMI Touch paired with Virtual Cockpit and an optional head-up display all aesthetically tailored to the RS aesthetic. Most importantly though, the steering wheel features an RS Mode button that selects the new RS1 and RS2 settings which are configurable.

The RS6 will go on sale in the second or third quarter of next year as a 2020 model. We don't expect it to cost more than the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon, and under $100,000 seems likely. However, now might still be the time to start inquiries into another mortgage or listing one the kids on eBay.