Adjusting the rearview mirror
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From the Audi RS2 of the 1990s that practically invented the genre, to today’s RS6, Audi really understands fast estates. The latest Audi RS6 isn’t just hugely capable, but hugely desirable too, with that dream combination of high performance and traditional estate car practicality.
The latest car makes more than 600PS, but also packs well over 500 litres of luggage with the rear seats in place. It’s all-wheel drive so feels secure at all speeds and in all weathers, but more so than previous RS6s, it’s also genuinely enjoyable to drive - this is no one-dimensional speed machine. Throw in Audi build quality and stand-out styling, and all that’s really left is the money: they’re expensive new, but buying used can help save thousands off its six-figure sticker price.
The Audi RS6 pretty much defines the modern high-performance estate car. Audi has always had a knack for making desirable fast estates but the RS6 sold since 2019 is undoubtedly its best effort yet, with blistering performance and desirable styling, but also far better ride and handling than the models that came before it.
You’d expect as much when new ones cost well over £100,000, but buying used can take the sting out of that sticker price, and you’ll lose little in terms of performance or features to a factory-fresh car. Even the least powerful RS6 makes 600PS, but most come with the Performance Pack which boosts things to 630PS, giving the car supercar-style straight line performance.
With standard all-wheel drive, the RS6 makes sense in poor conditions and on twisty roads too - it’s more agile than you’d credit (in part thanks to rear-wheel steering), and sophisticated suspension means it even rides pretty well. Being an A6 at heart, it’s also refined and comfortable when you’re just cruising along the motorway, while the interior is about as good as things get even at this high level - build quality and features are near the top of the class, and there’s plenty of passenger space and a huge boot too.
The most compelling alternatives to the RS6 come in the form of the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, and the Mercedes-AMG E63 Estate, each of which also come with powerful V8 engines and all-wheel drive. You probably already have a brand preference, but with the Audi’s capability, involving drive, and styling, it might be the pick of the bunch.
The most recent RS6s you’ll find for sale all come with the Performance Pack as standard, which is a worthwhile upgrade if only to help preserve resale value when you sell it on yourself. It’s not like the RS6 needs the extra power, but most buyers choosing a car like this will want to aim for the best they can get, which could be why so many used models can be found in range-topping Vorsprung trim too. The Dynamic Ride Control suspension that’s standard on the Vorsprung is also a handy option to have, really making the most of the RS6’s handling.
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As far as options go, keep an eye out for used models equipped with the Comfort and Sound pack, which came with Bang & Olufsen premium audio, heated seats, and a reversing camera with parking assistant. The RS sports exhaust system is a welcome addition too, for a different kind of premium audio…
As you’d expect from one of Audi’s most prestigious models, equipment levels are strong across the range - the RS6 is as much a luxury car as a sports car. Several trim levels allowed the original buyers to add even more kit, while there were a few optional extras too. Performance specification, as mentioned above, also got extra power.
The Audi RS6’s dimensions are:
The Audi RS6’s boot size is:
All RS6s are subject to the maximum VED or ‘road tax’ charge of £600 per year in the second to sixth years of registration. This includes a surcharge (which disappears in year seven onwards) for costing more than £40,000 to buy brand new.
Like tax, insurance may cost a few bob regardless of the power output or trim level of your prospective RS6 - all models sit in the maximum group 50 insurance group.
£70,250
£64,990
£91,500
£93,961
£123,947
£87,500
£119,490
£73,000
£111,495
£110,298
£73,395
£114,012
£135,000
£94,000
£79,000
What is the most popular colour for Audi RS6 ?
What is the most popular gearbox for Audi RS6 ?
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What is the average mileage for Audi RS6 ?
20133
How many Audi RS6 cars are available for sale?
30
