Listen, I’m not a fan of the station wagon. So many of my colleagues in the automotive journalism space go gaga for vintage and modern family haulers of this long and lean shape, and that’s not me. I remember the station wagon we had when I was growing up, and while I thought the backward seats in the rear were fantastic, that’s about all I liked about it. So imagine my surprise when I fell in love with the Audi RS6 Avant, when it’s clearly a wagon.
This is no ordinary family car, though: the Audi RS6 Avant handles like a sports car and packs a huge punch under the hood. Whether or not you like the shape, the driving experience is superb. Read on for a list of my five favorite things about the RS6 Avant.
1. The Audi RS6 Avant Is A Beast
Wagons aren’t supposed to be muscle cars, are they? Audi says yes. The RS6 Avant Performance is motivated by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 making 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. When you step on the gas, it GOES. No hesitation. In fact, it’s pretty gratifying to feel the Audi respond so quickly; the automaker says it can zip from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Yeeeeeeeee-haw!
2. There’s Plenty Of Cargo Space
The Audi RS6 Avant is a wagon, so naturally it has ample room for groceries, golf clubs, or anything else you can stuff into its 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Fold down the second row and there’s even more, and you’ll be happy to know a power rear liftgate is standard. The floor of the cargo area is nice and flat, making it an ideal setup for furry friends as well. Inside the cabin, small storage space is less generous, so bring along some kind of organizational aids to keep your snacks in line.
3. Audi’s Technology Is Impressive
Audi doesn’t skimp on tech in its vehicle cabins, and the RS6 Avant is no exception. Equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, the Audi wagon features a crisp, clear map interface that works very well. Dual touchscreens are stacked to offer access to all of the controls, including an 8.6-inch screen primarily for climate controls (but it also handles other functions) and a 10.1-inch touchscreen for everything else.
4. Seating Is Sublime Inside The Audi RS6 Avant
If you’re going to take a road trip in this wagon (and why wouldn’t you?), comfortable seats are crucial to your well-being. They’re heated and ventilated, and massaging seats are optional. Sign me up, please.
5. The Audi RS6 Avant Handles Like a Sports Car
The exhaust sounds the way a performance car should. It’s sonorous and unmistakable, making you forget you’re in a wagon in the first place. The brakes are effortlessly activated and the shifting is smooth.
The Audi RS6 Avant isn’t cheap: the base model starts at $126,600. With options like a $5,000 premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, a $3,000 executive leather package, and $600 Blue Ascari paint (which looks so good), you’re creeping up toward the $140,000 mark and higher. But it feels like the proverbial million bucks.