High-performance wagons are an Audi staple and the
company isn’t disappointing as they’ve unveiled the all-new RS 6 Avant. Set to celebrate its public debut
in Frankfurt, the 2020 RS 6 Avant has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that produces
592 hp and 800 Nm of torque. It is connected to
an eight-speed automatic transmission which sends power to a quattro all-wheel
drive system. This setup enables the car to rocket from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Speaking of performance, the wagon comes equipped
with a specially tuned adaptive air suspension and a sport differential which
promises to “enhance cornering agility by actively splitting torque between
each of the rear wheels.”
There’s also an optimized steering system which
“develops significantly higher return forces as [the] steering angle increases,
to provide precise steering feedback.”
Customers will also be able to order an RS sport suspension with Dynamic
Ride Control.
The car’s drive select system has six different
modes including auto, comfort, dynamic and efficiency. That’s not too unusual, but the RS 6 Avant
features two unique modes dubbed RS1 and RS2.
They’re individually configurable and can be pulled up by pushing the RS
Mode button on the steering wheel.
On the styling front, the model follows in the
footsteps of the A6 and S6 Avant.
However, there are a handful of changes which indicate this isn’t your
typical grocery getter. Starting up front, the RS 6 adopts a prominent grille Singleframe
grille with gloss black mesh inserts which are unique to the model. We can also see a bulging hood, massive air
intakes and a silver splitter.
The sporty styling continues further back as the RS
6 Avant has aggressive side skirts and a liftgate-mounted spoiler. There’s also massive wheels which are backed
up by a carbon ceramic braking system. Other notable features include a dual
exhaust and a unique rear bumper with an integrated diffuser.
Audi didn’t say much about the interior, but the
cabin largely carries over from the standard model. As a result, owners will find a 12.3-inch
digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment system and an 8.6-inch
lower display.
While the cabin is instantly recognizable, there are
a handful of RS-specific touches including RS-branded sport seats and a
flat-bottomed steering wheel. We can
also see carbon fiber trim, alloy pedals and a red quattro badge on the
dashboard. Audi also confirmed the digital instrument cluster has RS-specific
displays which “provide information on tire pressure, torque, power output,
engine oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration measurements
and g forces.”