25 years of RS, 25 years of high-performance Avants from Audi: The new Audi RS 6, Audi Sport is ushering in a new chapter in the history of the high-performance Avant.
Even more power combined with increased efficiency thanks to mild hybrid system turn the Audi RS 6 Avant into the perfect companion for any purpose. The new Audi RS 6 Avant will go on sale in Ireland in early 2020.
Broad and powerful: the exterior design
The body style, which is unique in its segment, proves alluring the moment you set eyes on the new Audi RS 6 Avant, even when stationary. The RS model sports an emphatically differentiated design compared with the A6 Avant base model.
With the exception of the front doors, roof and tailgate, the exterior is made up solely of RS-specific parts. The body, which has been widened around 40 millimetres on each side with its broad flared wheel arches, emphasises the sporty flair and the distinctive character of the high-performance Avant.
The new Audi RS 6 Avant is one of the first Audi Sport models to feature the new RS design language. Its entire front-end provides a distinctive look within the A6 model line.
In addition to the new bonnet together with powerdome, the Audi RS 6 Avant also adopts the front headlights from the A7 model line. This provides a flatter, sportier expression, but also offers the option of the RS Matrix LED laser headlight with darkened trims as an additional USP of the Audi RS 6 Avant in the A6 family.
Similar to the LED rear lights, they feature a dynamic turn signal along with RS-specific sequencing when the vehicle is locked and unlocked.
Supreme power package: the engine
The 4.0 TFSI in the new Audi RS 6 Avant delivers 600HP and 800 Nm of torque, which is maintained at this high level between 2,050 and 4,500 rpm.
In just 3.6 seconds the high-performance Avant sprints from zero to 100 km/h. And in a mere 12 seconds the Audi RS 6 Avant reaches 200 km/h. Top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h.
Thanks to the 48 volt main electrical system the twin-turbo V8 combines maximum performance with high efficiency. A belt alternator starter lies at the heart of the mild hybrid system (MHEV). Up to 12 kW of power can be recovered during light deceleration and stored in a separate lithium-ion battery.
The standard eight-speed tiptronic with optimised shift times and a new Launch Control function transmits the power of the 4.0 TFSI to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
The drive forces are distributed to the front and rear axle in a ratio of 40:60 via the all-mechanical centre differential.
If one wheel slips, more drive torque automatically goes to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70% can flow to the front wheels and up to 85 percent to the rear wheels.
Even more agile: the suspension
On the new Audi RS 6 Avant, the front and rear axles use a five-link design to handle the induced longitudinal and transverse forces separately.
The linkages and the subframes are made largely of aluminium. The track width is 1.668 metres front and 1.651 metres rear.
The standard RS adaptive air suspension with controlled damping was tuned specifically for the RS and provides, thanks to the new air spring module with a 50% higher spring rate, a top speed of 305 km/h for the first time in conjunction with the dynamic package plus. It can be set to several modes and includes automatic level control.
The body of the new Audi RS 6 Avant is 20 millimetres lower than on the Audi A6 Avant with standard suspension; at speeds of 120 km/h and above, it is lowered by another 10 millimetres. A lift mode raises the vehicle by 20 millimetres at low speed.
The new Audi RS 6 Avant comes standard with the sporty progressive steering with its direct ratio.
The system develops significantly higher return forces with increasing steering angle for precise steering feedback. Its newly developed power assist directly connects the driver and road.
Sporty and variable: the interior
The pioneering interior design accentuates with its driver orientation and with its horizontal alignment and its tiered, three-dimensional structure, the instrument panel appears light and sleek.
The user interface of the all-digital operating system harmonises with the clear black-panel design. The top MMI touch response display is incorporated almost invisibly into the black-panel architecture.
In the Audi virtual cockpit, special RS displays provide information on tyre pressure, torque, power output, engine oil temperature, boost pressure, lap timings, acceleration measurements and g forces. The shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the maximum engine speed is reached.
The sport seats in black pearl Nappa leather/Alcantara come with RS embossing and rhombus pattern. As an option, RS sport seats are available in perforated Valcona leather with honeycomb pattern and RS embossing.
Their perforation also allows ventilation for the first time. Two RS design packages, red and grey, bring colour and additional sportiness into the interior – with this option, the steering wheel rim, gear lever gaiter and knee pads are in Alcantara with contrasting stitching.
Belt straps with colour edging and RS floor mats round out the package. Inlays in carbon, wood natural, grey-brown, or matt aluminium add further customisation options.
The new Audi RS 6 Avant is even roomier inside. The luggage compartment has a capacity of between 565 and 1,680 litres, the loading width between the wheel arches is now 1.05 metres, 14 millimetres larger than the previous model.
The split-folding rear seat bench in the ratio 40:20:40 can be released and folded conveniently from the luggage compartment – the luggage compartment length has grown to 1.99 metres as a result. A power tailgate and luggage compartment cover are standard.
Large choice: infotainment, assist systems, colours and materials
The new Audi RS 6 Avant comes with extensive comfort, connectivity and driver assist equipment. In this way, it combines consistent sportiness with unlimited long-distance capability and assists the driver in many situations.
More than 30 assist systems are available – including adaptive cruise assist, intersection assist, lane change warning, curb warning and 360 degree cameras.
The new Audi RS 6 Avant will go on sale in Ireland from local authorised Audi dealerships in early 2020.
