REVIEW | Audi RS6 Performance Vorsprung - Is this still the best fast wagon?

The Challenge of Reviewing Modern Cars

It's increasingly difficult to review cars and provide you, the reader, with a level of profound discovery that only "we journalists" can uncover and subsequently synthesize into words that grab you by the throat, pin you to the ground, and say, "Listen to you, here's how it is!" The reality is that no one makes a bad car nowadays, so it's essentially down to what you want as a driver and how many boxes it ticks.

My Return to Road Cars

It's a long time since I've driven any current machinery from Audi, BMW, Mercedes or any other manufacturer for that matter; I've been very lucky to be driving race cars more than anything else over the past few years, so I've felt somewhat out of touch with what the road car market is doing. I know this is an ultimate elitist statement, but it is what it is. Having said this, it's not to say I don't keep an eye on what's going on in that space. Road cars have been the foundation of my career in automotive for over a decade now, so they remain a close and strong interest. As a true investigative journalist, delivering relevant, topical and essential information to the masses, I thought where better to start than the £140,000 Audi RS6 Performance Vorsprung Edition.

The Appeal of a Fast Wagon

Now, who doesn't love a fast wagon? No, really. How can you argue about what they do for us? Space? Yes. Comfort? Yes. Practicality? But of course. Call me a broken record, but the wagon version of any car always seems to tip the scales in the looks department as well... No one else truly holds a candle to Audi where brutish, offensively fast estate cars are concerned, and many have tried. The king has been, for the longest time, the Audi RS6, always the benchmark, always the powerhouse, always the quiet veteran, sat in the corner of the room, polishing their rifle sagely whilst others look over clandestinely in acknowledgement. So, what happens now that the market is littered with interpretations of a recipe that Audi pretty much invented?

The Evolution of the Audi RS6 Performance

This Audi RS6 performance is by no means a new car, but the "Performance" has stoked the fire by uplifting the standard car and now takes the mantel as the flagship offering from Audi in the sport-wagon line-up, (a "face-lift" to you and I). So, what have the Audi RS engineers done? It's the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from the previous car, only now with increased boost pressure for more power and torque, 30 hp and 37 lb-ft to be precise, raising the bar to 621 hp & 627 lb-ft, new damper tune, new 4WD calibration, rear axle steering and sport rear differential, oh and there's a lot more carbon bits and matt black details but that won't make you go any faster. Let's consider it the full-fat, whole nine-yard version of an already well-accomplished car.

Behind the Wheel

Jump in the driver's seat, and not much has changed. The seat position is the same, displays are unchanged and generally speaking, it looks and feels like an Audi A6 Avant, which is no bad thing. Take a moment to get yourself acquainted; all the controls are where you want them, but start to roll the car from stationary; take my word for it: you're acutely aware you're operating something a bit special. Start the engine, and the V8 snorts into life with that clean, efficient and clinical mannerism German engines are famous for; pull the gear lever in to drive and take control of the steering wheel; now we're reaching the dizzying heights of 28 mph; calm yourself...

Driving Experience and Performance

Yes, it feels purposeful, brutish and suggestively ready to deploy, what do you expect? It has over 600 hp but how does it really feel on the road? The honest answer is, absolutely flipping fantastic! As a stout and unashamed BMW fan, where they've always had the edge in driving dynamics on their road cars, all of them, from the basic 320D to the performance-based M cars, they've got that down pat. Audi has always been lacking in that space, and I tarnished all cars from the marque with the same brush. Audi has listened and, as a result, has produced a car that effectively answers many prayers.

Technical Specifications

AUDI RS6 PERFORMANCE VORSPRUNG EDITION
The engine is a petrol-powered 3996cc turbocharged 8-cylinder (V8) with an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox. The drivetrain produces 621BHP and 850nM of torque at peak revs (2300-4500RPM). 0-62mph acceleration happens in 3.4 seconds, with a limited top speed of 174mph. The RS6 weighs 2100 kg. Prices from £126,970.00 - Price as tested: £140,00.00

The Ultimate Driving Machine?

It's so complete, so accurate, and what's more, it's supercar fast, Nissan GTR style fast. The kind of point-to-point, no drama, no wobbles body language that greets you with an alarming amount of confidence that only Audis seem to impress on the driver. What the engineers have achieved with the RS6 Performance is combining a supercar, a premium SUV and a fast saloon, locking them in a dark room and procreating a mutant offspring that hides under the cloak of a seemingly ordinary estate car. It really is that versatile.

Practicality on UK Roads

I won't start shouting like a Town Cryer about how difficult it is to enjoy a car on UK roads nowadays, as you're more than likely agonisingly aware of this. That said, I found myself looking for excuses to drive the RS6 and go for long runs with my mates on more occasions than once. We all sat comfortably, with plenty of space for my "big-boned" friends and all the other junk you'd expect to lug around on a road trip. We all said the same thing, this is the perfect car to hurl four people with luggage, bikes, helmets, prams, toys, cameras and seemingly endless bags of Haribo Starmix across continents at a frankly offensive speed. If you can stomach the fuel bill (averaged 18mpg during our test) and the troublesome price tag, you'll struggle to find another car that is more multifaceted.

Final Verdict

Should you buy one? If you're happy parting with a sum of cash north of £125,000, then yes, the RS6 still tops the list for fast wagons, in my opinion, based on what's currently out there. However, it might have an honest fight on its hands when the much-awaited BMW M5 touring comes along in late 2024. Right now, the RS6 still rules the roost.

words: Miles Lacey
photos: Henry Faulkner-Smith