2022 Audi RS6 Avant Review: All-Around All-Star

It is challenging to deny the attraction of an überwagon like the Audi RS6 Avant. It seems to be rad, it can be quick as hell, it is comfortable-cozy within and it has some of the greatest multimedia and basic safety tech in the planet. It can be even surprisingly utilitarian, many thanks to that beautiful longroof shape. About the only thing the RS6 Avant just isn’t is inexpensive, at $117,595 to begin (which includes spot). But it is not like you usually are not receiving what you spend for. Is there a greater single do-it-all car than this?

This is a single time when I encourage you to decide a e book by its address the Audi RS6 Avant looks great. Nothing’s improved given that the wagon very first debuted in 2019, but it nevertheless appears to be clean as a daisy. All those optional 22-inch wheels are pretty much comically oversized, and they give the Avant a tremendous athletic stance on the street. I’m not typically a red-motor vehicle man, but this Tango Purple hue genuinely operates on the RS6, though I’m not certain I might spring for the $6,350 Carbon Optic package deal pictured here or even the a lot less expensive $2,450 Black Optic get-up. The RS6’s common silver trim is way additional captivating to my eye.

Passenger accommodations are in the same way pleasing, particularly performed up in my examination car’s cognac leather-based (which requires the addition of the $2,500 Govt bundle for some motive). Handsome lines and large-high quality elements give a high quality aura though a few large screens deliver a techy edge to the RS6’s interior. The RS-specific seats are equivalent areas plush and supportive, and every single surface you touch befits this wagon’s 6-determine selling price tag. Rear-seat travellers have a lot of area, as well, and there is 30 cubic feet of storage place at the rear of ’em, which nearly doubles if you fold the back bench flat. Many thanks, wagon.

That trio of screens properties some of the finest cabin tech obtainable wherever, the highlight of which is Audi’s Virtual Cockpit configurable gauge cluster. Digital Cockpit isn’t really the most current digital IP set up, but it is nonetheless the best, with Google Earth map integration and numerous unique layouts that includes two RS-unique patterns. You can use the steering wheel controls to go in between driving knowledge, navigation, audio and Bluetooth connectivity, and it is really all very intuitive, with out the problem of bizarre touchpads or slider bars or any of that nonsense.

The dual-display screen heart stack arrangement displays Audi’s most current MMI software, with conventional multimedia/infotainment obligations up best and a monitor for local climate and other car or truck controls beneath. The latter even turns into a handwriting pad for effortless-peasy vacation spot input or on the net search, and the system is normally brief to reply with effectively calibrated haptic response that provides you the effect of ‘pushing’ the screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Automobile? You acquired ’em — and wirelessly, much too.

Audi’s driver-assistance video game is sturdy, with all the systems you could want quick of an true Degree 2 partially palms-no cost method like Normal Motors’ Tremendous Cruise. However, I’ll go on to harp on Audi for not producing the entire roster of security tech conventional gear. You have to increase a $2,250 driver-support package to get factors like adaptive cruise control with lane-retaining help and website traffic signal recognition — items that are included on $30,000 crossovers — though this pack does include Audi’s Intersection Support (so you will not hit anyone although turning left) and Pre-Perception procedure that helps to better distribute power in a crash.

2022 Audi RS6 Avant interior


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2022 Audi RS6 Avant interior

The mix of red paint and a cognac interior is pure chef’s kiss.

Tyler Clemmensen/CNET

Of course, the massive reason to get an RS6 Avant is because it really is so stinkin’ superior to travel. The 4.-liter twin-turbo V8 engine barks to everyday living with authority, and as promised, the US-spec edition sounds way improved than the European design I first examined in 2019, which was matter to The Continent’s stricter particulate filter rules. This motor has one of the smoothest halt/start devices all over, so a great deal so that I do not have the urge to promptly convert it off. And whilst I unquestionably are unable to connect with the RS6 Avant productive, I’ll at least say that the EPA’s gasoline economic system rankings of 15 mpg town, 22 mpg highway and 17 mpg blended are straightforward to attain, assuming you’re mild on the throttle.

Not that you would (or ought to) go easy on it, taking into consideration this wagon completely slaps. The eight-speed automated transmission speedily and seamlessly is effective its magic, and the steering wheel-mounted shifters give refreshingly instant responses, even if the paddles by themselves are modest and lame. With regular all-wheel drive, Audi statements a 3.6-next -to-60-mph time for this big lad, and if you’ve got got a runway very long adequate, the RS6 will major out at 190 mph.

Even so, it just isn’t the straight-line velocity that’ll impress you. It is points like the typical torque-vectoring rear differential and rear-axle steering that make the RS6 Avant so damn dreamy to generate. The former shuffles electric power between the rear wheels for greater back again-end bias, although the latter seemingly shortens the RS6’s long wheelbase, providing it spectacular agility close to restricted corners. The steering is a very little gentle for my tastes but not undesirable over-all, even so I do obtain the optional carbon-ceramic brakes rather fussy and challenging to modulate. Individuals brakes are also hella pricey ($9,000!), so I might just as properly adhere with the conventional discs. They are wonderful.

2022 Audi RS6 Avant 22-inch wheel


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2022 Audi RS6 Avant 22-inch wheel

This seems to be like a spine-crushing wheel/tire combo, but the RS6’s ride is shockingly nicely sorted.

Tyler Clemmensen/CNET

This take a look at car or truck has Audi’s $1,250 Dynamic Experience Command metal-spring suspension relatively than the RS6’s conventional air springs. The distinctions in between the two suspension setups are minimal — you may notice a change if you travel them again to again — and the DRC upgrade will not ruin the Avant’s in any other case compliant experience around rough pavement. Even on the optional 22-inch wheels with rubber bands for tires, the RS6 Avant is correctly amicable to just jogging errands without punishing its occupants. You could seriously pile on the miles in a person of these and hardly ever truly feel an ounce of tiredness.

Go easy on the solutions and you can get a 2022 Audi RS6 Avant for less than $130,000, assuming you eschew the various Optic offers and stick with the standard 21-inch wheels. My generously optioned check automobile stickers for $145,550 including a $1,095 vacation spot demand, which is a ton, until finally you consider that a much less-powerful Porsche Panamera GTS Activity Turismo commences higher than $140,000 without the need of any selections, and likewise powered SUVs like the $110,000 BMW X5 M are not almost as nice to travel and will not search 50 percent as fantastic.

Assuming you can find the money for a single, it is actually simple to make the circumstance for parking an Audi RS6 Avant in your garage. It fulfills the responsibilities of sporting activities car, luxury sedan and midsize SUV concurrently, and it can be an altogether cooler way to check all people containers.