- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
4.0TT, 8 cyl.
- Engine Power
412kW, 700Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 9.8L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Audi RS6 first drive review
Few cars devour a road train like Audi’s RS6 Avant. Even one with four trailers in tow.
The 50m-long rigs that are common in the outback can be snapped up in a matter of seconds once the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 thrusts to life.
In a matter of seconds and with no hint of subtlety the RS6 surges from 90km/h to arrive somewhat maniacally at the 130km/h limit.
It’s clear one challenge with the RS6 is staying below that limit, because at that speed it’s only three gears into the eight on offer and showing no signs of slowing its spirited progress. Top speed for the unassuming wagon is 250km/h or you can opt for one of two performance packs that up that to 280km/h or 305km/h. Keep in mind, too, that the Ferrari-rivalling 305km/h limit is electronically limited, with something like 320km/h the velocity at which it would top out naturally.
Not that we ever got near that.
It’s a shame the Territory doesn’t have its unlimited stretches because this is the fastest four-door Audi ever produced; with 412kW it’s down on power from the V10-powered car that previously wore the RS6 badges but has brisker acceleration, claimed to blast through the benchmark 100km/h barrier in just 3.9 seconds.
In the middle of nowhere we stop to test its off-the-mark acceleration. The Audi is quick off the line, with the Quattro four-wheel-drive system ruling out any wheelspin. But it’s not as blindingly, chuck-your-head-into-the-headrest as a Porsche 911 Turbo, which is one of the most ferocious cars ever produced.
Then again, this is a five-seat wagon that will happily tackle the school run or swallow up to 1680 litres of luggage for a family holiday – quickly. It’s a sizeable machine and relatively porky, too, at a smidge over two tonnes.
It’s not until 50 or 60km/h that the Audi is really hitting its stride, fully utilising the 700Nm of torque that kicks in from just 1750rpm and is held all the way up to 5500rpm.
From there it’s a barrage of deep V8 hums, exhaust flutters on gearchanges and the sort of forward propulsion many jet aeroplanes would struggle to better.
The eight-speed auto is a winner, too, slicing through gears quickly.
That it continues that surge all the way up to the Territory’s unique 130km/h limit is testament to how quick the RS6 is. It’s comfortably the fastest wagon money can buy (only the Mercedes-Benz E63 wagon comes close, but we now only get the sedan locally) and one of the fastest four-doors in the world.
For those bragging rights, though, you’ll pay – a cool $225,000, to be precise. And that’s before you go loading it with options. That higher top speed (if you’re thinking of taking it to a race track there are some where it will surpass 250km/h) is another $4900 but brings with it some extra goodies; dynamic steering firms the feel while there’s also the RS Sport suspension that can toggle the feel and control between comfort/soft to firm/better controlled.
Those wanting the next step will be hit for $25,840 for the Dynamic Package Plus, which also adds ceramic brakes that better resist fading in heavy use (think race track hot laps).
As for what it’s like around corners, we’ll have to wait until another day because the roads didn’t give us the opportunity. Yes, there are bends on the Stuart and Lasseter Highways, but they’re gentle curves rather than anything that involves braking or settling for the G forces.
The RS6 never felt challenged at 130km/h – and always had plenty in reserve. The one saving grace is that the thundering sound of the V8 is best enjoyed at lower speeds, where it isn’t washed out by wind and road noise.
The massive 21-inch tyres certainly grip well, at least when slowing down. With huge ventilated and cross-drilled discs there’s a firm but progressive feel to the brake pedal, all of which translates to stopping power almost as impressive as the acceleration.
The ride is firm, too much so for regular driving if you flick the adjustable dampers into Dynamic mode. Even the gentle patters and imperfections on the generally good surfaces of those Northern Territory roads turned into a jiggly affair. Comfort was by far the better bet.
Audi RS6: pricing and specifications
Price: $225,000
Engine: 4.0-litre twin turbo V8
Power: 412kW at 5700-6600rpm
Torque: 700Nm at 1750-5500rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Weight: 2010kg
Fuel use: 9.8 litres per 100km (premium unleaded recommended)
Wheels/tyres: 21-inch
0-100km/h: 3.9 secs
Top speed: Electronically limited to 250km/h (standard trim), 280km/h
(Dynamic Package), 305km/h (Dynamic Package Plus)