It’s exhausting to disclaim the attraction of an überwagon just like the Audi RS6 Avant. It appears to be like rad, it is quick as hell, it is comfy-cozy inside and it has a number of the greatest multimedia and security tech on the earth. It’s even surprisingly utilitarian, because of that beautiful longroof form. About the one factor the RS6 Avant is not is reasonably priced, at $117,595 to begin (together with vacation spot). But it isn’t like you do not get what you pay for. Is there a greater single do-it-all automotive than this?This is one time once I encourage you to evaluate a e-book by its cowl; the Audi RS6 Avant appears to be like good. Nothing’s modified for the reason that wagon first debuted in 2019, nevertheless it nonetheless appears to be like recent as a daisy. Those non-obligatory 22-inch wheels are nearly comically outsized, they usually give the Avant a brilliant athletic stance on the street. I’m not usually a red-car man, however this Tango Red hue actually works on the RS6, although I’m undecided I’d spring for the $6,350 Carbon Optic bundle pictured right here and even the cheaper $2,450 Black Optic get-up. The RS6’s commonplace silver trim is far more interesting to my eye.Passenger lodging are equally interesting, particularly performed up in my take a look at automotive’s cognac leather-based (which requires the addition of the $2,500 Executive bundle for some motive). Handsome traces and high-quality supplies give a premium aura whereas three massive screens convey a techy edge to the RS6’s inside. The RS-specific seats are equal components plush and supportive, and each floor you contact befits this wagon’s six-figure price ticket. Rear-seat passengers have loads of house, too, and there is 30 cubic toes of cupboard space behind ’em, which almost doubles when you fold the again bench flat. Thanks, wagon.That trio of screens homes a number of the greatest cabin tech out there wherever, the spotlight of which is Audi’s Virtual Cockpit configurable gauge cluster. Virtual Cockpit is not the newest digital IP setup, nevertheless it’s nonetheless the best, with Google Earth map integration and several other completely different layouts that includes two RS-specific designs. You can use the steering wheel controls to maneuver between driving knowledge, navigation, audio and Bluetooth connectivity, and it is all extremely intuitive, with out the effort of bizarre touchpads or slider bars or any of that nonsense.The dual-screen middle stack association shows Audi’s newest MMI software program, with conventional multimedia/infotainment duties up high and a display for local weather and different automobile controls under. The latter even turns right into a handwriting pad for easy-peasy vacation spot enter or on-line search, and the system is mostly fast to reply with correctly calibrated haptic response that provides you the impression of ‘pushing’ the display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? You acquired ’em — and wirelessly, too.Audi’s driver-assistance sport is powerful, with all of the applied sciences you might need in need of an precise Level 2 partially hands-free system like General Motors’ Super Cruise. However, I’ll proceed to harp on Audi for not making the complete roster of security tech commonplace gear. You have so as to add a $2,250 driver-assistance bundle to get issues like adaptive cruise management with lane-keeping help and visitors signal recognition — issues which are included on $30,000 crossovers — although this pack does embrace Audi’s Intersection Assist (so you do not hit somebody whereas turning left) and Pre-Sense system that helps to raised distribute vitality in a crash.
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The mixture of crimson paint and a cognac inside is pure chef’s kiss. Tyler Clemmensen/CNETOf course, the large motive to get an RS6 Avant is as a result of it is so stinkin’ good to drive. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine barks to life with authority, and as promised, the US-spec model sounds approach higher than the European mannequin I first examined in 2019, which was topic to The Continent’s stricter particulate filter rules. This engine has one of many smoothest cease/begin techniques round, a lot in order that I haven’t got the urge to instantly flip it off. And whereas I positively cannot name the RS6 Avant environment friendly, I’ll at the least say that the EPA’s gasoline financial system scores of 15 mpg metropolis, 22 mpg freeway and 17 mpg mixed are simple to realize, assuming you are mild on the throttle.Not that you’d (or ought to) go simple on it, contemplating this wagon completely slaps. The eight-speed automated transmission shortly and seamlessly works its magic, and the steering wheel-mounted shifters provide refreshingly speedy responses, even when the paddles themselves are small and lame. With commonplace all-wheel drive, Audi claims a 3.6-second 0-to-60-mph time for this huge lad, and when you’ve acquired a runway lengthy sufficient, the RS6 will high out at 190 mph.Even so, it is not the straight-line pace that’ll impress you. It’s issues like the usual torque-vectoring rear differential and rear-axle steering that make the RS6 Avant so rattling dreamy to drive. The former shuffles energy between the rear wheels for higher back-end bias, whereas the latter seemingly shortens the RS6’s lengthy wheelbase, giving it spectacular agility round tight corners. The steering is slightly mild for my tastes however not dangerous total, nevertheless I do discover the non-obligatory carbon-ceramic brakes considerably fussy and exhausting to modulate. Those brakes are additionally hella costly ($9,000!), so I’d simply as effectively persist with the usual discs. They’re wonderful.
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This appears to be like like a spine-crushing wheel/tire combo, however the RS6’s journey is surprisingly effectively sorted. Tyler Clemmensen/CNETThis take a look at automotive has Audi’s $1,250 Dynamic Ride Control steel-spring suspension quite than the RS6’s commonplace air springs. The variations between the 2 suspension setups are minor — you would possibly discover a distinction when you drive them again to again — and the DRC improve does not destroy the Avant’s in any other case compliant journey over tough pavement. Even on the non-obligatory 22-inch wheels with rubber bands for tires, the RS6 Avant is completely amicable to only operating errands with out punishing its occupants. You might actually pile on the miles in considered one of these and by no means really feel an oz of fatigue.Go simple on the choices and you may get a 2022 Audi RS6 Avant for lower than $130,000, assuming you eschew the assorted Optic packages and persist with the usual 21-inch wheels. My generously optioned take a look at automotive stickers for $145,550 together with a $1,095 vacation spot cost, which is so much, till you contemplate {that a} less-powerful Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo begins above $140,000 with none choices, and equally powered SUVs just like the $110,000 BMW X5 M aren’t almost as good to drive and do not look half nearly as good.Assuming you’ll be able to afford one, it is very easy to make the case for parking an Audi RS6 Avant in your storage. It fulfills the duties of sports activities automotive, luxurious sedan and midsize SUV concurrently, and it is an altogether cooler option to test all these containers.