2021 Audi RS 6 Avant

History/Overview

The Audi RS 6 Avant has a four-generation-long history of inducing lust in drivers who desire speed and practicality in a vehicle. However, 2021 marks the first year that Audi has made the RS 6 available in Canada; it is the latest addition to the brand’s line of RS-badged speedsters, which includes the RS 5 and RS 7 Sportback, and the TT RS.

Available Trims

Audi offers the RS 6 in a single trim. It’s powered by a 4.0L turbocharged V8 engine, which comes matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Standard Features

Audi RS 6 exterior features include 21-inch wheels and summer tires, HD matrix headlights with washers, LED taillights, adaptive air suspension, a sport exhaust system, heated/auto-dimming side mirrors, power door closers, a power tailgate, and passive keyless entry.

Inside, you get a flat-bottom steering wheel with electric adjustments; sport front seats with ventilation and eight-way power adjustments and four-way lumbar with driver memory; Valcona leather upholstery; heated front and rear seats; leatherette dashboard trim; leather door armrests; carbon twill inlays; a frameless auto-dimming mirror; four-zone climate control; a panoramic sunroof; and a power rear-window sun shade.

High-tech features include satellite radio, a smartphone interface with wireless charging, head-up display, garage door remote, digital gauge cluster, a 10.6-inch infotainment display with navigation, Audi connect services, and a Bang & Olufsen stereo.

The RS 6’s standard safety package comprises automatic high beams, a top-view camera system, forward city-speed collision detection and avoidance, rear collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and blind spot assist.

Key Options

A dynamic package adds a sport rear differential and all-wheel steering. There are several packages that further dress up the exterior with 22-inch wheels and touches like black and carbon fibre trim.

A driver assistance package brings active cruise and lane assists, traffic sign recognition, traffic congestion and turn assistance, and predictive efficiency.

The individual contour seat option adds upgraded front seats with ventilated and massage; front passenger memory; and real leather on the dash, armrests and console.

Finally, you can also option your RS 6 with ceramic brakes.

Fuel Economy

Audi’s fuel consumption estimates for the RS 6 Avant are 16.1/10.7 L/100 km (city/highway).

Competition

The RS 6 Avant’s list of competitors begins at home with the RS 7 Sportback, a mechanically similar car with a sleeker roofline. There are precious few station wagons left in the Canadian marketplace, let alone fast ones; the Mercedes-Benz E 63 S is the only comparably priced one that can keep up with the RS 6. The Porsche Panamera Turbo Turismo is also massively quick, but comes with a steeper price.