Name: Audi RS 6 (2020 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Audi RS 6
Rating: 63.0

Summary

The Audi RS 6 is a performance-focused estate car based on the regular A6 range. This is the fourth generation of the RS 6, arriving in the UK in early 2020.

Available only as an eight-speed automatic, the RS 6 distinguishes itself from the standard A6 Avant with its sportier styling and its powerful 4.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine, which is capable of producing 600hp and accelerating from 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds.

Described by Auto Express as a “beguiling mix of supercar performance with limousine-like refinement and space”, the RS 6 is highlighted by reviewers for being a talented all-rounder that also provides impressive straight line speed. “It’s monstrously quick”, Carwow comments, “yet also quiet, comfortable and roomy inside.”

That said, a few titles say that alternatives are more exciting to drive overall. “For all its incredible ability, it’s a bit devoid of excitement”, Heycar explains. What Car? concludes that the Mercedes-AMG E63 Estate offers more driver appeal, and is a bit more spacious inside too.

Price is also a sticking point for a few reviewers, particularly as the smaller Audi RS 4 estate is over £30,000 cheaper. “If you’re in the market for a seriously fast estate car, then the Audi RS 6 remains the benchmark”, Parkers explains. “Just expect to pay six figures for the privilege.”

As of October 2024, the Audi RS 6 holds a New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 63%. Despite receiving excellent review scores from the motoring media, the car’s high running costs hinder its rating.

RS 6 highlights

Well-built and refined interior
Rapid straight-line speed
Class-leading infotainment
Comfortable ride
Spacious cabin with plenty of boot space

RS 6 lowlights

Expensive to buy and run
Optional extras get pricey too
Quite heavy
Alternatives offer more driver appeal

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door estate car
Engines: petrol
Price: From £114,890 on-road

Launched: Spring 2020
Last updated: Spring 2021
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Avant
Score: 8 / 10
“It doesn’t come cheap, but those people who can afford one will get a beguiling mix of supercar performance with limousine-like refinement and useable space. If there’s one car to do it all, then this may just be it.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“Roominess, all-weather four-wheel drive and a thumping 600 horsepower engine play to Audi RS6 tradition but this latest one is also impressively luxurious and would make the perfect accompaniment to a fleet of supercars if you want your daily driver as fast as it is discreet.” (Dan Trent)
Read review

Autocar+

Model reviewed: Avant
Score: 8 / 10
“Latest version of Audi Sport’s large performance estate is more accomplished than ever as both an all-rounder and a driver’s car.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: Avant
Score: 10 / 10
“Should you buy one? Absolutely.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: 2020
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi RS6 Avant is a rapid estate that shows off performance Audis at their finest.”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“The Audi RS6 Avant is the car that does it all. It’s monstrously quick, yet also quiet, comfortable and roomy inside. A Mercedes E63 S Estate is roomier still, mind.”
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: Avant
Score: 9 / 10
“First impressions of the RS6 are of its refinement more than anything else.”
Read review

Heycar+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi has a long, established history of producing shockingly quick estate cars, and the RS6 is exactly that. All the space and grace of a regular A6 Avant too. Where it’s lacking is in relation to engagement, it is fast, surefooted and able, but for all its incredible ability it’s a bit devoid of excitement.”
Read review

Motors.co.uk+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi RS 6 offers incredible performance, huge practicality and an luxurious interior.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Avant 2020
Score: 9.6 / 10
“The Audi RS 6 is a fast, spacious, practical daily – and now fun to drive.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Score: 9 / 10
“Audi’s fast five-door family estate now has more brains to go with all that brawn, making it a consummate all-rounder.”
Read review

What Car?+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi RS6’s all-round talents as a fast, comfortable, roomy and quiet-cruising high-performance estate are unquestionable. But for some it might feel a little restrained.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 81%
Safety assist: 76%

Note on safety rating

The Audi RS 6 has not specifically been assessed by Euro NCAP, but it shares its safety rating with the regular Audi A6 range which was awarded a five-star rating in 2018.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of October 2024, the Audi RS 6 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	22 mpg	E	22 – 23 mpg	E – E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	286 g/km	D	283 – 295 g/km	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F	50 – 50	F – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£593	D
Year 2	£1,430	D
Year 3	£2,289	D
Year 4	£2,592	D
Year 5	£3,547	D
Overall	£10,451	D

Running costs for the Audi RS 6 Avant are unsurprisingly high, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Given that it’s powered by a 600hp, twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, the RS 6’s woeful fuel consumption and CO₂ figures (which are used to determine road tax) are to be expected. Likewise, its performance and price tag mean that insurance costs will be at the top end of town.

Finally, scheduled servicing costs will be expensive as well – although not quite as pricey as some other cars in this price bracket.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 491
Average repair cost: £1078.66
Last updated: September 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Audi A6 range, which includes the RS 6, has a very poor reliability score of just 32%, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partners at MotorEasy. Please note that this score covers both the current-generation A6 family and the previous (pre-2018) iterations.

Almost a quarter of all reported problems with the A6 relate to its electrical system, with an average repair bill of more than £400. Engine problems are (unsurprisingly) expensive, and are unfortunately rather common too, costing around £1,800 on average. Warranty claims relating to the car’s gearbox also have an average cost of around £3,000 and they’re certainly not uncommon.

If you own an Audi A6 or you’re looking at purchasing a used A6, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

It’s not just our data that calls the A6’s reliability into question. In a 2021 reliability survey, What Car? ranked the Audi A6 21st in its list of the most unreliable cars up to five years old. Things got worse in 2022, when the A6 was ranked dead last for reliability in the luxury car class.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Audi RS 6

Date: December 2020
Recall number: R/2020/372
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2020 to 09/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 31
Defect: Faulty crash sensors for airbag / restraint systems may have been fitted in both of the front doors.
Remedy: The crash sensors for the side airbags (front) must be checked on the vehicles affected and replaced if necessary.

As of October 2024, there has only been one DVSA vehicle safety recall specifically for the current Audi RS 6. However, there may be some additional recalls for the Audi A6 family (which has had ten recalls to date) that also affect the RS 6.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used RS 6, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.