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 August 2023, the Audi RS 6 holds an Expert Rating of 82%, based on 12 reviews published by the UK media.
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
No eco rating
As of August 2023, the Audi RS 6 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
As of August 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Audi RS 6 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusive from extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the RS 6, we’ll publish the score here.
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.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi RS 6 has received
2022
- Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Luxury Car
2020
- Top Gear Awards – Best Family Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Audi RS 6, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio | Audi RS 4 | BMW M3 Touring | BMW M5 | Cupra Leon Estate | Mercedes-AMG E 63 | Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo | Peugeot 508 PSE SW
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Audi RS 6 at The Car Expert
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