Audi RS6 Avant - The World's Most Perfect Car

Audi RS6 or Mercedes-AMG E63S?
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This is the Audi RS6 Avant, and it’s a VERY special car. This is the first time Audi have brought the full potency high performance wagon to North American shores. So now, for the first time, the AMG E63 wagon has a proper competitor
There have been other high performance wagons cropping up here and there in the past like the CTS-V,
So this RS6 is here to make the Merc Quake
And the Merc should take notice because under the skin we have the same 4 liter twin turbo v8 that we had in the RSQ8 the other week. We have the same ZF 8 speed gearbox, we’ve got Audi’s performance differential, AND we have a trunk the same size as the RSQ8 as well
I know the 4 liter AMG V8 is in a lot of very impressive cars within Mercedes own lineup, but the V8 under the hood of this Audi can be found in things like range topping Panameras, Cayennes, and even a Lamborghini
The VAG 4.0TTV8 here is tuned for 590 hp and the same number in torque, and with launch control activated you’ll jump to 60 closer to 3 seconds than 4 seconds. And it’s going to make some pretty awesome V8 sounds while it does it
So, power
This V8 we’re VERY familiar with and it’s a great engine I mean almost 600 hp and the same number in torque is nothing to sniff at
There’s a good amount of drama, but if I had any 1 complaint it’s that this cabin is so refined and luxurious that it almost dials out some of the crazy from the experience
And that’s kind of the personality of this RS6 versus the E63. The E63 gets louder and stiffer and more insane, but it doesn’t settle down and become a normal luxury car in the same way that this RS6 can
But this ZF transmission here gives you a lot of the same things
BRRRAAAPPPS on up shift
Burbles on downshift
I mean you’re not going to get tired of it!
However, switched back into comfort mode this ZF feels smoother and less jarring when you’re trying to putter around a downtown area or something
And then there’s the handling. Here we have a big V8 up front going to all 4 wheels in typical Audi Sport Quattro fashion. The confidence is high, the traction is unwavering, but there’s one big surprise here
And it’s the fact that a 600 hp super wagon is Audi’s best handler..aside from the soon to be deceased R8!
The front end is sharp, it’s got the least understeer of an Audi i’ve ever driven
The suspension firms right up in dynamic and RS modes
And in RS2 mode stability is decreased to the point where you can really start to corner with the throttle
You can tell at it’s core it doesn’t really WANT to go sideways in the same way the BMWs or Mercs do, but iut’s such a honey behind the wheel
I mean the best compliment I can give it is what I just said, the only car that handles better than this RS6 in Audi’s own stacked lineup is a midengined V10 supercar….that’s saying something
The cabin design is going to feel very familiar to other Audis we’ve covered and that’s kind of the point
It’s familiar, it’s easy to use, and it’s a reminder of the way Audi can split the personality so well here
You do get flashy RS things like these sport bucket seats
With the red stitching
And the steering wheel with the RS badge at the bottom and the RS mode button
You’ve got an RS1 and RS2 mode and RS2 removes a lot of the nannies so it’s just you and the car
And the rear seats are bucketized and RS red stitched to match the front
And of course you get a couple RS-specific screens for temps, pressures, and telemetry
But other than that it’ pretty typical quality Audi interior
You get a nice big HUD
You get Audi’s excellent Virtual Cockpit
You get the typical Audi MMI system with wireless ACP and AA
And you get an auxiliary screen below for climate controls and a couple other things
You’ve got great 360 cameras with the augmented reality thing
Your seats are heated and cooled
Your steering wheel is heated
And you look up and see a sunroof for the front passengers and a sunroof for the rear
Then speaking of the rear seats they’re big and comfortable even for 6 foot humans
You’ve got window shades back there
You’ve got the same red RS stitching back there
You’ve got heated seats back there
You’ve got your own climate controls and vents
And you’ve even got light up seat belt buckles!
And then finally, the trunk
It’s about the same size as the RSQ8 we drove last month making it hugely practical
It’s got lights back there and the rear seats fold 40/20/40 to make the space even bigger

[@dwnshft]

Special thanks to our Patrons for their support of the channel! RS6 Avant or E63 Wagon?

[@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961]

E63 wagon is obviously better LoL

[@timw2083]

The Audi looks better to me, I like the angles

[@j.thomas7128]

The RS6 is my dream car. 800hp is an easy upgrade. Lambos are cool, but I can take this SKIING and CAMPING! 800hp is truly every day. Now that is a super car.

[@dwnshft]

@@j.thomas7128 super duper

[@bigtommy5977]

E63 every time for me

[@RS6_B_Linn]

I have an 21 RS6 avant but it has a apr tune, akrapovic exhaust, 200 cell dowpipes and a cete lowering module. It makes people smile and makes others cry when they get smoked by a station wagon.

[@terryallen5328]

Always been an Audi fan but could never stretch to the heights of the RS6. So had to settle for a tuned A4 Quattro which put a smile on my face when it was time to play. The new RS6 performance is out for 2023 and it’s numbers are impressive. Up on power etc etc, should be a big hit.

[@brianesbaugh6897]

I agree with everything you said. I’ve always been a HUGE fan of “wagons” but this one is impeccably done. Super sporty, elegant without being gauche…practically perfect really. Have always loved how Audi’s are so perfectly understated yet all one needs or desires without a hint of being ostentatious

[@dwnshft]

balance in everything

[@timw2083]

I told my wife I was thinking of selling the LC500 for something more practical, spacious, and all-weather.... this is the planned replacement Great review Matt

[@dwnshft]

Tim...I'm conflicted - on one hand the LC is a FANTASTIC car...but on the othe hand, the RS6 is ALSO a FANTASTIC car hahaha enjoy!

[@timw2083]

@@dwnshft I wish they sent the RS4 Avant but the RS6 is the one car solution imo

[@muzim8931]

Subbed. Love the reviews and news you deliver. Cheers.

[@newcenturygoldllc9253]

Very informative! Well done!!

[@wackit6756]

Matt, you always give a good review but I had to 'be with myself' on this one! I LOVE cars that are different and unique and this one is outrageous. In red it screams “I’m bad ass, get out of my way”. This is one of 5 cars I would buy with Lotto winnings. Wished they would build a RS 4 wagon.

[@danlee8090]

They do have RS4 wagon! Just not in North America 😢😢😢

[@dwnshft]

Lolololol “be with myself” 🤣🙏💯

[@Sly_Wolf_1]

There is an RS4 wagon, but as there is a 9 month gap to my comment you probably already know by now.

[@thnktank1]

I hope I can afford it soon. It's such a choice car! ❤️

[@dwnshft]

💯

[@Ruoall]

Bravo dude. Bravo! Love your reviews!

[@dwnshft]

🙏

[@danlee8090]

Great review!

[@dwnshft]

🙏

[@danlee8090]

@@dwnshft Do you recommend RS6 over RSQ8?

[@MidwestMotor]

DEAR SANTA!... I've been a good boy ALL year! All I want is a 2024 RS6 Avant Performance Edition in Floret Silver (or Matte), Carbon Fiber, Red Calipers, Ceramic Brake Package and aftermarket Gloss Black Wheels! Thank you so much! 🎅🎅🏁🏁🎅🎅🏁🏁🎅🎅🏁🏁🎅🎅🏁🏁

[@dwnshft]

Lol 🎅

[@rodjjj]

Matt, what do you think about the ttrs? I would assume handling would go R8 -> TTRS -> RS6. As its more nimble and lighter.

[@dwnshft]

totally

[@MrGreenebeans]

Love it!

[@dwnshft]

😍

[@yewtubez]

hows the gear changes compared to a DCT?

[@dwnshft]

of course not as sharp or dramatic, but honeslty they're still quick enough and better suit the personality of the car

[@siyaocai5931]

Couldn't afford one. I wish they could have the RS 4 in the US market so that I can get that one.

[@angus9541]

You just have to look at it 😂 Look at this, look at that

[@dwnshft]

LOOK AT IT

[@mrmorrisniceguy987]

only thing better than the RS6 is the RS6 Performance that has just been unveiled 😂

[@ThorDyrden]

.... Johann Abt Signature Edition 😁

[@mrmorrisniceguy987]

@@ThorDyrden way too overprices in my opinion considering its still an AUdi and they are just not on the same level as Brabus...

[@v1c1ous0ne]

It’s the first rs6 wagon but not first rs6 in the US

[@skylerssupercarlife348]

My grandma drives a wagon too. 🤘

[@dwnshft]

That’s a rad grandma 👵 😎

[@OJxiii]

If i was to drive only one car for the entirety of my life it’s the RS6!

[@dwnshft]

100%

[@5311nassau]

It’s all about the Bbrrrlaps and burbles

[@hendrikvandermerwe4978]

Really stunning car, but stupidly expensive, sadly!

[@BigDaddy_BHJ1977]

The e63 amg wagon is the perfect vehicle

[@dwnshft]

you might be right

[@luismiguelgarciacanan5245]

Me gusta el Audi para Alvaro y Alba

[@maxxex3451]

RS6 Avant or M8 competition grande coupe

[@jdeejax]

rs7 performance

[@maxxex3451]

@@jdeejax the rs7 isn’t even one of the two cars I asked about lol

[@yannick7992]

For practicality and the general package I would choose the Audi, for the handling I would go with the M8. But considering that these two cars you mentioned, are both exceptional in their own way it’s really up to the emotion

[@glynmatthews678]

Rs7

[@user-op6dn3to3d]

Дуже хочу і я такий авто та нажаль немає коштів. 👍🔥🚀🇺🇦

[@axetrops]

The exhaust sounds like there's a hole

[@Guy_on_Youtube]

Man, I wish I was rich

[@dwnshft]

Same

[@syzerman07]

The Audi RS is an Lamborghini with more comfort 😂

[@FerretAlmighty]

Maybe when they have a decent balance of touch screens & physical buttons. For that reason I prefer the current gen RS5 & RS3

[@rtbucs33]

Inside is pretty. Outside isn't

[@mrwolf9913]

I dont think it is awful tho, i like the rs7 sedan more

[@woah5599]

at that price point there are way better cars than this overpriced volkswagen

[@sigaieu]

That motor sound does not look healthy. And this car has a huge problem with the alternator that will show in the panel as gearbox problems specially during changes in climate temperature. And also there's the new better Performance version that Audi always makes after 2 years of launching a new RS model.

[@MeijaJanis]

rs6 is slover than amg, its slover than regular m5 non comp, its same fast as bmw m550i and price is higher then all of those. there is no drift mode. all touchscreens is bad. new g81 seems to be on par with rs6 in staight line. This car is only good for ride quality and posibility to be boring as regular a6.