What Went Wrong? The "New" Audi RS6 Driven On UK Soil At Last!

[@rasmusericsson8447]

To all the car manufacturers looking in the comments. It’s not that hard! I will give you a list. No piano black inside the car. No touch screens for essentials. No hard plastics on reachable areas. No resetting the previous drive mode on restart. No dramatic warnings on displays and by sound every two minutes for lowish washer fluid. No ping and bongs when I have the drivers door open. No fake vents. No fake exhaust. No water intrusion in the headlights at delivery. No cheap tires on track friendly models. There you go, probably the worlds best car! Pls add something that annoys you so the developers can take notes.

[@yellowcone87]

No stupid fake engine noise pumped in through the cars speakers.

[@tristanmayor6302]

Nailed it

[@JowoHD]

interesting exterior and interior colours

[@erwh1]

No “always on radio” (Audi, Porsche). Off is really off (not mute) and no I don’t want it back on every time I turn on the ignition!

[@ms8742]

You pretty much nailed it. Also no de facto start stop every time the car turns on. I hate touch screens. Hate them. Not one does the job as good as a tactile button or switch.

[@grayfool]

I am definatley getting old and turning into my dad. The price of cars is just utterly crazy. a hundred grand! what?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

If I told you how much houses are now you'll explode! Joking aside, a valid point and one I raise in the video

[@futurecat]

I'm so old, I remember when people were very excited about Hankooks. 😆

[@BUMHEAD1100]

Now in late 2024 there are some ok ones getting towards 65k - tempting !

[@JP_RS6]

A year late but i just bought a 14 plate C7 RS6. Car life goal achieved!!!!

[@chartreux1532]

"Nobody bought one" "What went wrong?" As a German that surprised me because here they sold like Bratwurst and Weißbier, in fact, after 2 years now, you see these new RS6 everywhere. I guess in the UK they didn't sell well because as i've been told, they were even rare at big Audi Dealers in the UK and then there of course is the whole right-hand drive thing, which means UK Dealers can't just buy & trade Audi RS6 from the rest of europe unless they got customers that don't mind left-hand drive. Kinda like selling a right-hand drive UK Model of any Car in Germany, even if it's Aston Martin or Jaguar is nearly impossible unless you offer it for way below normal price. High Performance "Wagons" or as we call them in Germany "Kombi" are insanely popular, especially Audi RS ones. Just earlier today i drove to Frankfurt am Main on Business and i saw 3x of this model of Audi RS6. Seeing upper Models of BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz is very common in Frankfurt am Main, hell, Frankfurt is probably the only big city i've been to where you see more Porsche than anything else, must be all the midlife crisis Bankers. Nah but seriously, from all the High Performance Wagons, Audi RS6 are the most common, why? I'm not sure, i guess People who buy AMG, M and RS Wagons prefer the more sporty/aggressive look of the RS6, but i always found it interesting how far ahead in popularity the RS6 is over the AMG and M Wagons.

[@SvenTheSveed]

I’ve seen loads of new RS6 in the UK.

[@alstound]

The UK has Brexited on correct-hand-drive way before the actual Brexit. Did they think moving the steering wheel to the other side would make their cars stand out from the rest?

[@samthoma2719]

@@SvenTheSveed me too, common as muck. Only rs model I see as much is the 3. The 1,5, and 7 are all more rare on the road I think

[@doughnuts5364]

Probably because you can’t buy an M wagon

[@gaara4667]

In no way does that Audi look aggressive

[@Hopgop1]

Regarding Audi Exclusive, when I was ordering a brand new RS3 back in 2018 I couldn’t express my interest enough to the dealer in my interest in making some changes to the car via Audi Exclusive, they couldn’t be less interested. The salesman even went and ‘had a phone call’ with someone at Audi and they apparently wouldn’t let me. Maybe it’s a dealer issue, or maybe Audi UK don’t care, but either way I wasn’t impressed.

[@Xolition]

I have a Mexico Blue RS3 ;)

[@An.Individual]

There has been a recent change to the regulations that bring this situation on. It is much more cost effective for Audi to type approve a few pre configured models.

[@mrslowly9985]

Depends if you are buying or hiring, if hiring you don't have much say but if you're buying, stand up, shake their hand and walk away. After a few sales losses, it may change their mind.

[@TheMoosekeeper]

@@An.Individual I don't buy that. EU has the same WLTP regulations and you can spec Audis to your heart's desire in that market. Even Republic of Ireland. UK is the ONLY market where they have the Base, Black, Carbon Black and Vorsprung editions. I have spoken to several main dealers, some of whom have close relationships at Milton Keynes, and the consensus of opinion is that Audi UK don't understand what buyers of RS models want and can't (won't) explain why the UK is so limited in choice. I have also bombarded Audi UK to explain and they refuse. The problem is we are willing to accept the lower choice without question. Germans would not! This is not a Brexit thing either, it's Audi UK idiocy & sticking two fingers to their customers. They have defo lost sales as I see many comments on social media, but with the current one year waiting list, it will not encourage them to change their policy anytime soon.

[@cockshield]

Audi seem hell bent on not offering any other interior colour than black.

[@darrenleecollins76]

You're spot on James! I had one of these on order (would have been my 8th new Audi). I paid my deposit before they launched the UK configurator. So I spec'd mine using the DE configurator - exactly as I wanted it. When Audi UK tried to submit the order, Audi Germany rejected it and said it must be spec'd with the now launched UK configurator. Given how limiting the choices were for the UK, I cancelled my order, thinking I'd just by an ex demo car - then I never bothered as the spec is so poor on all cars I've seen... Shame.

[@Manu-Official]

Welcome to the brexit sir, I'm sorry.

[@darrenleecollins76]

@@Manu-Official the gift that keeps giving (face palm)

[@Manu-Official]

@@darrenleecollins76 For the record, I used to get my parts from Audi within 24 hours, straight from Germany. Now it's within a week. I will not very gladly join you with a secondary facepalm.

[@cartman9597]

I hate the Audi brand, but I love the RS6 Estate,I would consider one as they are so rare…

[@darrenleecollins76]

@@Manu-Official maybe one day someone will show us an upside, but I won’t hold my breath

[@An.Individual]

This is very good review. He is spot on regarding the options, and the touch screen (and the other things)

[@richardhatton3987]

I learnt a lot from Jay's review. I like the look of the C8, but having listened to Jay's report I am more inclined than before to stick with my awsome C7 RS6.

[@TheMusicFan1297]

Wish you a pleasant drive!

[@philcrockford5534]

Do they still fit the magnetic front bumper, or does the adaptive cruise control now keep Audis 12" from the car in front?

[@hsvcommodore4111]

Here in switzerland the RS6 is extremely popular. Every 4th RS6 sold globally is sold in switzerland, which is crazy as this is a tiny country. Personally, I prefer the previous generation, it has the nice exterior and interior

[@buggerlugz6753]

It would be popular in Switzerland though..........wonder why it sells so well there?

[@sergeb1207]

Ideal for the alpine winter and the Swiss have the incomes to afford it.

[@peterwhittle522]

@Richard Harrold you're above the law if you're rich enough.

[@An.Individual]

Now BMW and Merc are doing AWD, what is the selling point of the RS6?

[@hsvcommodore4111]

Exactly, switzerland is extremely wealthy and the Swiss don't buy supercars, as they are too flashy

[@lonewarrior1543]

35 years in Switzerland..never experienced a blackout....the English must be used to the inconvenience by now...amazing....keep up the good work bud!

[@Manu-Official]

The UK just went through 3 consecutive storms including winds up to 200 km/h, new record since the 1987 storm.

[@WSLee-mm5ir]

Love this car- dream estate for long journeys imo.

[@adamkhan5274]

Had the V10 when it was new absolute GOAT family GT.

[@dagnut]

@@adamkhan5274 when we look back at the rs6 in the future this car won't seem like a huge leap on from the C6 , this might be 12 years newer but unless your driving it at 9/10ths you won't notice a lot of difference. The C6 will be a collectors car , this won't.

[@adamkhan5274]

@@dagnut I know. Specced it from new, ceramics the lot. And was one of the first to have it tuned by MRC. They are doing silly 1000bhp ones now but 750bhp and 960nm wasnt too shabby over 10 years ago... this was my car: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5rdoGdpeduYrKs

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Very nice car. Completely agree about physical buttons for HVAC. Really sad that the top version do not get the same features as other countries. They definitely should not have had so many spec versions. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@adrianchell]

The whole screen-and-touch-controls-for-everything is deeply unintuitive and potentially dangerous in use, because of the amount of times you have to take your eyes off the road. I can't help thinking that one of the major reasons for the move is cost saving by the manufacturers. Since modern cars don't have levers to directly control the HVAC, it's all done by servomotors, the buttons can easily be replaced by a touchscreen controlling the various servos. Engineering and producing buttons, with tiny springs, individual lights and robust switches capable of a lifetime's use, in a shape that sits harmoniously within a swoopy modern dashboard, is costly. PS. James - can you set your interior camera to manual focus, please - the AF hunting as you talk is distracting.

[@bartlemy]

I feel there are not enough dissenting voices out there stating the glaringly obvious fact that touch tech is dangerous and not liked by the majority of drivers. I will not purchase any car which has it, but that means I keep my aging R32 for just that bit longer.

[@dwade3202]

Its all about money again, idiots cost cutting and even bigger idiots loving it cuz its "new tech"

[@alstound]

And unless you’re left-handed, it can be awkward to work the screen in a car that’s RHD.

[@Manu-Official]

And then once you're finished driving, you're left with fingerprints everywhere. Yes indeed it much cheaper to put a £20 touch screen in there, than designed a bunch of intricate parts that require unique moulds in the factory...

[@johnodonnell2093]

The touch screens are becoming secondary use items, most of the new cars have voice control systems and the manufacturers want you to use those instead, when you can control everything from a single button on the steering wheel, it does become safer to use. The screens etc are just there for redundancy.

[@An.Individual]

Now BMW and Merc are doing AWD, what is the selling point of the RS6?

[@tcobb775]

US buyer here. We're trading our E63 Estate (RWD) in on the RS6 that we placed a deposit on last year. We had no issues with getting Audi Exclusive options from our dealer including the paint color. I'm glad we finally get the opportunity to own a RS6 stateside.

[@BM_PAZ]

I know it’s not the same car but a new base RS4 when it came out in 2018 was only £56k, now they’ve dramatically increased in price in the last 4 years. Prices have gone crazy.

[@Manu-Official]

Porsche had made a statement back in 2020 I think. They said they were pushing the UK prices up because brexit. Back in the day, I was one of those people saying it would push the prices up, limit availability etc. The problem being, the UK's business is based on selling with no stock then ordering mostly from abroad. More in detail, Operation TAP is now in full swing and failing in Dover, because brexit tape. Miles and miles of lorries, maybe possibly the poor driver who's stuck in there, is on his way to get your next car parts. Keep in mind that VW has taken a major hit with DieselGate hmm hmmm recoup costs *cough Sorry Mr Paz. The Satnav says Sunlit Uplands not found.

[@corkfella1]

In Ireland the RS4 is over 104k euro!!!

[@brianpara1407]

You get a “Like” just for the “Push It To The Limit” music choice. Great content as always! I used to whine that they didn’t sell the RS6 in the USA, and I said if they brought it here, I’d buy one. Well now it’s here and guess what… I don’t have one. Would be a great third car, but not at full retail..

[@millemodello]

There’s actually 3 new RS6 on my school run and another 2 in the town. I’ve also got a Navarra Blue one too. However as mine has had 8 separate issues and been in the dealership 14 times in 17 months I would recommend buying anything but. It’s my first and last Audi.

[@ssalloom11]

This is concerning. 8 different issues? Is this common with a lot of RS6’s? I just ordered mine and it’s arriving in a few weeks. I have a 2011 E63 and it’s never had any issue but spotty Bluetooth.

[@millemodello]

@@ssalloom11 I think it’s just my car as everyone else I know with one is surprised at my experience. Unless it’s a mileage thing, as I’m on 35k miles in 17 months. Worst car/dealer experience ever though. After taking over 2 weeks to fix a failed thermostat ( including 4 days of them struggling to do a wheel alignment as the rear wheel steer was “throwing out the machine”) I had the car for 8 days before spending 7 hours waiting for a breakdown truck due to a failed alternator. They say it’s a software issue and the car won’t accept the update, so they a waiting for Audi to give help; while I’m stuck in a crappy Q2! Just a individual bad car, I think, but I’ll never by another Audi. Selling it as soon as possible which unfortunately isn’t too soon due to new car shortage. Good luck. 👍

[@ssalloom11]

@@millemodello thanks for taking the time to respond Guy. I was pretty concerned. I’m going to check lemon laws in California when a car is bought out of state, as I’m getting mine from the east coast. Good luck with your dilemma. Sorry to hear about your trouble sounds rough.

[@mercury6765]

Videos like this are what put this channel above others. Great content 👍

[@terminal-velocity111]

I’ve the C7 S6 Avant. It ticks all the boxes especially given I have basic dials for the heating controls!

[@edrperformance]

I have a tango red 22’ every option. I’ve done Ecu exhaust intakes >750hp & LOVEEEEE IT! Best car and I get more compliments at gas stations than even my McLaren spider! 23k so far 0 issues. Prior daily was a 730hp 2015 RS7 did 62k never in shop once.

[@quattordicimontenapoleone3113]

I do love my Audi, but I also keep feeling frustrated when looking at buying a new model. Reversing camera an option? A very basic mood lighting an option... Digital dash and option. What's next? Delivered pre-assembled an option?

[@wallstock]

Always makes me appreciate my Stinger GTS a bit more when I see comments like this. Absolutely everything included as standard in the Kia (plus 7 year warranty, low tax, ridiculously low insurance… bliss!)

[@quattordicimontenapoleone3113]

@@wallstock The warranty is another thing, especially on the BMW. If the car is that good, why such a non-existent warranty?

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

Don't buy german lol.

[@bloodysinner9456]

@@wallstock Still a KIA. Nothing to brag about.

[@wallstock]

@@bloodysinner9456 Wasn’t bragging. I said I appreciate what comes with it, plus a couple of other perks.

[@tavirosu25]

That moment when you realise a meesly 20k euro Clio RS Trophy came with Michellin Super Sport tyres from the factory :) Now imagine paying 5x that and Audi couldn't be bother to put some proper Michellin tyres on their car. Yikes!

[@mikemayers9353]

Michellin is not the be all and end all of tires im tired of morons thinking it is so

[@SvenTheSveed]

Because the RS6 is meant to be an all weather car, slick Michelins would be nothing short of dangerous.

[@tavirosu25]

@@SvenTheSveed they aren't slicks. Similar design like the well loves PS4 now PS5. It was a nice touche Renault did by selling the cars with Michellin. I'd love Audi to do the same. I still love the RS, just the petty things.

[@95lal]

its all about who pays the most/least

[@africanotomotiv]

I do wonder whether something like the lack of premium branded tyres is enough of an impediment to someone who's in the market for such a car? These Audi engineers are a smart lot. They would no doubt have done their due diligence regarding the performance of the Hankook rubber, vis a vis the product brief (and what Audi needs to deliver to the customer). James didn't seem to have an issue with how they performed, so from that perspective, one could reasonably surmise that the Hankooks are up to the task. I'm curious to hear whether or not tyre "brand" is enough of a deciding factor, broadly, when considering a car like the RS6. Or do folks take it as a given that Audi will deliver the appropriate product and hence, whether it's Michelin or Hankook; tyre brand doesn't significantly matter?

[@johang7498]

A bit of individual flair suits pretty much any car, expensive ones as well as cheaper ones. It feels more like your very specific own car, which is a great feeling and if you make tastefull choices, you normally shouldn't have more difficulty selling it later on. Much appreciated, that point you make there. I also appreciate the RS6 very much, but yeah ... very expensive.

[@sensationalfailure]

And Germany loves you, man. Greetings actually FROM the Black Forest!

[@kieranbrooks8216]

I’ve been fortunate enough to have a passenger ride in one with a fast driver and it’s an unbelievable car. It literally is the perfect all rounder with so much equipment, space etc. and the performance is incredible, it actually makes you laugh. You wouldn’t believe you were travelling in a 2 ton estate car. I’ve got an S4 myself but the difference is performance is vast from a “quick” car to an RS6. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to go from a normal car to an RS6. All the statistics and drag races show the RS6 is slower than the E63S or F90 M5 competition, so goodness knows what they must be like.

[@EAD_0]

Totally agree about the touch controls for the most common things such as cabin temp. When it first came out on the Velar I found it ridiculously distracting and over complicated !

[@GregQchi]

Great video, James. Super informative and absolutely hits the nail on the head. Thanks

[@179077]

As someone who owns a 2012 Audi Avant ( had it 3 years done 30K and cost under £6K) with no issues i would based on 26:08 my experience buy another Audi but even if funds permitted the latest version of the RS6 is just too aggressive looking and sadly all that mass of black plastic on the grill looks cheap and reminds me of plastic milk crates or plastic stacker boxes! Excellent video really well balanced and for those lucky enough to buy one new or used everything you need to know is covered.

[@williamfence566]

Next door neighbour has had his for approx 18 months . Been back to Audi several times for quality issues e.g leaking sunroof and paint peeling in places. He was a long term Audi customer

[@KerterBerger]

those dual screens inside are an absolute deal breaker for me.. in any car. unacceptable. the e63s is prettier anyway

[@dominicrusho]

Didn’t sell well? Have you ever been to Wilmslow or Alderley Edge?

[@MrOvershoot]

Yep drove through Knutsford, Mobberley & Wilmslow on my way to Handforth & felt like a right pauper in my Jaguar XF S Sportbrake 🤥still it doesn't use a stupid touchscreen for the heating controls 😊

[@jamesbrett6518]

I love taking my 07 Octavia 1.9 TDI round those parts to sense their annoyance!

[@MrOvershoot]

@@jamesbrett6518 Top work my man, even as recently as 07 I drove my "M" reg Rover 414 through those areas, even worse I had bikes on the roof as well 😄people would look away in disgust

[@keirbourne5323]

even if there are a few of these around you - the objective fact is that Audi has sold fewer than 1,000 of these in the UK. So yes they are a very rare sight. Previous generations sold like 5x better than this one.

[@channelbree]

Come to Scotland, plenty £500 shitboxes still cutting about, gives you the gumtree flick through.

[@rally0075]

11:54, information such as this is what makes these videos stand out compared to the others on the net. Not only is it informative to the consumers , but also to people who are just curious. 👍

[@noelmannion4433]

Thank you for a genuinely informative review James. Special thanks for avoiding the words:- Game changing Mad Chaos Cash etc…

[@M0XXQ]

I own the C7 facelift RS6, never a day goes by that this car doesn't make me smile and feel alive. As far as mods go its very much standard apart from a remap which sees around 700BHP and 1000nM or Torque, as for the ZF 8 speed I have no issues at all. Down shifts are rapid with the added rev matching provided for you, plenty of crackles on the overrun and power delivery is, well, from all points on across the whole RPM range very well balanced. In terms of overall performance, well it is simply amazing, leave it in comfort mode and it drives like an A8 executive car, however put in dynamic and its a complete raging psychopath that just wants to try and take off like a Tornado fighter jet - Ergo there is very little on the roads, at least here in the North East of England that can match it in terms of, well everything. My only gripe, well more of a concern is the fact that the 4L V8 uses oil, however according to Audi and various Audi forums, this is quite normal and the Haldex-esque rear differential although extremely clever how its, is another expensive maintenance item. All in all I am thrilled with the car in every aspect, coming from an Insignia VXR Sports Tourer to the RS6 is quite simply incomparable, the VXR was very quick boasting 370BHP and 600nM and all wheel drive, however comparing the VXR with the RS6 is a bit like comparing apples and oranges.

[@martinofleeds]

Got one. I agree on everything. What colour is yours?

[@M0XXQ]

@@martinofleeds it's Sepang blue

[@martinofleeds]

@@M0XXQ nice. The Fun Prevention Officer at our House has a S1 in that Blue.

[@andrewsamarasekara97]

Excellent review, Jay. You’ve become one of the most reliable and trusted car journalists out there! Such a shame all these expensive car interiors are just full of screens instead of reliable and safer buttons controls. Just goes to show the importance of the quote, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”

[@martynosborne8460]

A really great video as always and a really, really nice car. Your points on specification differences between the UK and Europe are so right. When I bought by first Q7, I managed to spec the HUD as a one off selectable item. When it came to trade that in and buy another Q7, Audi changed this and you could only get the HUD by specifying the Vorsprung model which contained a whole load of stuff I didn't want plus an unreal cost as well. Upon taking to Audi UK, they said this was down to Audi UK specifying what options they wanted UK folks to have. When I checked the Audi Germany website, it allowed the HUD as an individually selectable option. Crazy stuff. Audi need to get real and stop driving folks down these pre-set specs that force you into pre-set packs - no doubt done to make it easier to build.

[@danielmarshall4587]

..........so. I know someone who had one of these, OH DEAR OH DEAR OH DEAR. Your vid JayEmm, puts "things" into a whole new perspective.

[@matthewking5612]

What a fantastic review, cheers James.

[@mrmuds8624]

6:39 so glad someone has pointed out about the peculiarity of the Audi specs list James. I've been looking at used E-Tron and ever since it was launched, Audi has slowly been eroding away the spec of the car. I'll give you an example, beginning of 2021, the dealers offloaded their 19 reg demo cars (these were all either grey or galaxy blue colour, cream leather interior with ventilated seats, tour pack, ambient lighting, 30 camera, B&O, standard 20" 5 spoke alloys) because Audi had removed a lot of the options that these were fitted with from the spec list. Many of the earlier cars also came with the comfort seats, which they no longer offer here in the UK. But from what I understand in many other countries they still offer these. I know in the US if you spec one with the prestige package or something, you can still get these. It just doesn't make sense!!! Sure it's more effort to account for different specs for different countries on the same assembly line rather than having just one assembly line and allowing people from all countries where they sell to get the equipment they want? Honestly, when I'm hopefully financially in a position to be able to afford a brand new car, I think I'll go for a Mercedes as it's simple.....AMG Line with premiums plus package.....and voila, you know you've got pretty much a fully loaded car.

[@Manu-Official]

I had an AMG line for 10 days once, as new. Noisy (wheel noise and engine noise), uncomfortable, rear light cluster taking water in, some rattle deep inside the middle of the dash and I know I'm not the only one mentioning the rattling. Setting it to comfort mode was still uncomfortable. Last but not least, the 9 speed gearbox didn't know what it was doing, shifting down while in corners and being readily geared down after you passed the corner. Not to mention being able to click the gears only one by one, it would not shift 2 gears if you clicked twice, very slow to react when shifting multiple gears... The 9th gear would struggle to turn up at 70 MPH as well, making that annoying on British motorways. Other than that the brakes were amazing, and the car looked stunning. Better to test drive one before buying one and realising it doesn't meet your expectations.

[@mrmuds8624]

@@Manu-Official Yeah true, but I'm looking at it from the simplicity of a spec list. Hopefully my next car will be electric, so most of those issues will be a non issue as they don't have gears. But I was looking at it from the perspective of a second hand buyer, if you want an Audi, you'd need to look for one, and then see what options the user ticked when he/she/they bought it. Whereas with Mercedes, they have nice simple packs. I really do prefer the design language of Audi over Mercedes, but having to wait around looking for the spec I want puts me off. I will hopefully in 3-4 years time go for the early 2019 reg ex demo E-Tron that I mentioned above (if one comes up for sale and is within my budget by then)

[@Manu-Official]

@@mrmuds8624 Hahaha I did have a giggle, because I wanted my latest car without electric seats, but still half electric AND heated (yeah that sounds complicated), without a sun roof. I wanted less of this while more of that, a full infotainment and sound system, took me a while to find the right spec. I agree having a whole package at the ready is less of a headache having to go through a list of things... The problem with the UK is, you're bound by the UK market to find a nice spec due to RHD. On the continent, I see a lot of people simply importing from Germany at lower prices, and you simply can't do that in the UK...

[@MGMutt]

I disagree, I see a fair few of them about on the roads. I definitely see more of them than the E63 estate

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

Agree on the air suspension, seems a must on a huge performance estate

[@944s87]

There is a fierce competition between tyre companies for the contract of supplying a new model. Hankook on the Audi, Nankang on the Cayenne are just a few examples of how far the "lower tier" brand companies have come in recent years in development. It is also easy to discard a brand without realising that they're capability of producing a premium tyre has nothing to do with the market they ususally aim to fulfill. Having worked in the industry for a while now, I have seen brands like Kumho or Cooper beat Michelin and Continental when they are aiming for it. Producing that kind quality across the range of all tyres is a different story all together. Thanks for pointing at the topic.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Maybe it's different in Europe as I know tyres can vary depending on where you buy them, but I fitted a set of Hankooks to my 400rwhp Falcon about 5 years back - can't remember what the model was but at the time they were Hankook's top summer performance tyre. They were utter shit - couldn't put the power down, all but useless in the wet, and wore out in something like 20,000km so didn't even end up saving me any money - went back to PS4S's - worth the price. Likewise I've driven powerful cars on Nankangs, and they were also utter garbage. I do have some respect for Kumho though, they seem to have some good stuff. Audi fitting Hankooks to this is just VAG doing what VAG do, penny pinching. They are a shit company.

[@rudik5496]

Fantastic video in terms of content. I’ve been looking at the 2nd market for these for a while and there’s tons of them for sale! But you’re right your comment on “how many have you seen on the road” made me wonder (I agree I haven’t seen many). I think the price is the main factor: the equivalent age/spec E63 are in the £70ks against 90-100k for the Audi.

[@AntoniusTyas]

RS6 in Java Green, Nogaro Blue or Sonoma Orange with duotone black-cream full-leather interior would be tasty.

[@Copleyfundresearch]

Cool way of introducing your partners at the start. V innovative.

[@andyhunt457]

I think maybe the now relatively small performance gap between the likes of Civic Type R, BMW 140,Golf R ,A45 not to mention the S4,S6 etc.Alot cheaper and arguably more fun.

[@jimmyfarley5581]

I totally agree with you. On British roads what percentage of the RS6's performance are you actually able to use? A quick squirt here a short blast there. Yes the RS6 has good traction but you dare lose it in a 2+ tonne barge. On tight, twisty B road a well sorted Hot Hatch is just as fast. A 5th of the cost. With the benefit of being able to use at least 80% of its potential.

[@camerongibson9851]

I never knew this car didn’t sell well, in Birmingham I’ve seen quite a few of them

[@buggerlugz6753]

Probably because its so ludicrously expensive.

[@harrisr1018]

Birmingham? They're probably drug dealers 😂

[@usercs_2682]

In my place I’ve seen more RS6 than M5 and E63s too, I’m not sure about the M5 but RS6 definitely sells more than E63s

[@TheOllieowles]

Always proper reviews. Great stuff. Please give a lesson on reviews to some others who own an RS6 and bang on about them constantly being the best “daily driver” with no real substance.

[@TheJohnboy123]

Excellent concise review as always from the best guy!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

My reviews have been called many things but rarely concise!

[@davidwoodrow6634]

As always a great honest review .

[@rajjy1976]

15:08 Ahhhhh the classic engine management light from Audi. Classic.

[@dutoitm1]

Every car when the key is turned to just "ignition" displays the engine management light...

[@jimmyfarley5581]

James another truly enjoyable video. Informative with a sprinkling of humour. Thank you. Please don't get rich and bugger off to America. We need you.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Ha, no promises!

[@BojanBojovic]

You are totally right, while objectively this should be a great vehicle, as a car it does not stir any emotions. It looks great, but it is not beautiful. Simply too Germanic.

[@chartreux1532]

"simply too germanic" that made me laugh as a German, but you're right. Germans prefer the RS6 over any other High Performance Wagons, and if you compare it's looks to BMW and Mercedes-Benz Performance Wagons, it looks way more aggressive with lots of sharp corners and boxy design, which definitely is very germanic and i will now use "germanic" from now on when talking about car designs here in Germany when a car looks aggressive, boxy with lots of sharp corners and cuts, cheers

[@Xolition]

Disagree. Depends on color. It's a huge head turner in Navarra Blue.

[@BojanBojovic]

@@chartreux1532 In my post Germanic does not mean aggressive, but probably over-engineered on the positive side and somewhat generic and bland on the negative. A typical stereotype, but also very subjective so it may not appear to you the same way. What is interesting is that according to this review it drives better than most Audi's by having faster and more responsive steering, which is a total opposite of a typical Germanic steering, most of the time slow and numb even in the BMW. It seems to me that I offended your collective identity feelings, if this is true then there is no need to feel bad as I did not talk about Germans but German cars. You can still be a proud German, it is just German cars that I do not like most of the time. :)

[@BojanBojovic]

@@Xolition Head turner sure, as I said it looks great but still not a beautiful car. But it is a subjective thing so there is no right or wrong here I suppose.

[@papa_pt]

@@BojanBojovic BMW don't have slow steering but I agree have become completely numb since 2011 and electric power steering. Magazines usually use the word "teutonic", it used to mean well engineered but in the last 10 years they've become over engineered :/

[@phillipjones6848]

Hi James, Another quality presentation. Some months ago you had a dark green 986 in your possession and indicated you would be doing a few videos on this car as an entry level sports car which represents good value. Very interested to see this car featured. I have a 2004 model in your favourite colour of silver and have lots of fun using it as a weekender. Keep up the great content. Regards Phil

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Hi Phil The Boxster is still very much "ours", however it is presently up in Scotland where it appears to have been adopted by my partner's family! I shall be trying to do more content on it soon James

[@ssalloom11]

In contrast to this reviewers comment about these not selling in the UK, Audi is doing a pretty good job selling these cars to people in the USA. They’re selling for 20-50k over msrp and inventory fluctuates right around 6-8 RS6s on dealer lots at any point.

[@plugsocket9432]

Interesting video; maybe people are going electric instead? My Father just got his brand new Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo this week. He did decide to go with white/grey exterior colour and a crayon leather interior. Although, Porsche allow you to have an exact specification and not packs.

[@Studmuffin666]

Great review, great content and honest review on all the motors you do👍🏻

[@markrhoden68]

Ive always wondered if the RS4 was all the fast Audi estate most would ever need, also the cost

[@dagnut]

@@doubleL_S a diesel??

[@dagnut]

@@doubleL_S I actually have the A6 with same engine now, remapped so I get what your saying.

[@th3b0untyhunter]

For someone who repeatedly claims they aren't a motoring journalist this was a very very determined effort to be just that.

[@dandsyfam1813]

This is your best work.

[@notharry]

I think you may need to view the latest tyre comparison tests to update your judgement of Hangkooks. I put the best tyres available on my cars and have Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on my XKR for the summer and the factory spec Pirellis for the winter. But for my Lexus nx300h, which needed a new set of Winter tyres this last season (legal requirement where I live), I did my research at length and bought the latest Hangkooks. They were excellent and by the way, not cheap!

[@cornishrider]

Couldn't agree more with having to take you eyes off the road for essential controls!

[@davepyne62]

Got to be honest I was obsessed with this car when it came out and read every single road test including yours which actually led me to become a subscriber on your channel so not all bad. The fact is the Interior or audis has gone down hill since the TT and the R8 and the RS6 looks so much like all the cheaper models inside. Where s all the beautiful stitching like Porsche do, some standout colours which are RS6 only. I followed them in the classifieds and always knew they were going to plummet as it just wasn't really good enough. Plus for the money your choice is endless and today you would definately buy a porsche taycan cross turismo instead as it is faster better styled and way more interesting!

[@jameswingrove7421]

Push it to the limit is the soundtrack I listen to before I go on track! Gets you pumped up. Or alternatively, Indestructible by Disturbed.

[@samcas707]

The lag in these modern turbo Audis is all down to how they program the wastegate - they keep the gate open at low rpm/throttle loads to maximize pumping efficiency, so there’s always that delay for the gate to mechanically close and then build boost when you mash the throttle. Some manufacturers like Bmw M and Porsche, even using the same 4.0L, close the gate when in their sports drive modes, but not Audi, they seem hell bent on neutering their cars for sound and response for some reason

[@JayEmmOnCars]

That's very interesting, thankyou

[@Paris__]

One key factor that is well-known in motoring journalism (just ask Jeremy Clarkson), is that Audi suffer from the same problem BMW do..........Unlike Mercedes Benz, they struggle to sell a car at £100,000 +

[@vomErsten]

It's not just a UK thing, Jay. In the USA, we have option packages rather than individual options. These packages, as you can imagine, are not always great value for money because they often force you to get something you really don't care about in order to get the one thing you do care about. Other times, we have no option at all. My current bugbear is how Audi has standardized on equipping the Q5 steering wheel for all of their cars smaller than an A6, to include the S and RS models; it really doesn't look very nice and, in Germany and other markets, you can still option the much more visually pleasing round airbag wheel. In the USA, you have zero recourse, not even through Audi Exclusive. This has been enough to turn me off the brand entirely since those are all the models I can afford, and it's a shame because I prefer Audi to BMW or Mercedes. The USA version of the Audi Exclusive program is also quite limited; unless you are ordering an RS model, you can't leverage it at all beyond paint. We don't get the breadth and depth of interior options that Europe gets, either. RE: sluggish controls - yes, though I would say that BMW tunes the ZF8 better than Audi, the latter of which leans far too much into comfort. That being said, Audi is more consistent about it; the ZF8 feels about the same no matter what they put it in, but BMW is quite radically different in an X3 compared to an M240i. Either one beats the horrible 8-speed in current Volvos, ha!

[@tiborkoppersable]

Funny that in the uk this car is considered as a failure, in mainland europe this is propably the 150k euro + car that you see the most. I drive one in Dubai and it's absolutely spot on in every way.

[@patrickvennard838]

I ordered an 8Y RS3 in Vorsprung for the same reason it is really disappointing that the European models across the ranges don't get the same styling packs. having real heater controls is a really important feature. If you want to see plenty of RS6 come to Hereford!

[@deniskunstle3638]

Haha the vid of the grey rs6 was just in my city, was very excited to see it😄

[@raytibbitts]

I like the all black interior. The less flashy the better.

[@BenB91]

A very timely review. Sam from STG has just bought one.

[@Manu-Official]

Because half the power is already more than you need on UK roads. Then the UK road network is like a giant block of Swiss cheese. Vector in the recent petrol price war on the motorist, the war in Ukraine pushing the prices further up. Vector in the car parts shortage since brexit, I used to get my Audi parts from Germany in less than 24 hours, now it's within a week or worse. Added costs as well since the GBP took a dive, at some point was £1 = €0.9 The state of UK roads, one pothole is one expensive bill, and a Lunar Rover would be more suitable in some areas.

[@buggerlugz6753]

Just ONE pothole?

[@Manu-Official]

​@@buggerlugz6753 One is enough to destroy a tyre, a wheel, knock off the steering, split a ball joint, split a windscreen, break a suspension spring, break a battery terminal. Seen of all that and then some. German cars are designed for German roads, while the UK has the worst roads in Europe.

[@EvoraGT430]

Do you have any idea what 'vector' actually means?

[@Manu-Official]

@@EvoraGT430 watch out here comes the literature expert. Are you here to discuss cars or to discuss words used within the discussion?

[@LordG1963]

I have loved watching James at work his reviews are very good with quality detail. But I found this full of contradictions. Firstly It makes me smile that all Motoring journos can operate a rotary heater control without taking their eyes off the road . The touch screen on the heater controls is very easy to use. Also amazingly I currently own a Navarra blue Vorsprung UK Car, which isnt available ? The quality is exceptional it is both luxurious and sporty, with carbon and leather & aluminium. everywhere . It sounds epic enough & the looks are amazing in real life. If you drive it properly it is devastatingly fast but also a pleasure. A mix rarely found in a any 600 hp car.Also under normal UK driving it is the easiest car with the combination of some of the best tech to make long drives a breeze and i have seen 28 to 32 Mpg . By the way this isnt me being offended by this review because it is "my car" opions always differ but having done several thousand miles in mine my experience is totally different and i suspect a more reflective view. I agree they are expensive but when a new mini can be over 40 k and a Range Rover upto 200k isnt this the current new car market ? Simple answer buy or lease nearly new 😊. Keep up the goid work James none the less , i have my eye on an Aston Martin for next purchase. 😉

[@danielharris1161]

Enjoyable review, first RS6 that hasn't appealed to me

[@goldenmoney4785]

I dont know why this car does not sold in the uk. But I live in both belgium and south of france and here you can see one nearly every day.

[@smallk6453]

What went wrong: 1. Uses wayyyyyy too much fuel, especially if you’ve owned a sq7 tdi or something similar, the extra performance on the rs6 doesn’t justify 2. Little factory tweaks in engine and gear box to make it “not responsive” to meet the regulations.

[@johnshuker8892]

Great video, totally agree with touch screen too fiddly for basic controls. For that sort of money should have the best spec

[@MetalHead1904]

I definitely prefer the C7. Better in pretty much every way I think!

[@ruk2023--]

Odd you say nobody has bought one because I see three different ones regularly around where I live (city centre Manchester). I'm not saying you're wrong, just amused that they the few sold seem to have been bought here. What does amaze me still, each time I see one is how cartoonishly large the wheels are and how big the damn thing is. A look I like a lot.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The feedback from people seems to be that they are huddling together, in the places that generally dont need them!

[@ruk2023--]

@@JayEmmOnCars Oh well, it's better than the overpopulation of Velar's that seemed to be happening here until recently.

[@richardhowlett9424]

9:15. Totally with you on the utter stupidity of touchscreens .

[@jake8793]

Theres a black Vorsprung model on a 20 reg just up the road from me (Leicestershire)

[@graemecollie9233]

Great review as always James. As you alluded to there are a number of factors, pandemic being one of them. These just don't sell in times of crisis, C6 V10 RS6 was affected badly by the financial crash, try and find a C6 saloon! But add to that; 1/Price point 2/not seen as a significant upgrade to the C7/7.5 whereas up until that time there was a significant improvement either in performance and / or dynamics in each generation 3/increased competition not only from other marques but also internally in RSQ8, R8 (for some) 4/ in competition form other marques, from a performance perspective the RS6 is lacking and it only trumps in aesthetics and build quality but more than any other reason, Audi UK's and it franchisees attitude to selling. Try and get a test drive, you couldn't. Yet they want people to walk in to a dealership, part with over £100k (finance or not) without even driving the car. They pander after the credit generation who buy on a whim and dispose of their cars like toilet paper and forget their core customer base which why they've only sold around 1,000 of them. Also add to that and again as you said, the C7 was and still is a fantastic car and more than a match, so why pay £50K plus more for this? When it came out with 600PS, less than the C7.5 Performance and a muted tone so many were disappointed. It should have been so much better than it is and genuinely is one of those replacements that couldn't fill the shoes of the predecessor.

[@BubuBarong]

Sam from SeenThroughGlass has just revealed this is going to be his next daily!

[@Dan-re7go]

I prefer the RS6 in isolation, but purchased the X5MC because of diesel gate and customer service limitations of the Audi Group.

[@james-3778]

My Aunty still has her C5 rs6. Had about 3 gearbox rebuilds 😂

[@ianelliott229]

So so right about touch screen! What possesses manufacturers to impose it, heaven only knows.

[@stevojohn]

Completely agree about tactile controls for common functions.

[@porscheguy5848]

I’d rather have a Panamera GTS or an E63S over the RS6. Still an amazing car but doesn’t match the competition in my point of view

[@miguelqueiroga5309]

Best car in the Market !!

[@boogboog8097]

Jay drinks Thatchers cider was my biggest insight here 😄

[@ryzmodz]

I just went onto the Audi configurator (UK) for the RS6 and it's terrible. Would prefer a previous generation in Merlin Purple or something different.

[@buggerlugz6753]

Yep, its an RS6 so at £100k it should come with everything as standard. The level of tax in the UK on the purchase don't help one bit either.

[@Corvolet5]

Not to mention how ugly it is. The C7.5 was just right, closely followed by the C6

[@Manu-Official]

Vorsprrung Durch Brexit

[@josefgordon7712]

What a god tier vehicle. So much want, only in dreams.

[@deenoc3622]

Trim levels are an issue with the RS3. The UK configurator for RS3 hardly has any optional extras especially for the interior. The german configurator has loads of options for the RS3 not available in the UK.

[@LynGriffiths70]

It's a stunner, just an absolute beast... but the price ! 😱

[@buggerlugz6753]

joke price IMHO.

[@keithburke652]

Aren't you lucky you don't live in Ireland....they are over €200k before options here 😭

[@chartreux1532]

+Lyndon Griffiths How much are these in the UK? Here in Germany these RS6 Models from 2019-2022 with under 50.000km on it go for 90k-95k euros.

[@chartreux1532]

@@keithburke652 What the hell? See my comment above, no wonder they don't sell well in some countries compared to Germany

[@keithburke652]

@@chartreux1532 I think the RS6 is roughly £100,000 in the uk.......generally speaking the same car in Ireland is double the price but in Euros

[@mrgcc]

I personally feel like 1 big factor is missing in the reason why this car to me didn't sell very well either. It just didn't manage to capture everyone the same way the C7 RS6 did and in many ways still does. The C7 in so many ways is just as good, but for a considerably less amount, outright or on finance. With that the fact that my brother has his C7 RS6.. I can see why its hard to justify wanting to spend so much more on a car that's really not that much better than the previous version.

[@glynrs2147]

Having had a C7 RS6 Performance and now a C8 RS6 Vorsprung (in Navarra Blue), James is spot on with his analysis on the engine and gearbox. The C7 RS6 engine was far more responsive on the throttle and the gearbox much quicker to change, also better sounding exhaust. The C8 RS6 is a better car in every other way, handling, comfort equipment levels, but that is a bit disappointing for an RS model. Hopefully this will be addressed with a C8 RS6 Performance model.

[@sadsismint]

This is a problem that i generally have with the high performance Audi cars, they just don't feel like premium products over their base lineup once you start going up the hierarchy. I have an RS3 and it VERY much feels just like an A3 with some trim bits.... and a very nice power train. But a few bits of extra plastic and the power doesn't truly justify the price. I'd feel worse in an RS6... half the stuff inside still feels a bit A3... for 100k.. no chance.

[@chandrew1]

I find the new RS6 too shouty looks wise (I drive a debadged Alpina B5 which does the fast stealth thing v. well) but a friend has one which has an Exclusive interior and exterior. Exterior is in Porsche Oak Green Metallic and the interior in a mix of leather & alcantara in lovely and unusual mid brown. It’s fantastic. As for popularity I can confirm the comment below about how common they are here in Switzerland. I read they account for over 10% of all Audi A6 sales and if anything that felt low. My friend is Italian.