Audi RS 6 2021 Review

Performance wagons are like catnip to a lot of performance enthusiasts. First off, there's a wagon's combination of sedan-like driving dynamics and SUV-like utility, which is sort of like a best-of-both-worlds situation. Then you add in the fact that wagons are a rare sight these days. Oh, and a performance wagon? Even rarer. All of which leads us to the sublimely intriguing 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant.

Compared to an A6 sedan or the A6 Allroad wagon, the RS 6 Avant gets a major power upgrade in the form of a twin-turbocharged 591-horsepower 4.0-liter V8. Mash the gas and this hot-rod wagon rips from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. Audi's engineers also went over the entire car front to back. Highlights include a special adaptive air suspension, grippier tires, more powerful brakes, flared fenders and sport front seats.

The RS 6 only has a few direct rivals. The Mercedes-AMG E 63 S wagon is the clearest competitor and similar in price, overall performance, features, and passenger and cargo space. The Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo is another alternative, though you should expect to pay significantly more if you want one of the V8-powered variants. So is this new Audi RS 6 Avant for you? Check out our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth review.

Which RS 6 does MatoCar recommend?

There's only one trim level on the 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant. This fast wagon is powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (591 hp, 590 lb-ft) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. As with other Audi Sport performance models, all-wheel drive is standard.

RS 6 Avant The RS 6 comes very well equipped from the get-go. Standard features include:

• 21-inch wheels with summer performance tires
• Sport-tuned differential for improved traction
• All-wheel steering (improves high-speed stability and shortens turning radius to ease parking)
• Sport-tuned adaptive air suspension
• Matrix LED headlights
• Hands-free tailgate
• Panoramic sunroof
• Keyless entry and ignition

Interior and technology features include:

• Leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated power-adjustable front sport seats
• Power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• Dual touchscreen displays (10.1-inch top and 8.6-inch lower) with navigation
• Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless charging pad with phone signal booster
• Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the RS 6 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

The RS 6 is available with a handful of options. These include:

• Side Assist package
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Driver Assistance package
• Features of the Side Assist package
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Audi and the car in front)
• Lane keeping assist (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
• Executive package
• Additional leather trim
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
• Heated rear seats
• Soft-close doors
• Upgraded Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Carbon-ceramic brakes (improve high-performance braking)
• Black Optic and Carbon Optic styling packages