The Audi RS6->ke1305 Avant has been the go-to choice for anyone needing a truly all-weather-capable supercar->ke177 with five doors. When it first debuted, it created an unprecedented combination of AWD performance, horsepower, and practicality. Despite its powerful position in the marketplace, Audi has killed the model twice since it debuted in 2002. The first-generation car was only around from 2002 until 2004 when Audi->ke14 discontinued the RS6 in favor of the smaller RS4. The mightiest of the A6->ke934 models returned again in 2008, but was gone by 2010. Finally the car returned for the last time in 2012, and it appears as though it may be here to stay. Unlike the previous models that only survived for three years, the current model is in fact going to live a long and illustrious life as Audi announced a refresh for the 2015 RS6 Avant. Please start thanking your preferred deity.

While the entire A6 family is getting a pretty thorough refresh with new engines and drivetrains, the changes to the RS6 Avant are mostly visual with the majority of the drivetrain and chassis components carrying over from the current machine.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Audi RS6 Avant.

2015 Audi RS6 Avant

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Audi RS6 Avant
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 560
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Spy Shots

March 11, 2014 - Facelift Audi RS6 Avant begins testings

Exterior

The outside of the new RS6 Avant is more of the same, but that was to expected. This is an Audi after all. If you are like me, and you are a sucker for details, you will find lots to love about this new super-wagon. The grille has been made a bit sharper, and the bright-chrome trim that surrounds it has been replaced with a much darker finish; it gives the nose a much more menacing presence. The same toned-down effect has been added to the previously silver-painted side strakes that flanked the brake ducts. Continuing the effect of subtle changes, the silver-capped mirrors and silver roof rails have been painted black. The silver window surround trim has been painted black as well. I approve.

The most noticeable change for most people will be the new headlamps. Gone are the HID units with the curved LED eyeliner that ran beneath them. Now we have aggressive and angular LED headlights with an arrow-style LED running lamp that cuts straight through the center. The effect is pretty stunning.

The rear of the car gets the same type of changes as the rest of the machine does. All the silver and bright trim of the old car has been replaced with black pieces that tone down the aggression. The taillights are a new design that almost perfectly mirror the headlights, complete with the bright LED arrow that cuts through the center. It adds a nice dash of symmetry to the overall look. In a less noticeable change it looks like the rear spoiler and window have a subtle curvature toward the tapering edges that was missing on the last car.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

2,915 MM (114.76 Inches)

Length

4,979 MM (196.02 Inches)

Width (without mirrors)

1,663 MM (65.47 Inches)

Width (mirrors included)

2,086 MM (82.12 Inches)

Height

1,461 (57.51 Inches)


Interior

If there have been any major interior changes to the RS6, Audi is keeping hush. We have no detailed press photos, and no real information in the original PR blast. This isn’t because Audi is hiding some grand secret, but likely because the interior of the car is only two years old and doesn’t need any real changes. The same luxurious leather seats and various bits of aluminum trim should return along with the Audi MMI infotainment system. We have reached out for more information and will update this piece as soon as we can.

Drivetrain

The secret to the Audi RS6’s popularity has been the massive powertrains that were crammed into such a practical and handsome machine. For the refresh, Audi is sticking with the exact same formula it was already using in the last model. That means a 4.0-liter V-8 with turbochargers force-feeding extra air. That boost is enough to allow the engine to produce a mind boggling 560 horsepower and 517 horsepower. With a lightweight construction based of mostly aluminum, the rather large RS6 will blast to 60 mph in under four seconds and climb to a top speed of 190 mph.

Get your groceries at warp speed.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

4.0 TFSI V-8

Output

560 HP

0 to 60 mph

3.9 seconds

Top Speed

189.5 mph


Pricing

The RS6 Avant will not come cheap, as Audi has its base price set at €108,900, which converts to $141,126 as of 9/5/2014.

Competitors

2015 Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake

The new Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake take the design reigns of the sedan version and turns it into a pretty attractive wagon package. It has the same aggressive nose with the massive intakes, and the R-S badges and red-colored grille logo set it apart from other Jaguar wagons. 20-inch alloys, a rear bumper with integrated diffuser and quad exhaust tips finish out the “angry bastard” persona.

The behatched version of the XFR-S uses the same supercharged, 5.0-liter V-8 that is tuned to the sweet sound of 543 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. That means the 60-mph mark blows by in 4.6 seconds and the top speed rings in at 186 mph.

2014 Mercedes E63 AMG Estate

The new E63 AMG is offered in both sedan and station wagon variants, and all models are offered with permanent all-wheel drive as standard. As a first for the E-Class AMG lineup, Mercedes in offering an S-Model version that is both more powerful and faster than the standard version.

Of particular importance is the fact that the E63 AMG is the first model to feature the new AMG design language. This means we will see a new AMG "twin blade" radiator grille in silver chrome, a new AMG front apron with new, three-dimensional air deflector spans. The model has also received a new "A-wing" offered in the same color as the body and featuring a trim strip in silver chrome.

Power comes in the form of an AMG, 5.5-liter, V-8, biturbo engine that delivers a total of 550 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 531 pound-feet delivered between 1,750 and 5,250 rpm. The model will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).

History

When it was first launched, a lot of people noticed some distinguishable traits for the RS6, beginning with the usual RS elements, including a variety matte aluminum applications on the body and high-gloss paint applied to the protective grille, bumpers, fender, sill flares and the roof spoiler.

Under the hood, the RS6 Avant came to the party without its usual V-10 engine. Instead, Audi opted to use a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter TFSI V-8 engine that delivers a total of 560 horsepower between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm, and 516.29 pound-feet of torque between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.

Conclusion

For more than a decade now, the RS6 has been one of the greatest icons for practical performance. Quattro AWD makes the best use of the engine’s mighty power in all conditions, seating for five and a large cargo area make it as practical as any SUV, and that sheer speed means you can outrun most sports cars. It is a true all-purpose machine that can handle basically any task you throw at it. There are only two problems with the RS6; it doesn’t come with a manual, and I can’t buy one here in the states.