Audi has revealed the fourth generation of its RS6 Avant.
The German company’s flagship estate car will have a mild hybrid twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that develops a thumping 592bhp.
The powerful estate is part of a blitz of fast Audis due this year, with no fewer than six models set to be launched – including the RSQ3 and RSQ8 super-SUVs.
The only body panels carried over from the standard A6 are the front doors, roof and bootlid. Everything else is an RS-specific design spearheaded by Audi Sport, the German brand’s performance division.
The RS6 Avant is 80mm wider than the standard car, thanks to the flared wheel arches, but the same length. To ensure no one mistakes it for the standard model there’s a full bodykit, new front end with thinner headlights taken from the A7, a new grille inspired by the R8 supercar, and gigantic twin exhausts at the back.
On the inside there’s a leather sports steering wheel that features RS aluminium paddle shifters and there are leather and Alcantara sport seats as well as a revamped instrument panel.
Under the bonnet, the twin-turbo 4.0 litre engine is boosted by a 48V mild hybrid system that adds up to 16bhp. The engine can also shut off half its cylinders to improve fuel economy when cruising.
It’ll race from 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155mph. Those who crave the ultimate in speed can choose the Dynamic Package or the Dynamic Package Plus. The former takes top speed to 174mph while the latter allows this five-seat estate car to top out at a supercar baiting 190mph.
Air suspension is standard on the RS6 and the ride height can be lowered by 10mm at higher speeds or raised by 20mm at lower speeds to boost comfort and ground clearance.
The RS6 will land in the UK early next year. Prices will be announced closer to the time.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk