Our Five Takeaways After Roadtripping the 2024 Audi RS6 Avant

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As a seasoned car enthusiast with a busy family life and a penchant for practicality, I have to admit that the Audi RS6 Avant has stolen my heart. Coming from someone who has driven their fair share of flashy supercars and luxurious SUVs, this unassuming wagon has proven to be a game-changer.

At TopMob, we have a deep affinity for sports cars. Their unique character and allure come from their meticulously designed nature, created with the sole intention of providing an exceptional driving experience and unforgettable enjoyment.

In simpler terms, although we may dream of having the excitement of race car drivers’ lifestyles, we recognize the importance of practicality in our daily lives. We seek cars that cater to our needs, accommodating people, possessions, and various necessities. Thus, cars such as the Audi RS6 Avant hold great appeal, and during the extended July 4 weekend, we seized the opportunity to put it through its paces with a lengthy road trip.

During our lengthy road trip covering over 450 miles from Orange County to Los Angeles, Monterey, San Jose, and finally San Francisco, we had ample opportunity to experience the high-performance RS6 Avant by Audi (equivalent to a wagon or estate car in other brands). As we drove, we marveled at this impressive vehicle’s capabilities, versatility, achievements, and most importantly, enjoyed every moment behind the wheel.

Here are our five key takeaways from our 4-day trip.




It’s Incredibly Spacious

For starters, let’s talk about the capacity inside the doors, rather than under the hood.

Regardless of what you choose to label it – an Avant, an estate, or a touring model – the truth remains that station wagons are spacious vehicles. According to Audi, the largest measurement for the cargo space behind the rear hatch is thirty cubic feet. This dimension comfortably accommodated two large suitcases stacked one on top of the other, a duffle bag beside them, and even managed to fit in a backpack snugly. A lengthy road trip filled with an ample supply of provisions, beverages, and shopping items posed no challenge whatsoever.

Folding the seats flat transforms your station wagon into an expansive studio apartment-like space, providing ample room for long items up to nearly 6.5 feet in length. Although we didn’t have a third passenger on board, the rear area could accommodate another suitcase if needed. The RS6 Avant is thoughtfully equipped with both an automatically deployable cargo cover and a partition net for the cargo compartment. This net is beneficial for securing pets or preventing your belongings from sliding towards the back seats when stacked high.

In summary, even for a weekend road trip, the space inside the RS6 Avant is overkill.





It’s Crazy Quick, Especially in (Your) RS Mode

An RS model without a large engine may be less exciting, and a thrilling road journey lacks something when not accompanied by speed and enjoyment. It wasn’t until we embarked on our trip and the GPS instructed us to travel for approximately 165 miles that we truly understood the swiftness of the RS6 Avant.

As a fan, I’d be thrilled to share some key details about this amazing vehicle. This beauty is equipped with a 4.0L V8 engine, twin-turbocharged to deliver an impressive 621 horsepower and a massive 627 lb-ft of torque. Fun fact: This same engine powers the Lamborghini Urus, but more on that later.

We experimented frequently with the “RS” button located on the steering wheel. This button provides access to personalized settings for your Audi vehicle’s driving modes: Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic. The Dynamic mode, commonly known as Sport mode in other Audi models, enhances the suspension, steering, throttle response, and synthetic engine sound to deliver a more aggressive driving experience. With the RS button, you can create two customized configurations for these factors and also manage the car’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or stability system.

When we chose one of the RS modes, it seemed like certain characteristics were carried over from Dynamic mode, but with an additional hidden layer beyond the “Sport” settings. For instance, in Dynamic, we experienced no wheel hop and the car downshifted a few hundred revs before redline, whereas RS modes effortlessly spun the tires and maintained consistent redlines. We predominantly used RS1, keeping all settings as Sport except for the steering for greater comfort on straightaways, and RS2, maxing out every feature. It’s hard to pick a favorite between the two, but we enjoyed both extensively.


It Makes for an Awesome Long Distance GT Car

When Audi offered us a fully kitted out RS6 Avant for a week, we knew we had to take a road trip.

As a seasoned road tripper with countless miles under my belt, I can tell you that our recent adventure from Los Angeles to San Francisco along the Big Sur coast was nothing short of exhilarating. With our trusty vehicle packed to the brim with essentials like water, snacks, and a sense of adventure, we embarked on this familiar-yet-new journey at 7:00am local time.

The RS6 Avant, powered by a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine (with a fuel economy of 22 mpg combined), ran smoothly and steadily, making it an excellent choice for extended journeys in a high-speed, stylish vehicle brimming with luxurious features. We’ve previously discussed its impressive speed, but let me tell you, we reached our destination sooner than planned.

The streamlined look of this vehicle results from its extended roof and broad fender arches, along with the availability of the Black Optic Package which eliminates all chrome or distinct emblems on the ominous Mythos Black Metallic exterior finish.

In terms of comfort and convenience, we were impressed by the car’s luxurious yet sporty seats, the high-end $5,000 USD Bang & Olufsen sound system, advanced radar cruise control, and the impressive technology features in the Driver Assistance Package, which essentially allowed the car to handle driving and parking tasks on its own.

From my perspective as a devoted fan, if I could voice a small complaint about our recent journey, it would be the lack of massaging seats. But then again, this was an Audi engineered for driving enthusiasts with families, not a lavish luxury vehicle for the wealthy elite. So we reluctantly made do with just heated and ventilated seats.





It’s Pretty Low Key

As a fan of sleek and stylish cars, I can appreciate the allure of a British Racing Green Aston Martin DB12 or a Papaya Orange McLaren GTS. And let’s not forget about the classic red Ferrari – they definitely turn heads and make a statement. But what if you prefer a more understated look? That’s where the RS6 Avant comes in. Driving this car, you won’t be the center of attention, but rather part of the scenery. It’s a subtle yet powerful choice for those who want to blend in while still enjoying the thrill of a high-performance vehicle.

As a gamer, I find it ironic that the standard RS6 wagon, which seems quite ordinary to the average person, might actually draw more attention than the non-wagon version. It’s hard to believe, right? To those who aren’t car enthusiasts, an Audi wagon is just a practical and family-friendly vehicle. But for us car lovers, it’s so much more than that – a powerful and coveted estate that can outperform many supercars. However, in its black exterior, the RS6 Avant manages to keep a low profile, making it even more intriguing.

Let’s begin discussing the Lamborghini Urus comparisons now. This powerful “Super SUV” is easily recognizable with its distinctive growling engine and commanding presence, making it stand out a mile away, mostly due to its appearance and size. In contrast, the RS6 Avant offers the same engine but in a roomier package and an even more attractive body style. If your objective for your weekend escape is to blend in and keep a low profile, consider going unnoticed.


It’s Amazing Value for Money

And lastly, let’s go over cost.

The 2024 Audi RS6 Avant we bought, featuring the B&O stereo, Black Optics Package, Driver Assistance Package, and Mythos Black Metallic paint as extras, cost us around $157,350 USD in total, considering taxes and destination fees. The base model is priced at $125,800 USD.

As someone who values practicality and affordability over pure luxury and exclusivity, I would personally opt for the Audi RS6 Avant any day of the week, any trip of the year. With a price tag almost $100,000 USD lower than the base Lamborghini Urus S, the RS6 Avant offers excellent value for money.

The RS6 Avant may not be a sports car or a two-seater roadster for thrilling rides on winding roads, but it offers a unique charm with its versatile abilities. Driving this car anywhere will leave you amazed and put a grin on your face. If budget permits, a two-car garage would certainly include the RS6 Avant alongside a V10 R8. For those without the means, consider the RS6 Avant as the perfect companion for family errands, camping trips to Idyllwild, and interstate road trips all in one weekend – something unexpected yet delightful.

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2024-07-16 20:27