Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi RS6 Avant Plus

To most people, 444bhp is more than enough power. But Audi is building a new A6, so it's decided to send the old car out on a high note - 473bhp to be precise. That's more muscle than an Aston Martin Vanquish, in an estate car!

The normal RS6 Avant didn't need any more power, but it's still a lot of fun with an extra 29bhp on tap. With the auto gearbox, it remains an effortless car to cruise the motorways with, but you'll need to keep an eye on the speedo! This Audi is a memorable, if costly, swansong.

Advertisement - Article continues below

To most people, 444bhp is more than enough power. But Audi is building a new A6, so it's decided to send the old car out on a high note - 473bhp to be precise. That's more muscle than an Aston Martin Vanquish, in an estate car!

The RS6 Avant Plus gains the extra horses courtesy of a mild tweaking of the standard RS6's twin-turbo V8 and the addition of a sports exhaust. Plant your foot at any speed on the test track or an unrestricted German autobahn and the sensation is amazing - it's a good job the head restraints are sturdy as they get regular use when you accelerate hard. The V8 sounds magnificent at full cry, but at 70mph there's only a hint of that power from under the bonnet.

Apart from the engine work, Audi has also lowered the ride height by 10mm and fitted firmer dampers. Given that the standard RS6 had stiff suspension, it's no surprise that the Plus is uncomfortable over bumps, and on twisty roads it squirms underneath you. The steering doesn't help either - it's direct, but lacks feel. The car is happiest on motorways, where the effortless power and comfortable seats make it a relaxed cruiser.

Cosmetic changes are restricted to dechroming the exterior, while a colour co-ordinated strip of aluminium is added to the dash. For the extra pace, you'll have to find an additional £6,500 over the standard RS6 Avant - the Plus starts at £66,675. But if you need the ultimate Audi, this is the car to have.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer
New Jaguar logo 1

New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer

Jaguar has revealed its new logos and styling details ahead of its transition into a luxury EV brand
News
19 Nov 2024