5 Things You Need to Know: the 2020 Audi RS6 Avant
Audi Sport has got a few rather busy months ahead, especially after confirming that they have eight new RS-models in the pipeline. This past week at the Frankfurt Motor Show they revealed the first model of this eight, and it took the world by storm. Here are five things you need to know about the new Audi RS6 Avant.
It’s a Hybrid - Audi is really making progress in terms of electrification. The new Audi e-tron is an embodiment of this pursuit. The new Audi RS6 Avant borrows some of this tech and infuses it with the conventional internal combustion that we’ve come to love in RS models. The RS6 makes use of a twin-turbocharged petrol 4.0-litre V8 in conjunction with an electric motor to produce a staggering 441kW of power and 800Nm of torque.
It’s Supercar Quick - The RS6 sends its mountain of power and torque through an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. This means that you could load your family, their luggage and the dog into the Avant and blast off from 0-100km/h in just 3,6-seconds before reaching the top speed of 305km/h with the optional Dynamic Plus package.
It’s Really Clever - The new Audi RS6 Avant features Audi Drive Select which allows the driver to choose from six different driving modes depending on the situation, ranging from Efficiency mode all the way up to the most extreme Dynamic mode. This is pretty standard stuff on Audi Sport models, but the RS6 takes this configurability a step further with the introduction of the new RS mode selector, with a fully configurable RS1 and RS2 button at the drivers fingertips.
It’s Super Dynamic - Adaptive air suspension comes standard on the RS6, featuring an adaptive raising and lowering function. The optional Dynamic Ride control swops out the air suspension for adaptive dampers, and to top it all off, Audi will let you spec it with rear wheel steering.
It’s Absolutely Scary - The design of the Audi RS6 Avant is absolutely insane. The front has a menacing front bumper and a bonnet vent inspired by the iconic Audi Quattro. At the rear is a set of fat, oval RS pipes and an edgy diffuser while buyers will be able to choose between 21- or 22-inch wheels.
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2020 Audi RS6 Avant cost in South Africa?
The 2020 Audi RS6 Avant starts at around R1,850,000 in South Africa, though prices can climb well past R2,000,000 once you start ticking option boxes like the Dynamic Plus package that unlocks the full 305kph top speed.
Q: Is the 2020 Audi RS6 Avant worth buying?
Absolutely, if you've got the budget and want the ultimate family wagon that can embarrass supercars at the traffic lights whilst carrying your weekly grocery shopping and the kids' cricket kit.
Q: How fast is the 2020 Audi RS6 Avant compared to other performance estates?
With 441kW and a 0-100kph time of just 3.6 seconds, the RS6 Avant is one of the fastest estate cars ever built, easily outpacing rivals like the BMW M5 Competition Touring and Mercedes-AMG E63 S Estate.
Q: What makes the 2020 RS6 Avant different from previous RS6 models?
This generation introduces hybrid technology for the first time, combining a twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor, plus new driving modes including customisable RS1 and RS2 buttons that let you set up the car exactly how you want it.
Q: Should I buy the 2020 RS6 Avant or wait for a newer model?
The 2020 RS6 Avant represents the sweet spot of Audi's performance wagon evolution, combining traditional V8 drama with modern hybrid efficiency, making it a solid buy that won't feel outdated anytime soon.
Should You Buy It?
The best performance estate under R2,000,000 in South Africa is definitely the 2020 Audi RS6 Avant. Yes, you should absolutely buy it if your bank balance can handle the R1,850,000 starting price. This isn't just a fast car, it's a statement that you refuse to choose between practicality and performance. With 441kW on tap and space for the whole family plus luggage, it's the perfect weapon for South African road trips where you might need to overtake a convoy of trucks on the N1 whilst keeping the kids entertained in the back. Sure, it's expensive, but you're getting supercar performance wrapped in estate car practicality, and that combination is rarer than a parking spot at Sandton City on Black Friday.
