In 2002, when it first debuted on roads, in big-city garages and during school runs across the globe, the Audi RS 6 drew in the masses by bringing together two universes that were seemingly at odds with each other: cars made for performance and cars made for families. This formative move consisted of dovetailing everyday functionality and a sense of everlasting durability with an all-wheel drive and a double-charged engine. Ever since the founding of this fundamental principle, the high-performance station wagon has consistently been able to call upon a devoted fanbase.
A lineup of Audi RS 6 models
This year saw the introduction of the Audi RS 6 Avant GT, a limited-number estate car – the last in the model’s lineage – that takes its cues from the RS 6 GTO apprentice-project concept that itself was inspired by an Audi racer from the late 1980s.
As a result, the statement design has been slapped with a highly stylised, distinctive exterior – sizeable 22-inch wheels in white; a strong use of carbon fibre on the bonnet; a livery wrap that feels like a contemporary take on go-faster-stripe styles (there is a choice of colourways) – that appears better placed for the track than cul-de-sacs.
Powering it is that classic twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, allowing for a top speed of 190mph (this is the first RS 6 without roof rails, so as not to affect wind flow). Inside, there are premium bucket seats, and a black palette that’s accented with red and copper, as seen on the door armrests and the steering-wheel stitching. Tying things up is the fact that this version of the universally beloved model has been made in a run of only 660 units, including 60 for the UK – a statement mic drop from this seminal, forever coveted carrier of families, suitcases and weekly shops.
This feature was taken from our Spring 2024 issue. Read more about it here.
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