Drive Audi RS6 Avant, Flying without wings (Part 2)

Drive Audi RS6 Avant, Flying without wings (Part 2)

If in the mood for some fun, putting the RS6 in Dynamic mode won’t disappoint. Gear changes are lightning-quick, the exhaust snarls more aggressively and the huge wagon leaps forward with every application of the throttle pedal. The suspension also stiffens up, but never feels harsh. The steering gains heft, too, but fortunately, it doesn’t exhibit the rubbery feel that plagues some lesser Audis.

Set this big car up for a corner and the RS6 remains surefooted, balanced and neutral. The optional Dynamic Ride Control system (DRC, a set of diagonally opposed linked dampers) fitted to our test car certainly works, keeping excessive body roll and yaw in check.

Set this big car up for a corner and the RS6 remains surefooted, balanced and neutral.

While the standard air suspension would make the RS6’s ride more supple, it would almost certainly never match the level of agility afforded by the DRC. It may cost an extra $5,842, but this is a worthwhile option for drivers wanting to fully exploit the handling capabilities of this remarkable car.

For even more fun, turn the electronic stability control off. The wow factor goes up several notches, with the whole car feeling even more agile and manic. Choose the right line, charge into a corner and it drifts ever so controllably, while its attitude remains almost flat.

The wow factor goes up several notches, with the whole car feeling even more agile and manic.

Given how much has been modified over the S6 to achieve the RS6’s tremendous performance, it could make one more accepting of the $90,000 difference in price between the two cars. Tempering that yawning gulf in both price tags further are the fittings reserved just for the RS6.

Aesthetic touches include macho-looking flared fenders, a wide body kit and model specific bumpers, with a pair of enormous oval tailpipes emerging from an equally enormous rear diffuser. There’s also a set of 21-inch wheels with “wavy” brake rotors peeking out underneath to leave one in no doubt the RS6 is at the top of the A6 heap.

It’s something that continues in the interior as well, as its cabin is bristling with RS-specific touches – the most apparent of which is the upholstery with its honeycomb motif (echoing the car’s grille) for the supportive bucket seats. Other racy bits include carbon fibre inlays; a boost gauge; a flat-bottomed, RS-badged steering wheel; and aluminium pedals.

Other racy bits include carbon fibre inlays; a boost gauge; a flat-bottomed, RS-badged steering wheel; and aluminium pedals.

With all that power, refinement and practicality, to bill the Audi RS6 Avant as desirable is a serious understatement. It may cost a king’s ransom, but if money is no object, it’s a brilliant car to have. And if lady luck shines on me and I win the lottery, this “special thing” (to quote Westlife again) would definitely find itself in my garage.