The all-new 2021 RS 6 Avant, freshly recognized by readers of influential German publication auto motor und sport as having the best new design features among full-size models included in the prestigious Autonis Awards, celebrates 25 years of Audi Sport station wagons that combine the dynamics and performance of a supercar with the utility and practicality of a station wagon.
The model’s introduction in the Philippines further strengthens Audi Sport’s lineup in the country, which is presently composed of the phenomenal five-cylinder-powered RS 3 Sedan and the RS Q8, the current lap record-holder among production SUVs at the Nurburgring. Bucking the current trend in the local luxury car segment, all the latest Audi Sport vehicles in the country are 2021-year models—not carryovers from the previous year.
Audi Sport, the high-performance division of Audi AG, develops and builds the RS models. A number of these models are set to join the RS 6 Avant, RS 3 Sedan and RS Q8 in Audi Sport’s lineup in the Philippines this year. Included among the models is the Audi Sport-developed R8 supercar, which is scheduled to be launched soon.
Key characteristics of the all-new RS 6 Avant include a front end made aggressive by a gloss-black Singleframe grille, extended side air inlets, and a hood boasting of a power dome. Just as distinct are its quattro blisters over the wheel arches, RS-specific sills with black inserts, a roof edge spoiler, and an RS-specific bumper marked by a gloss-black rear diffuser and other design elements. An RS exhaust system with oval tailpipes hint at the car’s power and performance.
Providing prodigious power to the all-new RS 6 Avant is a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo, TFSI gasoline V8 that makes 600hp and 800Nm of torque. This output, which allows the high-performance station wagon to sprint from rest to 100 km/h in only 3.6 seconds, and to 200 km/h in 12 seconds, is accompanied by a full-bodied, unmistakable V8 sound which can be tuned via the Audi drive select system. Drive select governs the all-new RS 6 Avant’s engine and transmission management, steering, and quattro all-wheel drive.
Also fitted to the engine is a mild-hybrid system that lets the all-new RS 6 Avant to coast for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off, and for start/stop operation at speeds of up to 22 km/h. Further boosting efficiency is the cylinder-on-demand system that switches off some cylinders at certain speeds and load.
An eight-speed tiptronic transmission tuned for quick shifting sends the power produced by the 4.0 TFSI V8 to the quattro system, which uses a mechanical center differential that distributes the power to the front and rear axles depending on available traction. Up to 70 percent of the power can be sent to the front, and as much as 85 percent to the rear. Aiding traction even more is the wheel-selective torque control. Guaranteeing the best possible contact with the road are 22-inch sport alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires.
In the Philippines, the all-new RS 6 Avant is equipped with the RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control. The system integrates pitch and roll stabilization by using steel springs and three-way adjustable dampers, instantly counteracting the vehicle body’s movements. Set in comfort mode, it ensures a smooth ride quality. In dynamic program, it delivers extraordinary driving precision even when cornering at high speed.
Matched to these performance features is a roomier interior with increased luggage space. The cabin is fitted with a perforated leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel; RS aluminum shift paddles; RS sport seats; and plenty of RS and RS 6 badges. The car’s all-digital operating system has a black-panel design, and an “RS Monitor” display provides information on the temperature of the vehicle’s drive components, g-force figures, and tire pressure, among others. Numerous driver-assist systems keep the all-new RS 6 Avant comfortable, efficient and safe.