2025 Audi RS6 review
The Audi RS 6 is a high-performance station wagon with seating for five people. Its blend of raw speed and utility–as provided by its roomy trunk and rear liftgate–makes it an intriguing alternative to both sedans and SUVs. A twin-turbocharged V8 with upward of 591 horsepower is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Helping to keep all this power under control is Audi’s Quattro® all-wheel drive that’s fitted as standard. Based on the A6 sedan, the RS 6 serves as the halo sport model of the range.
Explore the evolution of the Audi RS 6
Get our expert take on used Audi RS 6 models, or view year-by-year changes.
First generation Audi RS6
After a nearly 20-year hiatus, the RS 6 returned to the Audi lineup starting with the 2021 model year. This low-slung sport wagon combines supercar-like levels of speed with the trunk space typically associated with an SUV. Offered only in one trim level, aptly called Performance, there are still plenty of options. These include bundles of features dedicated to either driver-assist tech (the Driver Assistance package) or comfort touches like heated rear seats, soft-close doors, and upgraded leather upholstery (the Executive package). Stand-alone options consist of a sport exhaust system, carbon-ceramic brakes, and a Bang & Olufsen® surround-sound stereo.
It’s also worth mentioning that Audi prefers the debonair Avant label, versus calling the RS 6 a mere station wagon. No matter which name you prefer, the RS 6 is extremely fast and requires only 3.3 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph. And even though it rolls on large 21-inch or available 22-inch wheels, the ride is surprisingly smooth and comfortable. The brakes are also more than capable of bringing things to an equally rapid and controlled halt.
Model highlights
Twin-turbocharged V8
Incredible acceleration
Smooth suspension
Cutting-edge infotainment system
All-wheel drive is standard
Roomy trunk thanks to wagon body style
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2021 - present
2025 Audi RS6
2024 Audi RS6
Highlights
Limited-production Bronze Edition added to the lineup
Twin-turbocharged V8 got 30-horsepower boost to 621 horsepower
Learn more
2023 Audi RS6
2022 Audi RS6
Highlights
Dynamic Ride Control suspension became available
New RS Design package available
Black Optic and Carbon Optic design packages featured 22-inch alloy wheels
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2021 Audi RS6
Highlights
All-new model
Twin-turbocharged 591-horsepower V8
Quattro® all-wheel drive
Learn more
Nick Kurczewski has been writing about cars for more than 20 years, and his enthusiasm for journalism has led him to cover auto-related stories around the world. From blasting down the German autobahn to covering every major auto show, his stories have appeared in the New York Times, Car and Driver, U.S. News & World Report, Kelley Blue Book, Cars.com and the New York Daily News, where he served as head editor. Having once aspired to be a Formula One racer, Nick discovered sharing his passion for cars as a journalist is just as thrilling as dreaming of pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix.
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