2021 Audi RS 6 Avant

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Rating8.6

Ranked #1 in 

Fullsize Wagon
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$109,000
Starting Price 

Year

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 1, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

A bonkers V8 under the hood

Low fuel economy

The 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant from the German manufacturer is an entirely new model, with immense features and impressive performance specs, balancing perfectly between comfort and performance

Well-equipped cabin

Limited cargo storage

Impressive safety scores

More features would cost more

Comfortable and compliant ride

Engaging to drive

Specs & Features

$109,000

price

591 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

590 lb.-ft. @ 2050 rpm

torque

8-Speed Automatic w/od

transmission

4.0L 8cyl AWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Audi has launched its flagship wagon, the RS 6 Avant for the 2021 model year, owing to the fair share of demand for high-performance wagons. The 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant is a fresh face to the wagon market, with impressive performance, sleek but stylish design, and luxurious interiors.

Buying Advice

Being a standalone trim, the RS 6 Avant is the only choice you shall have with the vehicle. The trim is plentifully equipped with all the features one shall expect at this price point. However, you shall go for additions and packages at extra costs for better features.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The new entrant is offered at a base price of $109,000, which is best in terms of value for money, as it competes with the pricier and well-established rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon and the Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo. 

Features

The Audi RS 6 Avant is offered only in a single trim for this year. The standalone trim itself is well-equipped and priced perfectly. An RS Tribute edition would also be available, limited to 25 units, as a part of the 25thAnniversary of the first RS wagon. 

Audi offers many packages for the RS 6 Avant. It offers carbon and black optics package, grey, blue, and red ceramic brakes packages, a sport-exhaust with a black finishing package, and an executive package for aesthetics. 

You shall also get a driver-assistance package and extra options such as the Night Vision Assistance and the Bang & Olufsen 3D advanced sound system.

Trim

RS 6 Avant

MSRP

$109,000

Key Features

Audi virtual cockpit

 

Dual Centre Display (10.1’ upper and 8.6’ lower)

 

Heated steering wheel with RS Paddle Shifters

 

HD Matrix-design LED Headlights

 

Leather seats with honeycomb stitching

 

Top-view camera

 

Audi Drive Select

 

Audi advanced key

Which trim should you buy?

Being a standalone trim, the RS 6 Avant is the only choice you shall have with the vehicle. The trim is plentifully equipped with all the features one shall expect at this price point. However, you shall go for additions and packages at extra costs for better features.

Fuel Economy
7.5/10

EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of the RS 6 Avant are found to be 15 MPG in the city, 22 MPG on highways, and 17 MPG combined. The 19.3-gallon fuel tank with the low economy ratings brings in a significant decrease in the range figures, which means you should have to make frequent stops at the fuel station. The performance-tuned V8 is somewhat thirsty, but the figures are sufficient and satisfying as far as the class is concerned.

Models

2021 Audi RS 6 Avant

2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon

2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo

MPG (City)

15

16

15

MPG (Highway)

22

23

21

MPG (Combined)

17

18

17

Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons)

19.3

21.1

23.7

Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)

289/424/328

337/485/379

355/497/402

The Merc-AMG E 63 S Wagon is the best in the competition when it comes to fuel economy figures. It gets 1 MPG more in the city or on the highway than what the rivals offer. However, the Porsche Panamera, with its 23.7-gallon fuel tank gets the best-in-class range figures, making it more convenient for longer rides.

Interior
8.5/10

Like any other Audi, the RS 6 Avant gets the best interior layout with immense sophistication and tech-tweaks. Seating 5 people comfortably, the cabin is spacious and feature-loaded. The Valcona leather upholstery, either in black with contrast stitching or in Cognac Brown, takes the level of comfort to the top-notch. The 10-way power-adjustable RS Sport front seats are heated and ventilated. They also get power-lumbar adjustments. The cabin ergonomics are noteworthy, thanks to the minimalistic but modern design.

The occupants are seated comfortably within the cabin aided by four-zone automatic climate control, no matter what the weather outside is. The Audi virtual cockpit offers an impressive in-cabin experience to the driver and passengers. You get ambient LED lightings, which would enhance the vibe inside. One shall opt for the Multi-contour seat package, which features 18-way power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation facilities. The RS 6 Avant gets a cargo capacity of 30 cubic feet, which is decent but not the best.

Models

2021 Audi RS 6 Avant

2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon

2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)

38.3/57.8/41.3

37.5/57.8/41.7

N/A

Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)

39.5/56.5/37.4

38.2/57.1/36.1

N/A

Cargo Capacity (cubic feet)

30

35

18.3

The Audi RS 6 Avant and Merc-AMG E 63 S Wagon are too close in terms of interior space. Both have marginal differences but are plentifully roomy. The figures of Porsche Panamera aren’t currently available to compare. Coming to the cargo department, the AMG E 63 S Wagon is the biggest, followed by the RS 6 Avant. However, the cargo capacity of the Porsche Panamera is noticeably lower than the rivals.

Some of the standout interior features are as follows:

  • 10-way power-adjustable RS Sport front seats
  • Heated and Ventilated seats
  • Valcona leather upholstery
  • Four-zone automatic climate control
  • Ambient LED lights
  • Heated steering wheel with steering-mounted controls
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

What’s there to keep you entertained?

Audi’s Virtual Cockpit gets you a lot of things to be engaged with. The dual central display itself makes the cabin look and feel premium. The 10.1-inch screen above, with the MMI touch response, shows an impressive experience and organized user interface. The 8.6-inch screen below lets you control other settings including the climate settings. You shall also find important controls mounted on the steering wheel as well. Many enthusiasts believe that the screen setup shall be quite distracting to the driver. However, it offers the most convenience and ease of use.

The entertainment front is fully equipped with all advanced and demanded features. Connectivity of all types is implemented, say Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, SiriusXM, Radio, Wi-Fi Hotspot, and everything else. The Audi Phone Box and Garage Open Link are also standard. 

The infotainment system is paired with a 16-speaker Bang and Olufsen 3D Premium sound system, which shall be upgraded to a 19-speaker Advanced sound system with the executive package. The Audi Connect feature is another notable feature that lets you schedule locations, access real-time weather data, and so on.

Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:

  • Dual central display
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • SiriusXM
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • 16-speaker Bang and Olufsen 3D Premium sound system
  • Audi Connect

Exterior
9.0/10

The 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant is stylish and aggressive and compliments the beautifully laid interiors. The big wheels, improved front fascia, and RS-specific grille catch every eye when on the road. The unique LED Matrix headlights and dynamic DRLs add fashion to the motion. It is longer from the side profile but handles easier than one might expect. The Singleframe grille definitely lets it stand unique.

As said, the RS 6 Avant is the heaviest in the competition. The overall body design is sleek. The carbon-fiber splitter and rear spoilers add to the detailing. The wagon is good-looking and competitive to the rivals. The elegant but intelligent German engineering is visible in every element.

Models

2021 Audi RS 6 Avant

2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon

2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo

Curb Weight (lbs)

4,960

4,669

4,397

Length (inches)

196.7

197.1

198.8

Width (inches)

76.8

75.1

76.3

Height (inches)

58.6

58

56.2

Ground Clearance (inches)

4.5

5.0

4.7

Wheelbase (inches)

115.3

115.7

122

The Porsche Panamera is the longest in the class followed by AMG E 63 S Wagon. However, RS 6 Avant is the widest and tallest in the competition. Merc-AMG gets the most ground clearance while Porsche gets the longest wheelbase.

Some of the standout exterior features include the following:

  • 21-inch wheels
  • RS-specific Singleframe front grille
  • LED Matrix Headlights
  • Dynamic DRLs
  • Rear Spoilers

Safety
9.0/10

Built on the trusted platform from Audi, the RS 6 Avant is surely sturdy and robust with its structure. Audi has been known for reliability and safety, and this vehicle is not going to differ. The vehicle hasn’t been rated yet, but the brand has never disappointed anyone on the safety front. The engineers there have been putting efforts to keep safety uncompromised with competitive performance and comfort.

Equipped with a wide range of sensors and response systems, the vehicle is kept safe from any collisions. The system keeps track of your surroundings and warns about any upcoming collisions with the Audi Pre-Sense. Driver assistance features such as a blind-spot monitor and Adaptive Cruise Control make your drives peaceful and hassle-free.

Some of the notable safety features include the following:

  • Blind-spot monitoring system
  • Audi Pre-Sense: Front and Rear
  • Audi side assist
  • Top-view camera system
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Hill hold assist

Competition
9.0/10

2021 Audi RS 6 Avant vs Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon

The costlier rival for the Audi RS 6 Avant is the Merc-AMG E 63 S Wagon. E 63 S Wagon has been an established wagon in the class, with good records of sales. The Mer-AMG badge has given enough boost to the popularity, which is complemented with the top-notch performance figures and engineering. Offering the best-in-class interior and technology, Merc-AMG is surely worthy of the price, as the RS 6 Avant is to its price.

2021 Audi RS 6 Avant vs Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo

The Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo is the priciest in the competition but falls short in features. The unique and standout exterior design makes it attractive, but coming to space on offer, practicality, or technology can only be placed below the RS 6 Avant. The noticeably less cargo space and lowered roofline shall not be complemented by all buyers.

Final Verdict

The 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant is one of the worthiest buys in the class. Offered at the lowest price in the competition, it would get you everything one shall expect. It is rich in features, promises athletic performance, a comfortable cabin, and uncompromised safety. The stylish and handsome exteriors complimented well by the modern and tech-packed interiors are an easy pick for you. 

Moreover, the standalone trim reduces confusion to the buyers and lets you upgrade to your favorite features with the available packages and options. The reliable German engineering would surely impress every buyer with the newly-entered Audi RS 6 Avant. 

Trims

    Base
    $109,000 onwards
    • 3 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Front passenger Lumbar support
    • Heated mirrors
    • Valcona leather Seat trim

Compare to similar cars

Price

$109,000

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.62

Horsepower

591 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

590 lb.-ft. @ 2050 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

2021 Audi RS 6 Avant vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    Source
    3.5 sec11.9 sec155 mph

    2021 Audi RS 6 Avant vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Source
      15 mpg22 mpg17 mpg19.3 gal.

      2021 Audi RS 6 Avant vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        Source
        196.7 in.76.8 in.58.6 in.4.2 in.115.3 in.

        2021 Audi RS 6 Avant vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          Source
          323.1 cu.ft.101.5 cu.ft.323.1 cu.ft.

          2021 Audi RS 6 Avant vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            Source
            323.1 cu.ft.323.1 cu.ft.323.1 cu.ft.67 ft.

            2021 Audi RS 6 Avant vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              Source
              1102 lbs.4960 lbs.

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