2025 Audi RS6 Avant Review

2025 Audi RS6 Avant – Overview

The Audi RS6 Avant station wagon is a remarkable anomaly in today’s automotive landscape. Combining a powerful twin-turbo V8, Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel-drive system, and a precision-tuned chassis, it transforms the traditional family wagon into a bona fide high-performance machine. For 2024, Audi boosted the RS6’s output from 591 to 621 horsepower, introducing the “Performance” variant. Building on that momentum, the 2025 lineup welcomes the 2025 Audi RS6 Avant GT — a lighter, more track-focused version featuring a chassis optimized for exceptional handling and unique styling cues.

Despite its impressive athleticism, the RS6 Avant remains a practical and luxurious wagon. It comfortably seats five occupants with premium interior materials and modern infotainment tech. The rear hatch reveals a generous 30 cubic feet of cargo space, living up to the wagon’s practical promise. Its muscular stance is highlighted by aggressive aerodynamic accents, yet it avoids being overly flashy.

With former wagon rivals like the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon and Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo now discontinued, the RS6 Avant occupies a rarefied niche of its own. Its closest competitors are performance SUVs such as the BMW X5 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S — vehicles that deliver plenty of excitement but lack the exclusivity and unique appeal of Audi’s high-performance Avant.

When Is The 2025 Audi RS6 Avant Coming Out?

Audi has announced that the 2025 RS6 Avant will hit dealerships in the U.S. and Europe starting in late 2024, with orders opening in the summer of 2024. The timing follows Audi’s typical model cycle, ensuring that the 2025 RS6 Avant arrives with the latest engineering upgrades and technology innovations. Early reviews and press drives have already demonstrated the model’s strong potential to impress enthusiasts and luxury wagon fans alike.

What’s New for 2025 Audi RS6 Avant?

For 2025, Audi introduces the exclusive RS6 Avant GT, a limited-edition model with only 660 units available worldwide. This special variant stands out with distinct cosmetic and aerodynamic enhancements, including carbon fiber front fenders and hood, a redesigned rear diffuser, a unique roof spoiler, and exclusive 22-inch wheels. The RS6 Avant GT also sports a striking decal package inspired by the legendary 1989 Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO race car, paying homage to Audi’s motorsport heritage.

Buyers can choose from six distinctive exterior colors: Arkona White, Nardo Gray, Chronos Gray Metallic, Madeira Brown Metallic, and Mythos Black Metallic. Beyond looks, the RS6 Avant GT benefits from mechanical upgrades such as a specially tuned rear differential, an adjustable coilover suspension with customizable dampers, and reinforced anti-roll bars — all designed to sharpen handling and elevate driving dynamics.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 Audi RS6 Avant starts at $127,895, with fully loaded models reaching up to $200,195, depending on trim levels and optional features.

While the new RS6 Avant GT is undeniably tempting — thanks to its exclusive graphics and limited production run — we believe the Performance model offers the best value for most buyers. It’s likely just a fraction slower than the GT’s blistering pace but comes with a significantly lower price tag.

When it comes to exterior colors, expect to pay a premium for anything beyond the standard grays. Our pick? The striking Ascari Blue Metallic — a bold and elegant choice. Adding the Black Optic package is a must for those wanting a more aggressive aesthetic, featuring blacked-out exterior accents and sleek 22-inch wheels wrapped in summer performance tires.

For those craving the full 190 mph top speed, carbon-ceramic brakes are required, though we’d recommend prioritizing comfort upgrades like the massaging front seats and the Executive package, which adds extra leather surfaces, heated rear seats, soft-close doors, and a head-up display.

And of course, no RS6 Avant experience is complete without the optional sport exhaust, letting you fully savor the intoxicating roar of the twin-turbo V8.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Both the Audi RS6 Avant Performance and the all-new 2025 RS6 Avant GT are powered by a potent 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, delivering an impressive 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Complementing this powerhouse is an integrated 48-volt mild-hybrid system, similar to those found in the Audi A8 luxury sedan and Q8 SUV, which helps smooth power delivery and improve efficiency.

Power is channeled through a slick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission to Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which ensures exceptional traction and handling in all conditions. Beyond the raw numbers, the RS6 Avant delights drivers with its razor-sharp handling, instantaneous throttle response, and a deeply satisfying exhaust note that emphasizes its performance pedigree.

The transmission shifts firmly yet smoothly, never feeling harsh or abrupt. Dynamic driving aids like four-wheel steering and a torque-vectoring rear differential enhance agility, making the RS6 feel surprisingly nimble for a car of its size. The braking system is equally impressive — our test car decelerated from 70 mph to a stop in just 160 feet, providing confident stopping power.

For those seeking the ultimate braking performance, Audi offers carbon-ceramic brakes as an option. This upgrade not only improves fade resistance and reduces weight but also unlocks an increased top speed of 190 mph. These carbon-ceramic brakes come standard on the RS6 Avant GT, a model we recently experienced on European roads and found exceptionally rewarding for enthusiasts.

0–60-MPH Times

Audi officially rates the RS6 Avant Performance with a 3.3-second sprint from 0 to 60 mph. However, in our own testing with an earlier 2021 RS6 Avant model—which had 36 fewer horsepower—we managed to achieve a quicker 3.1-second time. This suggests the RS6 Avant has even more potential than advertised.

The new RS6 Avant GT, despite sharing the same 621-hp engine as the Performance model, benefits from a lighter curb weight and a revised rear differential. Audi claims these enhancements will shave an additional 0.3 seconds off the 0–60 time, potentially placing the GT in the high two-second range—a performance level that rivals many supercars.

If these numbers hold true in independent tests, the RS6 Avant GT solidifies its status as one of the fastest and most thrilling wagons on the planet.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2025 Audi RS6 Avant is estimated to achieve around 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, figures that align closely with competitors like the Mercedes-AMG E63 S and Porsche Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo.

While official EPA ratings provide a useful benchmark, real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving habits and conditions. Once we complete our own extensive 75-mph highway fuel economy testing—part of our standard evaluation process—we’ll have a clearer picture of how the RS6 Avant performs on the road.

For the latest official fuel economy details, be sure to check the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Step inside the 2025 Audi RS6 Avant, and you’re greeted by a cabin that expertly blends sophistication with cutting-edge technology. The driver’s view is dominated by a sharp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing customizable displays of key information. The center stack features two large touchscreen displays that handle infotainment and climate controls with intuitive responsiveness.

Luxury abounds throughout the interior, with high-quality leather upholstery complemented by sporty accents and premium materials that elevate the overall ambiance. Standard comfort features include heated and ventilated front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless phone charging.

For those willing to spend a bit more, Audi offers options like a head-up display, massaging front seats, upgraded leather surfaces, and heated rear seats, all designed to increase passenger comfort and luxury.

True to its Avant roots, the wagon delivers practical versatility with 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. A power-operated rear liftgate comes standard, with a convenient motion-activated liftgate available as an upgrade.

The new Performance trim adds sporty touches with blue accents on the contrasting stitching and seatbelts, enhancing the cabin’s dynamic feel.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2025 Audi RS6 Avant features a 10.1-inch touchscreen as the centerpiece of its infotainment system, providing crisp visuals and easy access to a wide range of functions. Standard connectivity includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in navigation, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot to keep passengers connected on the go.

Below the main display, an 8.6-inch touchscreen controls climate settings and other vehicle functions. While both screens use large, user-friendly icons for intuitive operation, some drivers may find the dual-screen layout distracting—particularly the lower display, which requires glancing away from the road more frequently.

Longtime Audi fans might miss the traditional scroll knob that was once a staple of the brand’s infotainment interface, as it allowed easier, more tactile control without needing to look down.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2025 Audi RS6 Avant may be a high-performance machine, but it doesn’t compromise when it comes to safety. Audi equips the RS6 with a robust selection of driver-assistance features, designed to enhance both active safety and driver confidence during daily commuting or high-speed touring.

Standard safety systems include essential technologies such as forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, which monitor for potential hazards and apply the brakes automatically when needed to help avoid or reduce the severity of a crash.

Available advanced driver-assistance features include:

• Adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.

• Lane-keeping assist, which gently steers the RS6 to help it stay centered in its lane.

• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which improve visibility and awareness when changing lanes or reversing out of tight parking spots.

• Night vision assistance, a rare feature in this segment, uses thermal imaging to detect pedestrians and large animals beyond the reach of the headlights, especially useful during nighttime driving in rural areas.

While official crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are not yet available specifically for the 2025 RS6 Avant, Audi’s commitment to safety and the car’s extensive list of available technologies suggest strong performance in crashworthiness and collision-avoidance categories.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi offers warranty coverage for the 2025 RS6 Avant that matches the industry standard for luxury performance vehicles, closely aligning with what’s provided by key competitors like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. However, Audi falls slightly short when it comes to complimentary maintenance.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Limited Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance: Not included

While the warranty itself is competitive, the absence of complimentary maintenance means buyers will need to cover the cost of routine service appointments, such as oil changes and inspections, out of pocket. This is a notable drawback when compared to brands like BMW, which include scheduled maintenance for the first few years.

Still, Audi’s reputation for build quality and durability, combined with comprehensive warranty coverage, should offer peace of mind to most RS6 Avant owners.

2025 Audi RS6 Avant Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 Audi RS6 Avant remains a rare gem in today’s automotive landscape—a high-performance wagon that delivers sports-car thrills with everyday usability. Its blistering twin-turbo V8, refined handling, and sumptuous interior make it a dream for enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on practicality.

Whether you’re carving twisty roads, cruising highways, or loading up for weekend adventures, the RS6 Avant is a master of all trades. Though pricey, it offers a unique combination of power, luxury, and space that few competitors can match. If you seek a high-performance vehicle with the versatility of a wagon, the 2025 Audi RS6 Avant deserves your serious consideration.

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