2026 Audi RS6MotorTrend - MotorTrendPros:Muscular V-8As practical as an SUVStands out from the crossover crowdCons:Very expensiveThirsty powertrainUndersteers at the limitPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2026 Audi RS 6 is a combination of rarities: a V-8 engine and a station wagon body. It's an intoxicating combination of luxury and performance, and it's practical enough for family duty, too.The competition is equally impressive. The RS 6 faces off against athletic rivals like the BMW M5 Touring, Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, and Mercedes-Benz E53 Hybrid Wagon.What's NewGT Edition is no moreAvailable blue brake calipersWhat We ThinkThe Audi RS 6 may be the ultimate sleeper car. This is one of the few vehicles on the road that can head straight from school drop-off duty to a racetrack, and it won't feel out of place at either.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor starters, it's shockingly fast. The twin-turbo V-8 delivers plenty of shove and a delightful soundtrack. The RS 6 acquits itself well in the corners, but it can't quite hide its considerable weight. Its reflexes aren't quite as sharp as a BMW M5 Touring, and its forward weight bias means it understeers at the limit.Most drivers won't mind, though. It's brilliant on a canyon road, and it happily transforms into a quiet, luxurious commuter on city streets. The air suspension does an admirable job insulating from road imperfections, and the cabin is likewise serenely quiet. Buyers looking for an alternative to the bland ubiquity of luxury crossovers should take notice: This wagon is just as practical, and to our eyes it's a far more stylish choice.The biggest argument against the RS 6 is its price. All three of the Taycan Cross Turismo, The E53 Hybrid Wagon, and the M5 Touring start cheaper than the big Audi. It isn't the quickest of that set, and it's by far the least efficient.Even so, the RS 6 is a difficult car to dislike. It's two cars in one—a sports car and a luxury hauler—and it just so happens to be great at both.Top-Ranked Competitors:BMW M5 TouringPorsche Taycan Cross TurismoMercedes-Benz E53 Hybrid WagonVolvo V90 Cross CountryAudi A6 AllroadMotorTrend TestedThe RS 6 Avant pairs a mighty 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 with a 48-volt mild hybrid assist. The system sends 621 hp and 627 lb-ft to all four wheels by way of an eight-speed automatic transmission.AdvertisementAdvertisementAudi claims the RS 6 will scoot from 0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds. Our tester fell just shy of that mark at 3.4 seconds, going on to finish the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds.Those are impressive numbers, but the super-wagon segment is full of fearsome performers. We clocked a BMW M5 Touring at 3.2 seconds from 0 to 60, and EV buyers might be tempted by a Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo.Still, it's hard to argue with the RS 6's straight-line speed. Enthusiasts should be mindful that this is not a track-tuned machine–the suspension is easily unsettled at the limit.MPGs and RangeThe mild hybrid system hasn't done much to improve the RS 6's fuel efficiency. The EPA estimates the big wagon will do 14/21 mpg city/highway and go 309 miles between fill-ups.AdvertisementAdvertisementAudi is again eclipsed by their rivals in this department. The BMW M5 Touring and Mercedes-Benz E53 Hybrid Wagon both offer meaningful all-electric range and combined mpg-e ratings in the 50s. We suggest looking elsewhere for fuel economy, especially if you can charge up at home.Safety Ratings and FeaturesThe RS 6 Avant doesn't sell enough volume to warrant crash testing, but Audi's station wagons have historically performed well in IIHS and NHTSA ratings.Safety features are a mixed bag. Audi includes a few basics: Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and a surround-view basics come standard. The rest of the features are bundled in the Driver Assistance package, which includes:Adaptive cruise controlBlind-spot monitorsLane keeping assistTraffic sign recognitionCargo Space and Interior RoomPracticality is one of the RS 6 Avant's greatest strengths. Rear legroom is strong compared to rivals, and the trunk can fit 30 cubic feet with the seats in place. Family buyers, take note: That's more volume than you'll find in a Q5.TechnologyInfotainmentThere's no shortage of screen space in the cabin of the RS 6. Infotainment runs through a central 10.1-inch touchscreen, and an 8.6-inch screen underneath handles HVAC and vehicle functions. The gauge cluster is yet another 12.3-inch screen.AdvertisementAdvertisementWe're not generally fans of button-free, screen-heavy interfaces, but haptic feedback in Audi's system does a decent job re-creating the feeling of a physical press. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a wireless charging pad all come standard.Options include:Head-up displayThermal night-vision assistSound SystemStandard 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audioAvailable 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround sound audioValueStandard FeaturesThe RS 6 is available in only one trim (Performance). One of the car's best tricks is its ability to morph from dragstrip monster to luxurious hauler at the drop of a hat. Standard kit is generous, as we'd hope for a car well into six-figure territory. Heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, an adaptive air suspension, and a power liftgate are all included.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf that's not enough, a few extras are available:Heated rear seatsRemote parking assistPower soft-close doorsMassage-capable contour seats
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