Road test: Audi RS 6 Avant

Lots of people need the load-lugging capabilities of an estate, but not many need to accelerate their 1,680 litres of luggage from rest to 62mph in a neck-jarring 3.9 seconds. For those who do, Audi has it covered.

The new third generation Audi RS 6 Avant is the fastest of this exclusive category of hyper-estates, and although its engine size has shrunk from a five-litre V10 to a four-litre V8 twin turbo, I doubt you’ll find it lacking in grunt. With a top speed of up to 189mph and 700Nm of torque, acceleration is equal to that of a Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera.

On the road it is a doddle to drive, the ride is pretty good and fuel consumption of around 28.8mpg is more than 40 per cent better than before. It can also automatically shut down half its cylinders when less power is needed. Equipment levels are good — the RS 6 has xenon all-weather headlights, a powered tailgate, four-zone air-con and an optional 1,200-watt Bose sound system.

Audi has been planning this model for 10 years and it shows. It could be this attention to detail that has filtered a little fun out of the car, which, capable and fast as it is, isn’t quite as thrilling as it is on paper.

Audi RS 6 Avant
Top speed: 189mph;
MPG: 28.8;
Emissions: 229g/km;
Price: £76,985