What Would You Buy with $AllTheMoney? The 2024 Audi RS 6 Avant Is a Strong Contender
Many of us have entertained the delightful thought experiment: "What would you buy with $AllTheMoney?" For car aficionados, the 2024 Audi RS 6 Avant might be a dream come true. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to take this high-performance wagon for a spin, first during its initial launch and later in my hometown of Agoura Hills, California. The experience felt almost custom-made for me, as though Audi had tapped into my ideal automotive wishlist. Here’s my detailed take on this marvel, with a few mild gripes included, naturally.
Wheel Issues in Different Geographies
Fresh off a jaunt to Germany, where I test-drove the new Panamera E-Hybrid and previewed the 911 GTS T-Hybrid, I picked up the RS 6 Avant at LAX. German roads are notably smoother, and on them, the RS 6 Avant’s optional 22-inch wheels ($3,750) provided a comfortable ride. However, back in California, these large wheels struggled with the state’s less forgiving road conditions. The adaptive air suspension did its best, but the standard 21-inch wheels are a more practical choice.
Let’s Talk Exhaust – This Car Sounds Phenomenal
One of the RS 6 Avant’s most delightful features is its exhaust system, featuring three settings: Quiet, Auto, and On. Even on its loudest setting, the car manages to stay under the radar during normal acceleration, adding a stealthy allure to its appeal.
Why Bother with a High-Performance SUV?
Driving the RS 6 Avant through the winding roads of the Santa Monica Mountains dispelled any doubts about its agility. Despite its size, the car feels nimble and quick, with a dynamic shift in handling that makes it both reassuring and thrilling.
Versatile and Practical
While high-performance SUVs like the X5 M Competition offer their own sets of pros, the RS 6 Avant is a fantastic blend of performance and practicality. Compared to my old A4-based Allroad, the RS 6 Avant has more backseat space and a better load area, making it perfect for family trips.
The Heart of the Beast: Its Engine
This wagon’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, capable of hitting 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. The difference in power delivery between the various driving modes is significant, with Dynamic mode offering intensely responsive throttle and braking.
Superb Steering
Audi’s recent RS models boast impressive steering capabilities, reminiscent of the tactile feedback you’d expect from higher-end sports cars. The RS 6 Avant is no exception, offering quick, eager steering, especially in Dynamic mode.
Interior Marvel: The Twin-Screen Setup
Audi’s dual-screen setup might be aging, but it remains a benchmark for usability and style. The haptic feedback on the screens—which makes it feel like you’re pressing physical buttons—is both practical and satisfying.
Minor Gripes: Digital Overload
The all-digital instrument panel could be simplified. While it offers multiple designs, all are overly cluttered with information. Important readouts like speed should be more prominent.
Options Galore
Starting at $126,895, the RS 6 Avant comes with a plethora of optional packages and features, some of which perhaps should be standard at this price point. My ideal configuration would include adaptive cruise control, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and Ascari Blue paint, bringing the total to $127,490.
In conclusion, the 2024 Audi RS 6 Avant checks a wide array of boxes, delivering performance and practicality wrapped in a stylish package. It’s a daily driver, a weekend canyon car, and a family road-trip chariot rolled into one. It’s truly a car for those who want it all. Chef’s kiss.
