Is the 2025 Audi RS 6 Avant a Good Car? 4 Pros, 2 Cons

For the 2024 model year, Audi made some notable updates to the performance-focused RS 6 Avant wagon, not the least of which squeezed yet more power out of its already potent twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine. The juiced-up wagon’s other changes include a weight loss program that shaved about 60 pounds from its overall weight. The net result is a sharp-handling car with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.3 seconds.

Related: 2024 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance Review: Long Roof, Long Fun

The American market has never embraced the idea of a performance station wagon as much as its European counterpart, but we still have the privilege of choosing between upscale alternatives such as the BMW M5 Touring and upcoming 2026 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid Wagon. All provide better handling and a more dynamic driving experience than an SUV while still offering seating for five occupants, more cargo room than a sedan and standard all-wheel drive. For 2025, the RS 6 Avant GT joined the Performance trim in the lineup and added goodies such as a carbon-fiber hood and front fenders.

Cars.com’s West Coast Editor Conner Golden spent time with an RS 6 Avant Performance on both the crowded highways and the twisty canyons of Southern California, and he came away impressed with this wagon’s performance — but not all is perfect. Tap the link above to read his expert review; for a quicker rundown, read on to learn four things we like about the Audi RS 6 Avant and two things we do not.

What Do We Like About the Audi RS 6 Avant?

1. Old-School Powertrain

With a honkin’ twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 under the hood, the RS 6 Avant takes a more old-school approach to horsepower than most modern performance cars and their hybrid or all-electric powertrains. Instead of adding a battery and electric motors, engineers gave the V-8 larger turbos and other tweaks, sizzling the wick for another 30 hp. Combined with its 48-volt mild-hybrid system, the wagon’s total output increases to 621 hp and 627 pounds-feet of torque. With an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, the RS 6 Avant is ferociously quick yet refined, all the while cranking out evocative V-8 thunder.

2. Commendable Cabin

The RS 6 Avant’s interior vibe is typical of a modern Audi, with quality materials and an upscale ambiance that combines traditional luxury cues with modern tech. A heavily digitized dashboard combines three vivid displays and Audi’s excellent MMI infotainment interface. If that’s not enough, an available Executive Package adds soft-close doors, extended leather and heated rear seats. Other options include a Bang & Olufsen sound system and night-vision tech.

3. Weight Loss Program

Reduced sound insulation, a new wheel design and a lighter center differential all add up to shave about 60 pounds in curb weight, which helps keep this Audi barely under the 5,000-pound mark. While it’s no lightweight, the RS 6 Avant is respectably agile for a five-seat wagon, and 621 hp is more than enough to make this car incredibly quick.

4. Canyon Carver

With massive P285/30R Continental SportContact 7 summer tires mounted on 22-inch wheels, the RS 6 Avant serves up buckets of grip and smooth power transfer to help rip through corners with ease. An adaptive air suspension helps smooth out the rough stuff, but it’s still on the firm side even in its most civilized setting. The Audi’s electric power steering is accurate (though it lacks feel), while massive disc brakes provide lots of stopping power and are easy to modulate.

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• Research the Audi RS 6 Avant

What Do We Dislike About the Audi RS 6 Avant?

1. Big-Tire Blues

The RS 6 Avant’s standard adaptive air suspension does a commendable job smoothing out rough surfaces, but it can only compensate for those big 22-inch wheels and fat summer tires so much. Even on the suspension’s softest setting, we experienced more road noise and impact harshness than expected.

2. Act Now

Wagons have been on the endangered species list for years, and that goes double for performance wagons. Add in that the RS 6 Avant is still powered by a V-8 when others have gone to more fuel-efficient powertrains and its days would seem to be more limited than most. If a long roof with the performance of a sports sedan is on your shopping list, it might be wise to start shopping soon.

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