2020 Audi RS6 Avant performance estate shown in Frankfurt

Binder said the brief was to “give maximum performance without compromise” and that is reflected in the 565-litre luggage compartment, unchanged from the standard A6’s, which expands to 1680 litres with the 40/20/40 rear seats folded. 

As with the previous generation, the new RS6 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo TFSI petrol engine, now boosted by a 48V belt alternator/starter mild-hybrid system, which can recover up to 16bhp. The engine also utilises a cylinder-on-demand system that can shut off half of its cylinders to boost fuel economy. 

The powertrain produces 591bhp – up from the 552bhp of the previous standard model but slightly below the 596bhp offered by the 2016 Performance variant – with 590lb ft available between 2100rpm and 4500rpm. 

The new RS6 Avant can achieve 0-62mph in 3.6sec. A governed top speed of 155mph can be extended to 174mph or 189.5mph with the optional Dynamic and Dynamic Plus packages respectively. 

Power is sent to all four wheels, with a 40/60 split between the front and rear axle as standard, through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which features a launch control option and wheel-selective torque control. The dynamic packages add a sport differential. 

The Drive Select function gains configurable RS1 and RS2 modes, which are activated by an ‘RS mode’ button positioned on the steering wheel. As well as adjusting the engine and handling responses, they also enable bespoke information on the Virtual Cockpit system. 

The RS6 sits on 21in wheels as standard, with 22in wheels available as an option, and offers adaptive air suspension as standard. The RS6 rides 20mm lower than the standard A6 and it is lowered by an extra 10mm beyond 75mph. Sport suspension, featuring dynamic ride control, is optional. The standard steel brakes can be upgraded to ceramic discs. 

The RS6 Avant is due on sale in the UK in early 2020. Pricing has yet to be set, but expect a small increase over the £79,470 of the previous model. The RS6 Avant will also be sold in the US for the first time.

Q&A with Francesco D’Amore, RS6 Avant exterior designer

Is it a challenge styling a high-performance estate? 

“The [old] RS6 is a hero for us and we had to think about how to top it. It’s changed a lot from the standard A6. This is Darth Vader. It’s the autobahn killer.” 

Where did the design inspiration come from? 

“We looked at the old RS cars and wanted to go in a clear, clean direction. Audi cars are always simple and superprecise. The motorsport guys always say ‘we reduce, we don’t add’, so we just applied that here. From some angles, it looks like a DTM touring car.”