Audi RS6 Avant launches from $225,000, to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds

Standard equipment includes 21-inch five-spoke titanium look alloy wheels, all-LED headlights, adaptive air suspension, a quattro sports differential, head-up display, panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, electric steering column adjustment, 14-speaker Bose audio with DVD changer, satellite navigation, and electrically adjustable RS sports seats.

Optional kit for our market includes a carbon styling package ($8500); dynamic package featuring variable ratio ‘dynamic’ steering, RS sports suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) and a regulated 280km/h top speed ($4900); dynamic package plus incorporating all of the above plus ceramic brakes and a 305km/h top speed ($25,840); an exclusive design package with honeycomb quilted leather, red stitching, RS embossing on front sports seats, and ‘exclusive’ floor mats and seat belts ($13,900); and an assistance package featuring night vision display highlighting pedestrians, auto park assist, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function, and active lane assist and side assist ($10,375).

A1200-watt 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system is also available as a $12,000 stand alone option.

Powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 412kW at 5700-6600rpm and 700Nm from 1750-5500rpm, the wagon-only RS6 weighs 100kg less than its V10-engined predecessor, at 2010kg.

Sending drive to all wheels – split 60 per cent rear, but variable – via an eight-speed automatic, the RS6 Avant gets from standstill to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds. When it’s not doing that frequently, stop-start and cylinder deactivation technology helps it slurp 9.8L/100km on the official combined cycle.

Audi Australia has already secured 30 deposits for its ultra-fast wagon flagship, almost half the number of previous generation RS6 models sold during its entire four-year tenure.

Although the Audi RS6 Avant is not officially on sale until October, the local arm is taking orders now. It also secured three production cars for the local media to drive from Alice Springs to Uluru at the weekend, timed to coincide with the brand’s first local advertising campaign, dubbed ‘Land of quattro’.

Look out for our first drive review of the Audi RS6 Avant soon.