There is no denying that when it comes to building an uber-fast load-lugger, Audi is generally considered to be the expert in this field, having offered up a plethora of varying performance wagon models throughout the decades.
Whether it be the quirky 4.2-liter V8 A6 Allroad or the iconic 2.7-liter V6 Bi-Turbo S4, there is something seductively alluring about a fast Audi Avant and its incredible do-all attitude towards motoring. It's a car you can ask more of than most, and it will happily serve as a reliable daily driver, a family hauler, a work tool, and when called upon, a potential sports car killer.
The King of the range though is the RS6, an ever-evolving monster wagon, which has utilized a number of engine setups to ensure that with each model evolution it is capable of delivering enough grunt to embarrass supercars and make every road tremble beneath its tires. With a heavyweight status and performance stats to back up the claims, here's what makes the Audi RS6 Avant so awesome.
10 A Fast Wagon
The result of a collaboration between Audi and Porsche gave the world the fantastic limited edition RS2. Based on a five-door 80 Avant, Audi's first RS badged car was smothered with a parts list that read like a gearheads dream shopping list.
The Porsche-fettled 2.2-liter in-line 20-valve KKK turbocharged engine pumped out 315 hp while the Quattro all-wheel-drive system enabled breathtaking acceleration and road handling. Recaro seating, Brembo brakes from a Porsche 964, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds reinforced its supercar slaying credentials.
9 The 4.2 V8 (C5)
Having set the bar high for fast wagons with the RS2, Audi took their vast knowledge and experience of crafting excellent performance vehicles, and in 2002 released its first version of the RS6 into the wild.
Powered by a snarling, Cosworth-designed 4.2-liter bi-turbo V8, it produced a whopping 444 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque to ensure that the 0-60 was flattened in 4.1 seconds, whilst the quarter-mile whistled by in 12.9 seconds.
8 The 5.0 V10 (C6)
Upping its game once again with the development of the 2008 second-generation RS6, the team at Audi decided that nothing less than a V10 would do when it came to sourcing a suitable powerplant for its range-topping super wagon.
Boasting 571 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque the 5.0-liter TFSI V8 would launch the car to 100 mph in 9.9 seconds, that's 2 whole seconds faster than a C6 corvette. With an electronically restricted top speed of 155 mph, unchained, the mighty V10 would let the wagon knock on the 200 mph door.
7 The 4.0 V8 (C7)
With an industry shift to engine downsizing, the awesome V10 made way for a more technologically advanced 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8. Slightly down on power at 553 hp, the much lighter car proved to be just as quick in a straight line as its predecessor, but far more dynamic in the corners.
Able to switch from awesome point-to-point racer to luxurious grand tourer, the C7 RS6 featured an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox, has start-stop and cylinder on-demand technology to improve fuel economy with an average of 25 mpg possible when cruising.
6 The Plus Models
Limited run cars, the Plus versions offered more power for those not happy with the already generous outputs on offer. The original C5 Plus received a horsepower increase to 473 bhp alone with a remapped ECU and could hit 100 mph in 10.5 seconds.
Whereas the C7 Performance Plus package would bestow the remapped 4.0-liter engine with 597 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, which saw acceleration figures drop to 3.6 seconds to 60 mph and, incredibly, enabled the driver to crack 120 mph in just 11.8 seconds.
5 Quattro
The backbone of many a fast Audi road, race, and rally car, the Quattro name has become the benchmark for all-wheel-drive performance and safety and first saw service on the Ur-Quattro model way back in 1980.
Offering permanent asymmetric four-wheel drive and a typical power split of 40:60 to the rear the system can, with assistance from the ESP, can send 100% of torque to one axle improving handling and performance.
4 Comfort
Range-topping models, every RS6, in every generation, features a luxuriously appointed interior, benefitted from figure-hugging sports seats and the latest technologies available at the time. From a TV tuner in the C5 to the full TFT display in the C7 RS6's have featured cutting-edge equipment.
Every development of the wagon has brought with it an individual power plant, increases in performance and handling, plus improved comfort and usability. The pinnacle of what can be achieved in its class, the RS6 dominates its competition.
3 The DTM Racer
Decked out with a bespoke carbon-fiber wide-body kit, additional aero, and rear diffuser, gold anodized turbochargers, possessed a lowered stance, and with a bump in power that now sees more than 900 hp being thrown to all four wheels, this RS6 cracks 60 mph in 3.0 seconds flat.
A one-off labor of love designed by Koenigsegg chief engineer Leif Tufvesson, created by Stertman Motorsport and valued at $500,000, the crazy RS6 was stolen at gunpoint from its last owner and sadly burned to the ground by the thieves.
2 The Hybrid (C8)
Retaining the key ingredients of power, space, and speed, the latest C8 RS6 retains the previous model's 4.0-liter V8, but is now a mild-hybrid system that benefits from an electric motor that permits cylinder shut-off at low speeds.
Also now equipped with four-wheel steering, a full TFT driver's information screen, and adjustable drive modes, the colossal 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque are harnessed to ensure blistering performance and ultimate driver involvement.
1 The Tribute Edition
Paying homage to the legendary RS2, the RS6 Nogaro Edition is draped in the same exclusive color as its grandfather, features an authentic Alcantara interior like the original as well as silver alloys and red brake calipers.
Mechanically identical to the standard car, the RS6 Nogaro comes fitted with adaptive cruise, lane change assist and will be released in very limited numbers. Set to be an instant collectible, the special edition retails at $137,845 and, like all RS6's, won't hang around for long.