With 560hp and a claimed 0-100kph time of 3.9sec, the standard RS6 is fast. But on the Performance version, the engine makes 605hp and the claimed 0-100kph time drops to 3.7sec. You also get 21-inch tyres as standard (optional on the regular car), and the rest is the same as what you’d find on the regular RS6. Bear in mind, this car is based on the previous A6, and having driven the new-generation A6 sedan, the interiors of the RS6 did feel a bit underwhelming, notably the lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit.
The cabin still wears the older, more rounded style rather than the new edgy design, but the RS6’ retractable screen is an element we still like because it’s old school and has retro appeal. Overall though, the interiors are quite special; there’s a nice, chunky flat-bottomed steering wheel and a generous helping of carbon-fibre bits around the dash. The car comes with four-zone climate control, memory seats and Audi’s MMI infotainment system.
There is acres of space, since it’s an estate, and the front seats have deep side bolstering and are comfortable and wide. The rear offers sufficient room too, but only for two – the middle passenger has a massively high centre tunnel to contend with. At 565 litres, the boot is all you need for that weekend trip with the family.
Drive the car in Comfort mode and things are quite docile and it’s easy to potter around town in. The car also has the all-important Dynamic mode and a Sport mode for the gearbox, and this is where everything goes simply ballistic. The engine's turned up, the gearbox is super quick, and the exhaust is nice and vocal. Picture a two-tonne estate clocking a 3.7sec time for the 100kph dash and I’m sure this isn’t a sight you’d see every day.
There’s lots of power on tap, even at three-digit speeds. Put your foot down and the car simply hurls forward. The 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo TFSI unit also features the fuel- saving, cylinder-on-demand technology that shuts down one bank of cylinders when you’re driving in the city. The RS6 just grips and grips like its cornering on rails, no doubt, the four fat 285 section tyres playing a big part.
The RS6 Performance is fast but so is the regular RS6. Which means, at Rs 1.65 crore (ex-showroom), the Performance version costs Rs 30 lakh over the regular RS6. So, it’s up to you to decide if you want to spend all that extra money for those 45 horses and for, well, bragging rights.
