Skip advert
Advertisement
Road tests

New Audi RS 6 Performance 2023 review

Audi’s already brilliant RS 6 gets a welcome extra dose of drama and performance

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£10,566 off RRP*
Find your Audi RS6
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Verdict

The Audi RS 6 is an expensive, indulgent and in no way subtle way of getting around, but it’s a simply brilliant fast everyday car that will bring a smile to your face even after the most depressing of days on a trading floor. With this type of pure-combustion wagon now calling time before morphing into a hybrid in the next generation, the RS 6 might well be the ultimate fast estate car to come with four rings attached to the tailgate – a surefire future icon.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Audi has revealed a new RS 6 Performance variant that will replace the existing model, packing in more power from its twin-turbocharged V8 plus a few choice upgrades to give the whole package a bit more pizazz. 

The RS 6 Performance’s powertrain features the existing twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, but it now comes with larger turbos and higher boost pressures to help unlock an extra 27bhp, giving a total of 621bhp. Torque has been bumped up 50Nm to 850Nm, with that grunt going through a revised eight-speed automatic transmission with some snappier software for the benefit of its gearchanges. 

There have also been some changes to the all-wheel drive system, with a new locking centre differential and some updated software to the Audi Sport Differential on the rear axle. Overall, the system is now even more neutral in its power delivery, with up to 80 per cent reaching the rear wheels when the right mode is engaged. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

RS6

2014 Audi

RS6

74,500 milesAutomaticPetrol4.0L

Cash £29,750
View RS6
RS6

2023 Audi

RS6

26,500 milesAutomaticPetrol4.0L

Cash £81,900
View RS6
RS6

2023 Audi

RS6

17,940 milesAutomaticPetrol4.0L

Cash £76,900
View RS6
RS6

2018 Audi

RS6

62,000 milesAutomaticPetrol4.0L

Cash £39,495
View RS6

In an attempt to reduce the RS 6’s kerbweight, 8kg of sound deadening has been taken out from the firewall but, depending on your chosen spec, new forged 22-inch wheels are the game changers, wiping off a further 20kg. Convince your Audi dealership to let you specify the optional 440mm carbon-ceramic brakes and even more weight can be taken off the total, with noticeable dividends as a result. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Whereas the previous RS 6 would sometimes struggle to maintain its ride quality when the road surface deteriorated, the Performance’s new wheels control the body float much more convincingly when the roads get rough, giving the whole car a new level of control and composure. The standard-fit air suspension does well to handle larger undulations, but with this comes a level of disconnect that can make the handling feel a little remote. Models fitted with the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) option, which is standard on the top-spec Vorsprung edition and optional elsewhere, feature a wholesale replacement of the air springs and the fitment of steel coil springs paired to a set of hydraulically interlinked dampers. 

Despite the upgrades to the ride and handling, though, it’s the engine that remains a standout. This power unit is a total force of nature which, thanks to the new turbochargers, brings an extra layer to character new to the Performance. Acceleration is almost violent after an initial pause of turbo-lag, with a corresponding baritone bark coming from both inside and outside the cabin. The transmission has a real slickness to it, and when the sports manual mode is selected, it shifts with all the urgency of a dual-clutch ‘box. For what is a 2,065kg super-estate, it’s even relatively efficient at a constant cruise, being able to hit 30mpg on long motorway journeys and with a disciplined right foot. 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The only point of real consternation regards the steering which, as in all RS 6 models, is derived from both front and rear axles. Feel is non-existent and with such a fast ratio – plus a fairly aggressive calibration to the rear-axle steering – things can sometimes feel a little hectic. 

The Performance model brings a few subtle flourishes inside the cabin, with new blue or red design packs that include contrasting stitching and seatbelts of the relevant colour. There’s also liberal use of Alcantara on the steering wheel, gear selector and centre console. 

Yet the most attention could be drawn from the exterior styling, because this is a high-performance wagon that – in the best possible way – looks to have been designed by a child. Unlike all its estate rivals, the RS 6’s bodywork is largely bespoke, with ultra-wide arches that only just contain the simply stunning new 22-inch wheel design. It has all the subtlety of a supercar, and while it won’t appeal to the sort of buyer who likes to debadge their performance wagon for the ultimate q-car appeal, anyone even vaguely interested in the genre will see huge appeal.

Model:

Audi RS 6 Performance

Price:

£111,570

Engine:

4-litre V8, turbo petrol

Power/torque:

621bhp/850Nm

Transmission:

Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive

0-62mph:

3.4 seconds

Top speed:

174mph

Economy/CO2:

22.4mpg/285g/km

On sale:

Now

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior staff writer

Senior staff writer at Auto Express, Jordan joined the team after six years at evo magazine where he specialised in news and reviews of cars at the high performance end of the car market. 

New & used car deals

Audi RS6

Audi RS6

RRP £111,775Avg. savings £10,566 off RRP*Used from £71,990
BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £33,315Avg. savings £4,070 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Volvo V60

Volvo V60

RRP £35,165Avg. savings £2,333 off RRP*Used from £12,995
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025