The surprise effect is gone
While enjoying a good German Schlager, fresh Bratwurst sandwiches are handed out in Ingolstadt, because the Audi RS6 has been around for twenty years! A car that in its early years could provide quite a surprise effect at the traffic lights. Initially a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, but the modesty is now well over. If you want to enjoy it yourself, you can now shop for an RS6 in the used car range from just €20,000!
Sporty station wagons were of course not strange to Audi in the 20th century, but just after the turn of the century, the Germans found a new gear with the first RS6. Compared to the current A6, the A6 C5 has a much more ‘friendly’ design when a real biturbo 4.2 V8 is spooned into its nose. That block, on which Cosworth Technology also contributed, was good for a power of no less than 450 hp and 580 Nm of maximum torque. Unprecedented power for an A6, because in the previous generation the 4.2 V8 of the limited S6 Plus was good for ‘only’ 326 hp and it remained with the S6 at 290 hp.
With such an enormous amount of power, which was sent to all wheels via a ZF tiptronic automatic transmission, the first RS6 could go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds and (if unlimited) a top speed of 270 km /h reach. In the early years, it was a spectacular sight to see such a ‘family car’ deliver such performance, especially with an RS6 Avant. With the whole family and a mountain of luggage, spearing towards a holiday destination on the Autobahn suddenly became a party for those who were behind the wheel.
The most desirable?
However, things got even crazier with the second Audi RS6 (generation C6), which got a loudly screaming 5.0 V10 as a beating heart. Yes, the same engine as in the Audi R8 and the Lamborghini Gallardo was screwed. As a result, the Audi RS6 really became a supercar for everyday use, packaged in a still – compared to the current RS6 – relatively modest appearance. Because of the V10, the RS6 C6 is highly regarded by enthusiasts and it is actually the most desirable of the older RS6s.
The C8 and C9 (the current RS6) got a 4.0-liter V8. Despite the smaller block, the now available Audi RS6 Avant introduced in 2020 is nicely the fastest. It shoots from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and if you check the Dynamic Package you can accelerate to a top speed of 305 km/h. Modesty is therefore hard to find, and that certainly applies to the appearance of the RS6 Avant. Although the basis is of course still just an A6 Avant, the RS6 Avant clearly distinguishes itself with its knocked-out body, thick air intakes and often an abundance of black accents.
Buy Audi RS6
The great thing about the passage of time is that cars that you once only dreamed of may eventually become financially viable. The first Audi RS6, for example, cost no less than €130,000 new, nowadays you can already buy one for €20,000. It is an exciting story, because of course the technology is relatively rare and sensitive. Only when you have bought one does the bill really start to add up with a bit of bad luck. If you dare, this Audi RS6 Sedan from 2004 is the cheapest option from the AutoWeek used car range. An example imported from Japan.
The cheapest Audi RS6 from the AutoWeek second-hand offer
The cheapest RS6 Avant we find was also brought in from Japan. If you want a Dutch copy, also a C6 and therefore one with a V10, then this black one from 2010 is an option, for example. Then we are already talking about a car that still has to yield about €45,000. Do you have a little more to spend and do you prefer a more striking color, then this wonderfully typical blue RS6 Avant from the previous generation may be something. €52.995 is the asking price. A lot of money, but still a little over a quarter of what a new one should cost.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl