Boom. Here it is.
I’ve coveted the RS6 for as long as I can remember. Ever since I drove the C5 RS6 Avant way back in 2003, I’ve admired everything about this car. It’s looks, power, stance and everything it represents. But I’ve always been afraid of how much value these cars tank almost immediately after purchase.
However, the C8 RS6 is seemingly oblivious to its habits of prices – so far. A year on after launch, they have remained surprisingly stable. This is down to two factors. Firstly, a much more limited production run. Secondly shortage of cars in general means bigger demand. This shortage is also exacerbated by limited availability of parts in manufacture, largely down to the Russian war in Ukraine where a lot of parts were manufactured.
This is an RS6 Carbon Black edition. Main differences in designations are the options. With mine, I get the carbon trim outside the car, the optional panoramic sunroof and the Bang & Olufsen sound system.
It’s a great looking car. Every angle gives this olympian an opportunity to flex a muscle as if it’s life depends on it. Giant flared arches housing utterly ridiculous 22 inch wheels, deep front skirt that simply looks comical in an estate car, side skirts that seem to replicate aircraft wings and a cute lil spoiler to finish off an unmistakable look that presents itself no longer as a Q car of old, but with intent and purpose. It’s fitting that such a muscle car replace the M2 Competition I just sold.
It is a technological tour de force and I’d expect nothing less from an Audi flagship model. Not unlike the Taycan I had, it also isn’t shy with its judicious use of touchscreen displays but having executed the experience way better than Porsche as it remains loyal to user demand by leaving us with the most important controls available by way of buttons and switchgear, but also by ensuring the most common interactions are available all the time on the screens as a priority control.
Special mention has to be given to the headlights. I’ve never seen tech like this, but Audi have created some eerie witchcraft as it has somehow taught the headlights to shine lights around certain obstacles, such as incoming cars. It is deceptively effective and introduces a whole new angle to illuminating your surroundings. Car Magazine does a way better job of describing it than I could.
But Cem, what does it drive like? I mean, who cares? It’s 600 BHP of obscene turbocharged V8, insane power. It’s quick alright. More than quick enough. It feels battleship safe and powerful with effortless urge available at any point. I mean quite literally, any gear, any speed – you have access to enough grunt to pull the skin off the moon.
The light steering does a great job in delivering information to your fingertips and works beautifully in conjunction with the Hancook tyres (yes, surprising) in ensuring eerily sharp turn in and handling – for a car of this size, this level of dynamism shouldn’t be possible but modern science has a habit of adjusting expectations.
Even though it sounds fantastic, especially in Dynamic mode, I would love a slightly louder exhaust – the melody is so good that to mute it as it is seems a little criminal. Not sure why this has been the case, but it’s a misfire from Audi in my opinion. I know particulate filters have killed most exhausts, but you can still increase a little volume on demand. I’m sure there’s a reason.
Conversely, coming out of the engaging Dynamic mode into Comfort mode is a true change in character. Suspension becomes old school Mercedes soft with extraordinary damping that converts the car into cruise ship stable. The sound of the engine and exhaust is muted and the road noise from the tyres becomes noticeable as freakishly quiet. It’s such a great place to be after a long drive.
A final slam has to come to this piece by way of dismissing Audi Preston as possibly the worst dealership I’ve ever had to work with. A futile and somewhat ugly dispute over some deep scratches and a botched touch up job essentially became an immature bickering match. Eventually with proof of the car being in this condition prior to my purchase, they agreed to contribute towards a correction job. There are still a couple of issues outstanding that require warranty work but the dealership has done nothing to help rectify them. Anyway, avoid.
I’ve a very special trip planned with this car and wow did it exceed all expectations. Stay tuned, that one reader reading this.
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