Newbie RS6 C7 Spec advice ?

[Bit_evl]

Hello everyone.

I am a newbie to the site. I have been happily running a current E63 Estate for 2 years and it is up for replacement. I have been looking at a couple of options including an RS6.

Range Rover (full fat 4.4V8D to slow me down)
CLS 63 Shooting Break (love the style and also the AMG 5.5L V8 is a serious peach)
RS6 C7.

I don't do track days or drive like my furry parts are on fire but I am inclined to flatten the carpet where legal and possible.

I have used carwow as per the site and a couple of my friends guidance and cripes did that bring the price down ! Tetbury showing as leader and also good to talk to.

I have some spec questions I would welcome your feedback on.

1. I am not keen on the honeycomb seat design and so was looking at the Alcantara as I also like this in interiors. Any comments on wear and visuals ?
2. The AMG has a wonderful exhaust note with the stock exhaust, lacking jn the C7. I am 50:50 on either the factory exhaust upgrade or saving the money and going for a Milltek.
The range does seem broad - no cat - race cats - cat back as well as resonated (quieter) and full bore noise. Any guidance on neighbour baiting vs acceptable ?
3. I was not going to option the furry bits off it.
Panther Black
20 or 21 alloys (keeping Air Suspension so any guidance of best combo with this)
Privacy glass
Keyless with boot access
No badges (if you don't know what it is I don't care !)
Silver dash finish

Not worried about the DRC/Springs/Trimpacks. I believe the AirSuspension is good for ride comfort but looses a little on outright body control. In all honesty I don't think that is going to be a problem for me from day to day. I rarely had the E63 in mode 2 or 3 for shockers.

I see a number of comments around the full parking cameras in order to protect the bling rims, sounds fair given the arches. I have only scraped the MB rims once so is this a real need or a "security thing" which I could understand. How many have scuffed up the kerbside rims parking ?

I am likely to let it run in with standard settings and then consider a stage 1 or 2 through a well known partner after 6-9 months so it is okay - what has the garages reaction been to the upgrades in your experience - full get out of jail on the engine and powertrain or reasonable. Has anyone had a warranty claim rejected.

As we run a couple of cars we have Admrial Multicar and so the E63 has been astoundingly cheap (£400) but I guess the RS6 seems like a higher risk. I also guess the fitment of a tracker should be mandatory for peace of mind, and not in the default position given some of the comments in other threads. So sorry to hear about the gunpoint attack, hope you are recovering personally.

I use an iPhone 6s so generally is there any value in the PhoneBox option, seems a bit overkill. Just the cable to the correct USB seems sufficient for extensive function. I assume it is too old to offer CarPlay.

I shot the RangeRover early on due to lack of feel, wonderful motor but just not for me yet.
The CLS is something I have always loved, the AMG engine is a real peach, if we had a 4WD version in the UK it would probably top the list.

But I am left with the RS6 in the lead and it feels like I am about to push the button. Given I will probably keep this longer than the E63 I just wanted all your experience to ensure I had the spec right.

I have a fair history of petrol problems. From my early days until today
Renault 5 GT Turbo
VW Golf GTi 16v Series 2
Porsche 968 CS (loved this car)
Volvo 850 T5 with tuning by BBR (nicknamed the ballistic sofa)
Skyline GT-R 33 Vspec (before they became famous - went to 550bhp and I did 110k miles)
VW Pheaton V10 (I was doing a high milage and it was a real laugh, totally under-rated)
CL600 W216 (fantastic car, relaxed and rocket like all at the same time)
E63 AMG Estate (the practical car in the house)

We also look after a Morgan Aero Coupe - prettiest car on the planet.

Subjec tto sorting everything out I am looking forward to enjoying the RS6. It is great ot have an interesting forum with lots of information so I would like to thank you for helping me make the move into Audi ownership for the first time !

All feedback taken with an open mind and respecting each of your own personal tastes. No ones baby is ugly right ?

[Markp]

Depends on colour of car but I think black pack / carbon essential (latter is ridiculously expensive but looks good).
I think sweet spot handling and ride wise is 20 wheels plus DRC. Torque steer / following road camber under hard acceleration (such as overtaking on B road) bothers some owners and in my opinion it is less marked with 20s and DRC but do drive them. Ride is excellent on air or DRC. But many prefer look of 21s. And for perspective my 968 CS was one of my favourite handling cars too - ended up racing mine.
Sport exhaust was perfect for me. Though more subtle than AMG. If you want noise go aftermarket.
Overhead parking cameras very good - it is a big car. Bit boring but worth considering.
Not seen a car with non honeycomb seats. They are very good.
Car comes very well equipped as standard.

[Markp]

PS should add welcome to the forum. And the V8 in the RS6 is a peach too!

[KikapuRS]

Welcome to the forum! You will really enjoy the RS6, very practical with mega performance, 4wd and it looks superb - the perfect mix. I do love AMG Mercs, have driven a c63, e63 and recently a AMG GTS.......They all sound awesome ( better than the RS6 sports exhaust ) but the lack of 4wd has always put me off as an all year round proposition.
The sports seats are excellent in the RS6, although my absolute favourites were the Recaro buckets in my RS4, wish I could have spec's them in the 6.
I like the look of the Alcantara seats but having two young children I figured leather would be a safer bet.
Coming from an AMG I would certainly spec the sports exhaust unless you are planning an aftermarket option.
I have the reversing camera on my car but didn't go for the overhead view and my wheels have been fine. The over head option was present in a loan RS6 I drove recently and it was very cool, but I personally wouldn't bother with it.
An option I would consider specifying in my replacement RS6 is the HUD, probably just the wannabe fighter pilot in me but I think it could be useful and it looks cool!
I have the 21" rims and don't find they affect the ride quality of the car. I was surprised at how good the standard 20" rims look in the metal though.
My main gripe with the RS6 is the speed at which the standard brakes fade when pushing on down a twisty b road. I know it's a 2 tonne estate car but it really doesn't take much to cook them. I personally couldn't justify the extra cash on ceramics, so I am currently looking at alternative brake pads, although I am unsure if these will make a huge difference.
Not sure if any of this is helpful, but just my 2 pence worth, all the best with the purchase!

[Heden]

Here are two good comparisons between RS6 and Merc.

https://youtu.be/VhTVFpJYetg (Fifth Gear - go to 8 min mark for brake test)
https://youtu.be/Xm_RvrS67VU (Chris Harris)

Regards,
Niclas

[footsoldier]

I'm picking my car up from dealer in 10 days time. I had a B7 RS4 when they came out, but like yiu would probabky have gone Merc for this one, if it was 4WD. (I'm coming from a full fat 6.2l N/A engine with Brabus upgrades and full exhaust system, which is hard to beat!)

I am buying this as fast family transport, and for driving long distances, and have other option for tracks etc. So, I stuck with air suspension as it seems do be more comfortable, isn't too much of a compromise on performance, and let's me keep the towbar, which cant be specced with any other suspension.

I'm not that keen on honeycomb either, but wanted leather as carrying kids around. I went for all black with black stitching so it's not highlighting the honeycomb. Did go for aerial camera, as my wife will also be driving the car....

Other than that, thought ceramics were too expensive for whar I'm using it for, but did go for 21 wheels. I was on autopilot then - '21 must be better than 20', but now think the 20s would have been enough and look good.

Didn't go for Audi phone box, not sure if I might regret that. I think it's the option which lets you run nav with Google maps, but yiu need an extra SiM so I didn't bother. Having just driven a thousand miles in Europe with Merc satnav getting lost and Google maps being spot on, I'm thinking it's worthwhile option if you're going to be driving to lots of places you don't know.

Went for sports exhaust as it's difficult to know about aftermarket ones from sound files or videos, and most people say Audi version is good enough and better when you're not in the mood for noise.

[Stubox]

Ours is the fast family transport. Discounted the merc as wanted the security blanket of 4wd as the wife drives it as much as I , gave up waiting for an SVR slot, had an M5 , needed the load area for bikes n <beep> etc etc...

Infotainment is fine as std, have CarPlay on our other car and it's good but not worth worrying about not having. Wish I'd gone for wi Fi and kids love it.
Air for comfort, once settled in a corner it grips and goes fine. Wheels matter of looks, ride is good for 21s.
Went for full parking pack with cameras, thought it gimmicky but fun....now use it a lot
Wish I had gone for HUD - tried my mates with it and impressed.
Panoramic roof and privacy glass a must for us.
Sports exhaust likewise as I mull over what to do next with it.

Overall great car and once you get used to the weight transfer it does hustle in a slightly detached way.

[footsoldier]

I forgot I went for roof and privacy glass as well. Cabin feel is better with roof, and the dark glass on both options sets off well with black pack exterior, IMO

[Bit_evl]

Thanks for the response gents.

I spoke to Tetbury this week as they explained the Performance Edition and it works out well for pricing. Instead of the options adding to e PCP value over three years they calculate over the car life. Makes it effective if you are after just the key options and do not plan to load the car or pay cash. He has been very helpful as a salesman and far better than the local dealer.

If it all works outI will be looking at a Panther Black PE with a couple of goodies added. Then the wait begins. I came out of an MB E63 Estate which was great fun in a hot rod manner. The RS6 seems very different to drive. More industrial grade weapon than hot rod. Lacks the soundtrack f the 5.5L TT V8 in the MB which was wonderful even at low speed and punch but the gearbox/drivetrain is a big step forwards. I was surprised how good the ride is on Air/21" and also it is a to quieter in the cabin. Sort of good and bad in that respect, I loved the NASCAR rumble of the MB but it did also suffer from road and wind noise.

Only considerations are DRC and Heads up ? Anyone kind enough to chime in on value vs frills ?

[MikeFish]

Panther black PE? Good choice sir!

[DragonRR]

Heads up was essential for me, if I jump back into an RS6 I will add it again. It is a shame it doesn't look as integrated on the dash as it should, just sits on top like an afterthought but the benefits outweighed the negatives. I went for DRC before, can't comment on the car without it. Still mulling over an RS6 PE, so much more practical than my current two car solution!

[doodlebug]

Personally I'd live without HUD. The big plastic add looks <beep> and outweighs any benefit for me. Not as though the information is readily available.

I preferred DRC over air, there's been plenty of debate on this.

[Bit_evl]

Thanks to all for their comments.

I have followed my Aberdonian heritage and ordered a simple spec.

Performance edition
Panther Black
Default titanium
No badges
Cross stitch black leather/alcantara
Carbon dash rim
21" PE 5V spoke wheels in Black
Advanced Key and Boot
Deposit taken and paperwork commencing

+ PE options which I would have ordered anyway Exhaust and black Windows.
And the super boost engine.

Looks likeMikeFish and I have similar taste ! I did look at the exclusive colours - some of the very dark Blues were close to getting selected but in the end we nearly always have black as our daily runners so I went with convention and it will suit the number plate.

I did not go for the DRC or parking camera and hope I don't live to regret them. Might look at a set of rim blades as mentioned elsewhere.

One comment from the dealer discussions - if you order the cross stitch alcantara seats the configuration tool only let's you have plain carbon so my car will not be "full PE" spec. I am not so worried.

Tetbury got the order after a last minute discussion with Shrewsbury. Both very professional and good to deal with. It came down to the order slot. My thanks to KM for making an effort for a new member finding his way into AUDI ownership for the first time. Once I am back from travels I will sort out the AUDI tracking web portal and start hitting refresh on the browser a lot !

I am going to start sorting out the insurance. We have multi-car with Admiral so I expect to add it to this. I will get a tracker fitted but perhaps not in the default location given some of the sad events you guys have shared re theft.

Build slot guide was that it would be delivered Mid-End March. My loving wife bought me a nice number plate for it. Private plates can be a bit naff but I suspect this will be a good match ! More to come when the beast arrives.

I just need to focus on not driving like my furry love spuds are on fire and losing my licence given the speed of it from the test drive. The more relaxed gait of the E63 and NASCAR rumble at low speed made this easier.

[superlightr]

Thanks to all for their comments.

I have followed my Aberdonian heritage and ordered a simple spec.

Performance edition
Panther Black
Default titanium
No badges
Cross stitch black leather/alcantara
Carbon dash rim
21" PE 5V spoke wheels in Black
Advanced Key and Boot
Deposit taken and paperwork commencing

+ PE options which I would have ordered anyway Exhaust and black Windows.
And the super boost engine.

Looks likeMikeFish and I have similar taste ! I did look at the exclusive colours - some of the very dark Blues were close to getting selected but in the end we nearly always have black as our daily runners so I went with convention and it will suit the number plate.

I did not go for the DRC or parking camera and hope I don't live to regret them. Might look at a set of rim blades as mentioned elsewhere.

One comment from the dealer discussions - if you order the cross stitch alcantara seats the configuration tool only let's you have plain carbon so my car will not be "full PE" spec. I am not so worried.

Tetbury got the order after a last minute discussion with Shrewsbury. Both very professional and good to deal with. It came down to the order slot. My thanks to KM for making an effort for a new member finding his way into AUDI ownership for the first time. Once I am back from travels I will sort out the AUDI tracking web portal and start hitting refresh on the browser a lot !

I am going to start sorting out the insurance. We have multi-car with Admiral so I expect to add it to this. I will get a tracker fitted but perhaps not in the default location given some of the sad events you guys have shared re theft.

Build slot guide was that it would be delivered Mid-End March. My loving wife bought me a nice number plate for it. Private plates can be a bit naff but I suspect this will be a good match ! More to come when the beast arrives.

I just need to focus on not driving like my furry love spuds are on fire and losing my licence given the speed of it from the test drive. The more relaxed gait of the E63 and NASCAR rumble at low speed made this easier.

Ive come from an E63 as well. Loved the burble of it. Only reason not to get another AMG was that it was not type approved to tow a caravan. But pleased to be getting the RS6 as its my first audi as well. At the port in the UK - cant wait to get it.

[MikeFish]

Thanks to all for their comments.

I have followed my Aberdonian heritage and ordered a simple spec.

Performance edition
Panther Black
Default titanium
No badges
Cross stitch black leather/alcantara
Carbon dash rim
21" PE 5V spoke wheels in Black
Advanced Key and Boot
Deposit taken and paperwork commencing

+ PE options which I would have ordered anyway Exhaust and black Windows.
And the super boost engine.

Looks likeMikeFish and I have similar taste ! I did look at the exclusive colours - some of the very dark Blues were close to getting selected but in the end we nearly always have black as our daily runners so I went with convention and it will suit the number plate.

I did not go for the DRC or parking camera and hope I don't live to regret them. Might look at a set of rim blades as mentioned elsewhere.

One comment from the dealer discussions - if you order the cross stitch alcantara seats the configuration tool only let's you have plain carbon so my car will not be "full PE" spec. I am not so worried.

Tetbury got the order after a last minute discussion with Shrewsbury. Both very professional and good to deal with. It came down to the order slot. My thanks to KM for making an effort for a new member finding his way into AUDI ownership for the first time. Once I am back from travels I will sort out the AUDI tracking web portal and start hitting refresh on the browser a lot !

I am going to start sorting out the insurance. We have multi-car with Admiral so I expect to add it to this. I will get a tracker fitted but perhaps not in the default location given some of the sad events you guys have shared re theft.

Build slot guide was that it would be delivered Mid-End March. My loving wife bought me a nice number plate for it. Private plates can be a bit naff but I suspect this will be a good match ! More to come when the beast arrives.

I just need to focus on not driving like my furry love spuds are on fire and losing my licence given the speed of it from the test drive. The more relaxed gait of the E63 and NASCAR rumble at low speed made this easier.

Hey, nice choice. As you've probably read I'm having some doubts over the Titan trim but I will soon see.

Ive been looking at private plates too, some great choices out there, im struggling to pick just one.