New RS6 Test drive

[Krode]

Hi Guys,
Just to say I took a test drive in the new RS6 last week.

My first impressions are that I was a little underwelmed. I read the review in EVO the other month and thought, "What, how can he say almost 600BHP feels dull!"

But to be honest having now driven it I would have to agree. Dull is probably too harsh but comparing my B7 RS4 Avant to the new RS6 Avant I personally prefer my car.

Don't get me wrong the RS6 is very very fast but it just doesn't feel it until you hit mach 1 I have driven an old RS6 and was instantly impressed with the massive kick from the twin turbo and I had massive respect for the thing. But this new car is just odd. No bit turbo kick in the back, and the noise from the engine and exhaust just wasn't there until just before a max revs gear change.

However, the EVO review did conclude by saying and I would agree the RS6 is not aimed at RS4 owners wishing to upgrade but rather 911 or 430 owners looking for a practical steer.

Anyway to my point, I wouldn't have one (unless immense lottery win made me stop caring about money). But have any of you guys driven one and how do you think the two cars compare?

[pippyrips]

Not driven one (or even seen one yet) but after watching 5th Gear I have say if i had i think i would agree with you. The fact is it is a very big & very heavy car so this has to be taken into account as well as the 580/600bhp power it has - its all relative man!!!

[victor2vt]

Waiting for an Audi representative to call me back to arrange test drive, i'll let him drive it, make him feel like my best friend, then give it some welly !!

Let you know

[squizrs6]

Got my deposit back this week and Audi UK have been more than helpful. Something not right there !! I feel they smell a rat with this model !! In the Flesh its just a A6 with massive wheels

[pippyrips]

I stopped by my local dealership on the way home who have just taken delivery of one in blue. Unfortunately they had closed so could only look through the window but wasn't blown away by it.

I'm sure its great to drive but squizrs6 is spot on regarding its looks, it just doesn't look special enough to me, even in an understated way.

[squizrs6]

Yes it appears the end of an era and bless the original RS6 circa 2002-2005 !!
A Real Classic

[Davey_B]

Test drove the new RS6 today, not a long drive and no real twisty stuff but half a hour blast on some motorway and A roads. Interior was smart, no change over my S6 really but liked the adjustable ride settings, my S6 is terrible on bad roads. But in comfort mode in the RS6 it's at least as good as my RS4(B7) and probably better. I haven't driven an old RS6 so I can't compare it against its predecessor but I've got to say I was blown away by its straight line accleration, its absolutely effortless. Lovely grumble from the exhaust, not like the RS4 howl, but nevertheless definitley a smile maker. Paddle shift works very well, much quicker response than my S6 both up and down. Fantastic little bark as you change up under full throttle throught the gears.

Styling wise, yes its very understated, to be honest I like that. I must be getting old but I don't want the attention that these cars generate. I want to blend in a bit and only those in the know, know, and you get an admiring glance. If I had one, I'd debadge it and price aside I do want one.

Price though, as I tested today was £80K, which is a whole chunk of cash. No waiting list, built to order in three months which has got to tell you something, and I can buy the demo in three months time, but no discount. Begs the question why would you? Ex demos are all about saving £5K ish off new. Anyway the salesman is doing some figures for me but I've told him its all hyperthetical unless they're offering a new £99 drive away deal. So to sum up, great car, too expensive, drop the price £10-15K and for me it would be a no brainer.

[victor2vt]

Makes the B7 RS4 look very good value now !

[Cornishmoocher]

Hi Guys,
Just to say I took a test drive in the new RS6 last week.

My first impressions are that I was a little underwelmed. I read the review in EVO the other month and thought, "What, how can he say almost 600BHP feels dull!"

But to be honest having now driven it I would have to agree. Dull is probably too harsh but comparing my B7 RS4 Avant to the new RS6 Avant I personally prefer my car.

Don't get me wrong the RS6 is very very fast but it just doesn't feel it until you hit mach 1 I have driven an old RS6 and was instantly impressed with the massive kick from the twin turbo and I had massive respect for the thing. But this new car is just odd. No bit turbo kick in the back, and the noise from the engine and exhaust just wasn't there until just before a max revs gear change.

However, the EVO review did conclude by saying and I would agree the RS6 is not aimed at RS4 owners wishing to upgrade but rather 911 or 430 owners looking for a practical steer.

Anyway to my point, I wouldn't have one (unless immense lottery win made me stop caring about money). But have any of you guys driven one and how do you think the two cars compare?

See here for my report on the newbie!
http://www.rs6.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15457

[Robbo66]

Just got out of a test drive....Krode has it right so not much more to add.

Never worth the £80 K +.....and mentioned to dealer that I may well do £30k in the first year.....they (both salesman) didn't argue with the figure....that is frightening.

I said at £60-65K I would buy one.....but not at £80K. Again, he tended to agree and whilst a serious car, the price is too high.

He is away sorting figures, and I can only assume a serious discount.

These car's are serious white elephants for the dealers.

[Davey_B]

Just got the call fom the dealer and things have changed a lttle since our conversation on the test drive.

£38K part ex. for mine, no shock there really, its what I expected. However, demo already sold, and new build is now delivery March next year as their allocation of 10 cars has gone so I'm second on the list for 2009, if I order. £1500 deposit now, £3500 on spec. and confirmation of delivery date. I think I'll wait and see what happens to residuals, given the speculation on here of £30K hits in year one. Not sure it will be quite that much, bit it will be interesting to see.

[victor2vt]

They're doing what BMW did years ago every car was built to order so there were no physical unregistered cars sitting in the showroom you could haggle over, and if you asked for a discount they always told you if you order today you will have the last car of their allocation once that was gone you would have to wait 3 months plus for another one.
Of course they could order as many as they wanted, very clever marketing every car sold at full retail AND they'd rob you on your swapper !!

You've got to make serious money to Sponsor a F1 team.

[Spoof]

I too got a 30 minute test drive last week, I think all the comments here pretty much sum up my feelings, only I get the feeling my dealer was fobbing me off.

I was told the South West quoter of 10 cars this year were already sold and It would be April 09' if I place an order.

I got rid of my Quattroporte for a RR Sport as I needed the Dog space, but the RS6 wasn't a complete enough package to tempt me from the Range Rover to something a bit quicker again.

[victor2vt]

Noticed 1 or 2 RS6 for sale, over list, in this weeks Sunday Times.

I wonder if their fingers are starting to feel hot ?

[A20LEE]

Had a look at one today at Audi in Bradford. Its big but doesn't look aggressive like and RS model should. It was parked next to a black RS4 Cab which looked very mean and muscular if a little dated next to the new boy. The build quality of RS6 is amazing but its just not going to sell at £77k unless its to the type of person who considers it pocket change. Its just not desirable which is the big problem for a flagship car.