Audi RS6 Performance is a 630PS monster wagon

Audi’s flying five-doors, in both estate and coupe forms, now boast 630PS (470kW) and 850Nm (627lb ft). Along with a slight weight reduction thanks to less noise insulation, the hike is enough to shave two-tenths off the 0-62mph time. That’s now a brisk (and louder) 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 174mph – with 189mph available if you want it. 

The extra power is down to bigger turbos and more boost pressure which with a change to 22-inch wheels and new Conti tyres are the only mechanical updates for the new Performance models. The new pair replace the outgoing RS6/7 variants in the line-up.

That inevitably means hefty new pricing: £112,650 for the RS6 Avant Performance and £116,305 for the RS7 Sportback Performance. It might all be a glorious last hurrah to the V8 engine for Audi, but it sure doesn’t come cheap. The current entry RS6 is priced from £97,670.

You do get a little more for your £15k extra than just the power increase and new wheels though. There’s a Bang & Olufsen audio system. Park Assist with a head-up display and 360-degree cameras are included too. 

A matt grey exterior style pack is thrown in, as is an interior design pack with a flat-bottomed Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel. More expensive Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung trim levels add more goodies including a new design of lightweight 22-inch wheel that takes 20kg out of the unsprung weight.

The cars also come with the RS Dynamic Package which adds all-wheel steering software and the quattro sport rear diff, as well as facilitating the higher 174mph top speed. Want to go faster? The RS Dynamic Package Plus is due later in the UK as an option and will raise v-max to 189mph, along with adding ceramic brakes, saving 34kg.

There are some new colours inside and out, plus some tweaks to the driver display, including a new motorsport-style flashing shift-up indicator.

The result of all these changes is undeniably cool in archetypal Audi fashion, a subtle gilding of a car that, as the RS6 estate in particular, has been lauded by enthusiasts for years. Yes, it is probably more than ever all the car you’ll ever need. More powerful, faster, louder and more matt grey than ever, the new models are available to order now with first deliveries due April.