Audi RS6 Avant 2020 revealed: Super wagon goes mild hybrid

Audi has revealed the fourth-generation RS6 Avant ahead of its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show next month.

An exact release date has yet to be set, however, an Australian launch has been earmarked for mid-2020.

The latest iteration of the high-performance wagon is up on both power and torque, and for the first time, benefits from mild-hybrid assistance.

Motivated by Audi’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, the new RS6 Avant produces 441kW and 800Nm – a 29kW/100Nm improvement compared to the outgoing model.

 An adaptive air suspension system lowers the new RS6 Avant by 20mm compared to the outgoing model.

That said, the current RS6 Avant Performance produces slightly more ponies with 445kW on tap, but still falls short of the new model’s torque rating by a factor of 50Nm.

With a 48-volt hybrid system, the new RS6 Avant can recover up to 12kW of power during deceleration and stored in a lithium-ion battery, allowing for fuel savings of up to 0.8-litres per 100 kilometres.

The hybrid system uses regenerative braking to recoup energy, and can automatically switch the engine off when the driver lifts off the pedal for enhanced efficiency.

Sprinting from zero to 100km/h takes just 3.6 seconds, and with the optional dynamic package plus, the German wagon will reach 305km/h.

Styling has been updated for the new generation, as it takes on Audi’s latest RS design language, although the squat and muscular stance is reminiscent of the outgoing model.

 A unique virtual cockpit shows performance data like lap time and G force information.

Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission and delivered to all four wheels via a quattro all-wheel-drive system.

In standard runnings, the quattro system splits torque 40:60 between the front and rear, but can automatically adjust the bias to suit traction requirements.

A new adaptive air suspension system drops the RS6 Avant 20mm closer to the ground, and will lower an extra 10mm at speeds of over 120km/h.

Meanwhile, the system lifts the car by 20mm at slow speed to help negotiate real-world driving obstacles.

Audi will also offer a conventional spring suspension system with adjustable dampers, and all-wheel-steering can be fitted with optional equipment packages.

As standard, the RS6 Avant wears 21-inch alloys, however, 22-inch wheels are on the options list.

Inside, the hi-po long roof features Audi Sport seats, a racing-style steering wheel and a virtual cockpit with RS-specific readouts like power/torque data, tyre pressure, engine oil temp, boost pressure, G force, lap timings and acceleration information.