The article was originally produced on July 15, 2020, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

In the German trio of the most powerful family cars, the Audi RS6 has a given place. Now the new RS6 has been released into the open and this is how brutal it is. 

One of the first really powerful cars I got to test drive at the beginning of my career was the Audi RS6. The year was 2002 and at the time I was working as a motor photographer for Slitz magazine. The RS6 sedan we tested was the first generation and had a 4.2-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with 450 horsepower. It was a real wolf in sheep's clothing. 

A wolf in sheep's clothing

Since then there have been four more generations. Generation two had the biggest engine: a five-litre V10 with twin turbos and 579 horsepower. The same engine, but without the twin turbo, was also found in the Lamborghini Gallardo. By the time generation three was introduced in 2013, both engine size and horsepower had been reduced. Now it was a four-litre V8 with twin turbos and 560 horses developed together with Bentley. However, all generations were also available in a Performance version with a few more horsepower. 

A major disadvantage of this powerful family car is that it has become hot prey for criminals. The number of car robberies and thefts of the RS6 skyrocketed and you actually have to be extra careful when driving it. Even the police have a close eye on who is behind the wheel of an RS6. I was stopped once for no other reason than I was driving the RS6, while my colleague was stopped four times in one week for the same reason. But I want to be clear that it is neither the car's nor Audi's fault that the RS6 is so attractive to dishonest people.

The constant power struggle

Since the last generation, the RS6 is only available as a station wagon or Avant as it is called in Audi parlance. When you talk about the trio and the constant power measurement battle for these family cars, you are talking about the Audi RS6, BMW M5 and Mercedes E-class AMG.
The M5 is only available as a sedan, while the Mercedes E63 AMG is available as both a sedan and a station wagon. Right now, BMW is leading the horsepower battle with the 625 horsepower M5 Competition. AMG E63s have 619 horses and the new RS6 has 596 horses. Note that there will be a Performance version of the RS6 that will be stronger. With all certainty, it will be the strongest of the bunch.

The question is whether you really need all the cusses. The beauty is that the car manufacturers are constantly advancing the technical competence for what is possible. Because while you have more horsepower than you'll ever need, these cars can be driven sparingly. Among other things, the RS6 has technology to shut down half of the cylinders. 

So let's play with the idea that you have become a parent. You've reluctantly ditched the fun sports car in favour of a family station wagon that will swallow a pram and everything else between heaven and earth. You have your finances in order but no room for two toy cars. Yes then the RS6 is definitely the way to go and I will explain that now.

Makes the heart beat twice

Let me skip all the practicalities of this full grown family car. Instead, let me go straight to what makes the heart beat twice. The engine is started with a button and hisses into action with a deep rumble. The alcantara-clad gear selector is set to Drive and you roll away. The comfort is of course top class, but I go directly to what happens when the road is perfectly straight and you press the gas pedal at the bottom. And then what happens when the road winds through the woods.

When space is given, of course in a cancelled place, I let the reins free. Thanks to the Dynamic package that the test car is equipped with, the top speed limit has been raised from 250 km/h to 305 km/h. Since the road isn't quite long enough, I have to settle for 304 km/h on the meter before it's time to step on the brakes. But it is proof enough that the car both reaches its top speed without problems and is also able to stop without worries. Incredibly impressive for a family car! 

After this, I meet a group I usually drive actively with. It is a mature company that drives with its head. The majority have either Porsche or other similar strong small sports cars. We drive on winding country roads where maximum concentration is required. Despite the fact that the other cars are much nicer than the RS6, I follow along without any worries. A big reason in addition to the massive power is the new four-wheel steering. Even the tightest curves are now taken like a small sports car with stern spin. Unbelievable! I spend several hours behind the alcantara-covered steering wheel on these types of roads and my conclusion is simple. This is the ultimate family car for those who have to compromise but refuse to give up anything. 

Audi RS6

Basic price	From SEK 1,149,700
Engine	4-litre V8 with twin turbo, 600 hp. Torque 800 Nm
Transmission	Front engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Acceleration	0-100 in 3.6 seconds
Top speed	Limited 250 km/h alt 305 with Dynamic package
Fuel consumption mixed driving according to the manufacturer	11.7 l/100km
Weight	2,075 kg
Guarantee	New car 2 years, carriage damage 3 years, rust protection 12 years, paint 3 years
Web	www.audi.se