Should you buy one?

Yes, because if you’re in the market for a seriously fast estate car, then the Audi RS6 Avant remains the benchmark. Spacious, brutally quick and now with significantly improved handling, it’s hard to think of a reason why you’d be tempted elsewhere.

Why would you choose an RS6 over its rivals from Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-AMG? Chances are that you’ll be seduced by its 630hp maximum power output, Quattro all-wheel drive security, and supercar-slaying performance. But one area where early pictures of the RS 6 don’t flatter it is in terms of its appearance – the old RS 6 was actually quite a stealthy-looking thing. It didn’t shout its intentions, and it really was a car that signalled its intent to people who know.

It’s also amazing to talk about a car packing so much technology as being old school, but in this case, Audi’s decision to stick with its existing V8 (albeit with mild hybrid technology) would seem to be a laudable one for enthusiasts. Whether this proves to be the right decision in the face of mounting environmental concerns will be interesting to see play out over the coming years.

What we like

It’s powered by a seriously charming powerplant, full of low-down torque and fullsome bass from the tailpipes that leaves passers-by in no doubt that you’re in an RS6, not a diesel version. The most convincing aspect of this car in reality though is how easy it is to live with, despite that big power on tap. The boot and rear seat space remain enormous, just like an A6, and in its more comfortable drive modes it does a good impression of the standard car too.

What we don’t like

This one’s a little bit more shouty – the front and rear bumpers are aggressive, while the rear diffuser looks overdone. Do RS 6 customers really want this? Given how much of this car has been shaped by buyer feedback (you can now have ventilation in the tombstone-style sports seats, for example) it’s likely that the last car’s under-the-radar looks were a bit too subtle.