06 Jun 02
Happily, the quattro GmbH HQ is just minutes away from some of Germany's de-restricted routes, and the object of a number of journalists on the RS 6 launch was to get on the autobahn, put a right foot down hard and see what happens when the electronic speed limiter kicked in (155 mph/250 kmph). In practice, the hordes of slow-moving lorries, and the Mk 1 and Mk 2 Golfs that bravely wobble out into the fast lane briefly to overtake them, mean that this is a foolish and futile aim at best. Yes, we did get near to the speed limiter, but only for a nano-second before we got dangerously close to an old Golf's tailgate; well, you have to try these things when you get the chance. And yes, the RS 6 is fast. Very fast. But then you probably guessed that anyway.
Far more illuminating were the winding roads up into the forests of Baden-Wurttemberg; sweeping bends up into tight twists, and curves out onto longer straight stretches cutting through farmland and down to the pretty villages. The steering of the saloon weights up exactly as it should, its balance is perfect and the suspension agile and responsive without being twitchy or giving poor ride quality - it's just the right side of stiff and firm without being unforgiving, though the low-speed ride around town can be a little unsettled. The RS 6 also flatters its driver, the quattro four-wheel drive and superb grip inspiring confidence, though it would be a mistake to consider it foolproof - all the electronic controls systems in the world won't save you if you really get it wrong. However, if you push on with a respectful level of restraint (a very Audi concept) you can appreciate that the traction control, for example, waits longer than in many cars before activating, which gives a certain amount of leeway for tyre-squealing fun - not that hooligan behaviour seems appropriate in a car so adult and dignified. The Avant version corners with only marginally less aplomb, but given the addition of a large load bay out the back that's hardly surprising. It's still more adept into bends than the (outgoing) E55 AMG estate, for example, and has to be the most accomplished estate car around, at least until the next-generation E55 is launched.
Putting the gearbox to the test, the Tiptronic adapts quickly to driving style, the Sport mode does indeed give later upchanges and earlier downchanges as promised, and it's a pretty effective way to make swift progress across country. Self-shifting is also rewarding, though not quite intuitive. And those brakes? Probably very efficient as well, but after a hard few weeks being tested by the world's motoring media, they were screaming for mercy and we didn't fancy putting them through any particularly stringent evaluation.
As for the usual accusations that fast Audis - or indeed, German performance cars in general - are soulless, the RS 6 gives you the option of getting as involved as you want to. Appreciate also the whistle of the turbos kicking in, just about audible despite the impressive levels of sound-proofing, and a lovely burble from the exhausts when lifting off. Listen carefully, because there's character there if you can be bothered to find it. Those that have to have constant confirmation of their car's potency - for the benefit of others as much as themselves - need not apply. As a high-performance car for all purposes but making a big statement, the RS 6 is hard to argue against. It's also very fast. And very adult.
