We’ve been drooling over it for decades – the uber wagon; the Audi RS6 Avant. Now, in a shock to everyone, in the height of the SUV craze, Audi says that, yea sure, they will sell us a 591-horsepower station wagon.

* checks date – not April 1st *

Seriously? Holy poop. No one expected that. Sure, it will be special order only, like that Volvo V90 that doesn’t look like a Subaru Outback, but this is great news for us wagon lovers. Even if most of us can’t afford this six-figure longroof.

The hardware on this badboy consists of a 4.0-liter V8 with 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. That engine is coupled with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.⁣ That power is going to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission, to a 60:40-split Quattro all-wheel drive system, and via a torque-vectoring rear differential.⁣ That power distribution can vary up to 70% front or up to 85% to the rear.

Adding to the complexity of that powertrain is four-wheel steering system and fancy adjustable suspension. Like most Audis, it sounds like a car you want to buy brand new, enjoy the hell out of, and after four years sell it to some dreamer who will end up spending more money on it than you.

I see one issue with it though, and it’s that I don’t love this design. It’s a bit much. It’s slightly overdone. Like the BMW M5, the idea of the RS Audi is that it is supposed to be a mainstream looking car. A wolf in sheep clothing. But there’s nothing mainstream, subtle, or understated about this.

Audi changed most of the body panels from the A6. They added width and anger. Change the grill, add a Lexus badge, and you’d hate it. It wouldn’t be out of place in another sequel to The Fast and Furious.

The way the back drops off, it looks Panamera-ish, too. Wagons should be more square. Yes, that’s an A6 design issue, and new Volvos have the same problem, but my point stands.

It’s going to be a great car but I think I’d stick to the AMG E63S wagon, thanks.
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