5 alternative German estate cars to the Audi RS6 Avant
Audi RS6
The Audi RS6 Avant is without a shadow of a doubt the daddy of the fast estate cars which dominates over the competition without breaking a sweat. A monstrous twin-turbo V8 under the bonnet producing nigh on 600bhp is more like supercar performance rather than family cruiser but that's why we love it.
But what if you're in the minority that doesn't want one? Here's five German alternatives that you can buy.
Mercedes CLS AMG Shooting Brake
The CLS is the step above the C-Class in both performance and pricing. It's probably the most direct rival to the RS6 and offers similar performance, but this time in RWD form. A big boot, a brutal naturally aspirated V8 under the bonnet and enough torque to reverse the economy makes for the perfect family performance car.
To be more specific, the CLS houses a 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 that pumps out 585bhp giving a 0-60mph time of 4.2 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. Although lighter than the RS6, this AMG isn't exactly a slim fit with a load of 1,955kg and without the brilliant Quattro system in reality it will fall short to Audi's top estate car.
Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo
The Panamera is a personal favourite of mine and while it wasn't very popular when it first came out mostly due to the Marmite looks, it has stepped up its game massively and is more than a worthy contender to Audi's RS6.
The base spec Panamera starts at £68,000 with the Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive topping out at a massive £146,000 - after all, it is a Porsche. The RS6 isn't a hybrid so we'll compare it to the Turbo Sport Turismo that sits at £117,000 making it a large chunk more expensive.
Boasting 550bhp, the Turismo makes light work of outrunning much sportier cars with a 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds or 3.6 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package.
Audi S4 Avant
This fast Audi estate is probably the most subtle out of the cars listed here. What looks like a normal A4 to the vast majority, the S4 is a silent killer which packs a punch when needed. It may 'only have a 3.0-litre V6 engine' but paired with a turbo means 350bhp which isn't exactly under powered.
Taking into consideration that there's an incoming RS4 Avant that will take over the role as the most powerful A4, we're sure that it will be in with a shout of being a worthy alternative to the bigger RS6.
Mercedes C63 AMG Estate
The C63 needs no introduction. This model proves that there's no replacement for displacement with its aggressive V8 rumble that is arguably the best sounding V8 produced - sorry America!
The C-Class has been one of the most successful family saloon and estate cars that we have in production today. From small diesels up to the shouty AMG, it offers something for all. Due to emissions laws raining down hard on big naturally aspirated engines, this could possibly be the last time we see the V8 in the C63.
It comes in two guises. The standard C63 that produces 469bhp and the bigger brother, the C63 S which is what the RS6 Performance is in Audi, makes 503bhp.
Volkswagen Golf R Estate
The Golf R Estate may not be your first thought but don't brush it aside. Despite having more weight on it, this variant isn't far behind the hatchback when talking about performance. Add the big boot and more rear space means you've got a pocket rocket for every occasion.
It may not have the performance to match the bigger options on this list but 305bhp isn't to be laughed at. Activate the launch control function and you'll achieve 0-60mph in a tad over five seconds.
Join In
Comments (0)