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Audi RS6

The C6 RS6: a 572-hp twin-turbo V10, with four adults and their luggage along for the ride.1

Researched October 26, 2026 from 36 sources

At a glance

0400800
444–621 hpPower
0510
3.3–4.7 s0–100 km/h
0175350
250–305 km/hTop speed
05001,000
560–850 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,840–2,205 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.23811

Engine
C5: 4.2 L V8; C6: 5.0 L V10; C7/C8: 4.0 L V8; all twin-turbo359
Layout
Longitudinal front engine, permanent quattro all-wheel drive3
Built at
Neckarsulm plant, Germany; Avant GT finished at Böllinger Höfe38

The story

Audi created the RS6 to give the A6 more power after the RS4. Built in Neckarsulm, it spans four generations: the first two offered sedans and Avants; the last two are wagon-only.23

2002: C5 launches with Cosworth V8 and DRC20022008: C6 brings a dry-sump biturbo V1020082013: C7: V8 downsizing, standard air springs20132016: C7 Performance: 750 Nm on overboost20162019: C8 brings 48-volt mild-hybrid power20192024: 660 Avant GTs, hand-finished20242025: C8 production ends; 2026 model remains2025 Audi RS2 Avant (B4/8C): 1994–1995Audi S6 (C4 / Typ 4A): 1994–1997Audi S6 Plus (C4 / Q1): 1996–1997Audi S6 (C5 / Typ 4B): 1999–2003C5 / Typ 4BAudi RS6 (C5) (C5 / Typ 4B): 2002–2004Audi RS6 (C6) (C6 / Typ 4F): 2008–2010Audi RS6 Avant (C7) (C7): 2013–2018C7Audi RS6 Avant (C8) (C8): 2019–2025 production; 2026 model yearC8 1995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones23491018192021
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1994–1995Audi RS2 Avant (B4/8C)
1994–1997Audi S6 (C4 / Typ 4A)
1996–1997Audi S6 Plus (C4 / Q1)
1999–2003Audi S6 (C5 / Typ 4B)
2002–2004Audi RS6 (C5) (C5 / Typ 4B)
2008–2010Audi RS6 (C6) (C6 / Typ 4F)
2013–2018Audi RS6 Avant (C7) (C7)
2019–2025 production; 2026 model yearAudi RS6 Avant (C8) (C8)
2002C5 launches with Cosworth V8 and DRC
2008C6 brings a dry-sump biturbo V10
2013C7: V8 downsizing, standard air springs
2016C7 Performance: 750 Nm on overboost
2019C8 brings 48-volt mild-hybrid power
2024660 Avant GTs, hand-finished
2025C8 production ends; 2026 model remains
  1. 2002

    C5 launches with Cosworth V8 and DRC

    The 4.2 L twin-turbo V8 makes 444 hp; hydraulic DRC links opposing dampers. Each C5 needs about 15 hours of hand-finishing after the Neckarsulm line.234

  2. 2008

    C6 brings a dry-sump biturbo V10

    A 5.0 L V10 delivers 572 hp and 650 Nm through a six-speed automatic. Dry-sump lubrication helps keep the engine low; the Avant reaches 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.2

  3. 2013

    C7: V8 downsizing, standard air springs

    The 4.0 L twin-turbo V8 brings cylinder deactivation and an eight-speed automatic. Air suspension becomes standard for the first time.25

  4. 2016

    C7 Performance: 750 Nm on overboost

    The V8 rises to 597 hp, with brief 750 Nm overboost. The 0–100 km/h sprint falls to 3.7 seconds, and 21-inch wheels become standard.26

  5. 2019

    C8 brings 48-volt mild-hybrid power

    The 4.0 L biturbo V8 delivers 592 hp and 800 Nm, reaching 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. Rear-wheel steering joins the chassis toolkit.27

  6. 2024

    660 Avant GTs, hand-finished

    Carbon hood and fenders, coilovers and a revised sport differential pair with 621 hp, 850 Nm and 0–100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.8

  7. 2025

    C8 production ends; 2026 model remains

    Production ends after the C8's 2019–2025 run, yet the Avant Performance remains available as a 2026 model with 621 hp. The GT edition has gone.3910

Every generation

  • Audi S4 (Ur-S4)
    C4
  • Audi RS2 Avant
    B4/8C1994–1995
  • Audi S6
    C4 / Typ 4A1994–1997
  • Audi S6 Plus
    C4 / Q11996–1997
  • Audi S6
    C5 / Typ 4B1999–2003
  • Audi RS6 (C5)
    C5 / Typ 4B2002–2004
  • Audi RS6 (C6)
    C6 / Typ 4F2008–2010
  • Audi RS6 Avant (C7)
    C72013–2018
  • Audi RS6 Avant (C8)
    C82019–2025 production; 2026 model year

Power over the years

From 444 hp to 621 hp in 21 years.

0200400600800 20052010201520202025 hp 2002 · 444 hp · C5 4.2 V82004 · 473 hp · C5 Plus2008 · 572 hp · C6 5.0 V102010 · 572 hp · C6 Plus: unchanged V10 output2013 · 552 hp · C7 launch model2016 · 597 hp · C7 Performance2019 · 592 hp · C8 launch model2023 · 621 hp · C8 Performance2024 · 621 hp · RS6 Avant GT2026 · 621 hp · 2026 Avant Performance 621 hp C8 Performance 444 hp C5 4.2 V8
23568910
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2002444C5 4.2 V8
2004473C5 Plus
2008572C6 5.0 V10
2010572C6 Plus: unchanged V10 output
2013552C7 launch model
2016597C7 Performance
2019592C8 launch model
2023621C8 Performance
2024621RS6 Avant GT
20266212026 Avant Performance

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    C5 RS6

    2002–2004

    444 hp

  • Standard

    C6 RS6

    2008–2010

    572 hp

  • Standard

    C7 RS6 Avant

    2013–2018

    552 hp

  • Standard

    C8 RS6 Avant

    2019–2023

    592 hp
  • C7 RS6 Avant Performance

    Performance

    C7 RS6 Avant Performance

    2016–2018

    597 hp
  • C8 RS6 Avant Performance

    Performance

    C8 RS6 Avant Performance

    2023–2026

    621 hp
  • C5 RS6 Plus

    Limited

    C5 RS6 Plus

    2004

    473 hp

    999 built

  • RS6 Avant GT

    Limited

    RS6 Avant GT

    2024–2025

    621 hp

    660 built

  • Limited

    C6 RS6 Plus Sport / Plus Audi exclusive

    2010

    572 hp

    500 built

  • ABT RS6 Legacy Edition

    Limited

    ABT RS6 Legacy Edition

    2023

    750 hp
  • RS6 Avant Performance Nogaro Edition

    Limited

    RS6 Avant Performance Nogaro Edition

    2018

    597 hp
  • RS6 Avant RS Tribute Edition

    Limited

    RS6 Avant RS Tribute Edition

    2021

    591 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • C5: wider sills, two oval exhaust tips and an extra rear spoiler on the Avant.2
  • C6: squared-off fender flares and ten LED daytime-running lights per side.13
  • C7: its wide body adds 6 cm over a conventional A6.2
  • C8: flat A7-family headlights flank a gloss-black honeycomb grille.27

Year by year

  1. 2013

    The sedan disappears; from the third generation onward, the RS6 comes only as an Avant.23

  2. 2014 reveal / 2015 update

    Matrix LED headlights and revised taillights mark the facelift; inside, MMI gains LTE connectivity and a newer processor.517

  3. 2019 (C8)

    The new body is 8 cm wider than an A6 Avant and uses flatter headlights from the A7 family.27

  4. 2024–2025 (GT)

    GT cars add a double rear wing and lose the roof rails, giving the roof a cleaner outline.813

  5. 2026 model year

    The GT leaves the range; blue brake calipers become an option.10

Don’t confuse it with

  • Audi S6 (C5)

    The RS6 has 18- or 19-inch wheels and RS-marked front calipers; the C5 S6 used 17-inch Avus wheels.318

Against its rivals

  • BMW M5 (2003)

    RS6 vs BMW M5 (2003)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    RS64.4 s
    BMW M5 (2003)4.9 s
    22
  • Jaguar S-type R (2003)

    RS6 vs Jaguar S-type R (2003)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    RS64.4 s
    Jaguar S-type R (2003)5.4 s
    22
  • Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (2003)

    RS6 vs Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (2003)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    RS64.4 s
    Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (2003)4.3 s
    22

  • RS6 vs Porsche Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    RS63.1 s
    Porsche Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo2.7 s
    11

Prices

Value today $7.9K–$117.0K2829

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K$1M 20052010201520202025 Value today: $7,900–$117,000 2002 · $93,233 · France base, approx. EUR at USD 0.952010 · $158,614 · Germany Avant base, USD equivalent2021 · $110,045 · US Avant base2021 · $131,645 · US Avant, as tested2021 · $137,845 · US RS Tribute Edition 2002 · 98 140 € · France base, 2002; approx. USD at EUR 1 = $0.95 2025 · $14,000 · 2003 RS6 6-speed, 162k miles, BaT2025 · $34,999 · 2003 RS6, 26k miles, BaT2025 · $239,000 · 2025 RS6 Avant Performance GT, 16 miles, BaT2025 · $85,000 · 2021 RS6 Avant, 26k miles, BaT2026 · $88,000 · 2021 RS6 Avant, 13k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $117,000 · 2024 RS6 Avant Performance, 7k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $7,900 · 2003 RS6, 74k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $30,000 · 2008 Japanese-market RS6 Avant, 145k km, BaT $239.0K BaT, 2025
111621282930313233343536
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2002Launch price$93,233France base, 2002; approx. USD at EUR 1 = $0.95
2002Price when new$93,233France base, approx. EUR at USD 0.95
2010Price when new$158,614Germany Avant base, USD equivalent
2021Price when new$110,045US Avant base
2021Price when new$131,645US Avant, as tested
2021Price when new$137,845US RS Tribute Edition
2025Auction sale$14,0002003 RS6 6-speed, 162k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$34,9992003 RS6, 26k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$239,0002025 RS6 Avant Performance GT, 16 miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$85,0002021 RS6 Avant, 26k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$88,0002021 RS6 Avant, 13k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$117,0002024 RS6 Avant Performance, 7k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$7,9002003 RS6, 74k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$30,0002008 Japanese-market RS6 Avant, 145k km, BaT
2026Value today$7,900–$117,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “Pobst's Puerto Rico win sealed two titles”
    • “Four wins despite the handicaps”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 9 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 36 sources
  1. Audi RS6 (C6, 2008 - 2010): a V10 family car with supercar power | evo evo.co.uk
  2. 20 years, four generations – Audi RS 6: Superior performance with an everyday look | audi.com audi.com
  3. Audi RS 6 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Proud parent | Audi Magazine Australia magazine.audi.com.au
  5. Audi RS6 Avant review - prices, specs and 0-60 time | evo evo.co.uk
  6. Une sportivité à toute épreuve : de l'Audi S6 plus à l’Audi RS 6 Avant performance et RS 7 Sportback performance - Audi France Media media.audifrance.fr
  7. Performance icon | Audi Magazine Australia magazine.audi.com.au
  8. When a model reaches its maximum: The New Audi RS 6 Avant GT | audi.com audi.com
  9. Audi RS6 (C8, 2019 - 2025) review – the fast Audi that caught BMW’s M5 | evo evo.co.uk
  10. 2026 Audi RS6 Avant Review, Pricing, and Specs caranddriver.com
  11. 2021 Audi RS6 Avant vs. Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon, Porsche Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo motortrend.com
  12. Audi RS 6 Avant review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  13. Audi RS6 GT (2024 - 2025) review – the ultimate super-estate | evo evo.co.uk
  14. ABT RS6 Legacy Edition as limited "crowning glory of two decades of RS6 history" - Audi Tuning, VW Tuning, Chiptuning von ABT Sportsline. abt-sportsline.com
  15. Audi RS 6 Nogaro Edition (2018): Preis autozeitung.de
  16. Drink In the Striking 2021 Audi RS6 Avant RS Tribute Edition motortrend.com
  17. Audi S6 and RS6 Avant updated - V8 with 450/560 hp paultan.org
  18. Audi S6 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  19. Audi RS 2 Avant - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. Audi S6 Plus – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  21. Audi RS6 C5 (2002 – 2004), la pompe à feu des familles, dès 15 000 € caradisiac.com
  22. Tested: 2003 Performance Luxury Sedan Showdown caranddriver.com
  23. Archive of Audi S4 Race Reports/News/Photos 2003 - San Juan GT Race championracing.net
  24. The 2004 season in review: for Audi a year crammed with highlights | audi.com audi.com
  25. Top 10 Awesome Movie Car Cameos | CarThrottle carthrottle.com
  26. Break Speed Records with High Performance in Forza Horizon 5 forza.net
  27. This Badass RS6 Wagon Is Jon Olsson's New Winter Ride jalopnik.com
  28. 2003 Audi RS6 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,300 on October 16, 2026 (Lot #268,817) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 2024 Audi RS6 Avant Performance for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $117,000 on July 6, 2026 (Lot #251,068) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 2010 Audi RS6 Avant – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  31. 13k-Mile 2021 Audi RS6 Avant for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $88,000 on May 23, 2026 (Lot #244,077) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 2003 Audi RS6 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,000 on December 17, 2025 (Lot #223,746) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 2021 Audi RS6 Avant for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $85,000 on June 4, 2025 (Lot #194,640) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2025 Audi RS6 Avant Performance GT for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $239,000 on June 16, 2025 (Lot #196,246) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: Japanese-Market 2008 Audi RS6 Avant for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $30,000 on September 26, 2026 (Lot #265,235) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 26k-Mile 2003 Audi RS6 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $34,999 on November 5, 2025 (Lot #218,382) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • audi.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • magazine.audi.com.au
  • media.audifrance.fr
  • caranddriver.com
  • motortrend.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • abt-sportsline.com
  • autozeitung.de
  • paultan.org
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • caradisiac.com
  • championracing.net

Photo credits

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