Would You Upgrade to a RS6??

[Ed99]

Hi Members,

Just want your feedback if anyone had previously owned a RS5 Sportback and had traded up for a RS6? Was it worth the extra $50K. Would love to hear your thoughts the pros and cons?

[VVG]

Hi Members,

Just want your feedback if anyone had previously owned a RS5 Sportback and had traded up for a RS6? Was it worth the extra $50K. Would love to hear your thoughts the pros and cons?

Last year I specifically ordered built to spec RS5 . It was an active choice over an RS6 or RS7. Those cars are big and they will drive big. I don't consider them an "upgrade". They are larger cars that that won't feel as dynamic. Yes, they are built with more luxury, but that is how it is with larger cars. I always wondered why exactly you can't get all these luxury features in smaller cars, but seemingly all automakers do this. I used to own a C7 S6 that was tuned to well beyond stock RS6/7 power. It was fast as stink but it felt big, and I wanted something that felt a little more dynamic. The RS3 will feel even more dynamic for that matter, but I like the balance in the RS5 between luxury and smoothness vs athleticism. Ultimately the RS6/7 are different purpose vehicles. If you want a big luxury powerhouse, go for it.

[JohnEnglish]

If I had an extra $50K lying around, yes, I would get a RS7.

[Burrcold]

No. Both the RS6 and 7 are way too big for me (the RS5 is already big to me). And for the price, I would be looking at different vehicles.

[Ed99]

If I had an extra $50K lying around, yes, I would get a RS7.

So for the extra money you would get a RS7 over the RS6? Is it because the RS7 looks and drives more sportier vs the RS6?

[Ed99]

No. Both the RS6 and 7 are way too big for me (the RS5 is already big to me). And for the price, I would be looking at different vehicles.

I am curious to know what you all think because I am deciding on buying a RS6 but don't know if the extra money is well spent. An extra $50K is a lot of money to spend on a car plus don't forget taxes LOL!!

What other cars would you recommend besides the RS6 you would rather purchase?

[Ed99]

Last year I specifically ordered built to spec RS5 . It was an active choice over an RS6 or RS7. Those cars are big and they will drive big. I don't consider them an "upgrade". They are larger cars that that won't feel as dynamic. Yes, they are built with more luxury, but that is how it is with larger cars. I always wondered why exactly you can't get all these luxury features in smaller cars, but seemingly all automakers do this. I used to own a C7 S6 that was tuned to well beyond stock RS6/7 power. It was fast as stink but it felt big, and I wanted something that felt a little more dynamic. The RS3 will feel even more dynamic for that matter, but I like the balance in the RS5 between luxury and smoothness vs athleticism. Ultimately the RS6/7 are different purpose vehicles. If you want a big luxury powerhouse, go for it.

Is your RS5 you daily driver? I think the RS6 makes a perfect daily as there are more space overall for family but I haven't driven one yet so don't know how big the car might feel. And I agree when the car gets too big it takes the fun and sportiness out of it unfortunately!! It like driving a freakin luxury sporty boat but hope the RS6 doesn't feel that way.

[JohnEnglish]

So for the extra money you would get a RS7 over the RS6? Is it because the RS7 looks and drives more sportier vs the RS6?

The RS7 is slightly cheaper than the RS6. Personally, I prefer the look of the RS7. The driving dynamics of the two cars is almost identical. The RS5 is my daily driver but I've always had a soft spot for big V8 luxury sport sedans.

[Lord XL]

Sorry to be blunt but my response is how would we know what something is worth to you?

That's what test drives are for.

Only you can answer if it's worth it FOR YOU.

[IamRacer X]

I was pretty excited about the release of the RS6 Avant to the US market. I already had purchased my RS5 Sportback at that time. I immediately thought it would be the next car I would buy. Well the last three years have changed my mind. First, one night at the dragstrip I watched an RS6 struggle to run quicker than 11.8 when I was running 11.7 completely stock every run. Owner claimed to be using launch mode and said that was all the car had?? Next, about a year and a half ago I came across one at the gas station. Wow, they do look impressive!! We chatted for a bit. One thing that was clear, my RS5 was averaging much better gas mileage. Not a surprise, but was more than I suspected. Lastly I started reading the RS6 and RS7 forum boards. Lets just say those cars are not as trouble free as the B9 platform. Add to all that RS6s are hard to find and are $50k more than a new RS5... I am out.

[Mops@Nemesis]

No. Both the RS6 and 7 are way too big for me (the RS5 is already big to me).

Same. My S4 is the right size and handles far better (modded) than the RS6. But the RS6 does well for its size. Really hoping we get the RS4 Avant. As well as the RS6 has done, the RS3/RS4 hatch would do even better.

[Ed99]

The RS7 is slightly cheaper than the RS6. Personally, I prefer the look of the RS7. The driving dynamics of the two cars is almost identical. The RS5 is my daily driver but I've always had a soft spot for big V8 luxury sport sedans.

RS6 and RS7 both a great looking car and if I would pick the cheaper one too if both are almost identical!!! However, I see a lot of RS7 on the market vs RS6 which seems to make them a bit more special and maybe better resale value down the road?

[Ed99]

I was pretty excited about the release of the RS6 Avant to the US market. I already had purchased my RS5 Sportback at that time. I immediately thought it would be the next car I would buy. Well the last three years have changed my mind. First, one night at the dragstrip I watched an RS6 struggle to run quicker than 11.8 when I was running 11.7 completely stock every run. Owner claimed to be using launch mode and said that was all the car had?? Next, about a year and a half ago I came across one at the gas station. Wow, they do look impressive!! We chatted for a bit. One thing that was clear, my RS5 was averaging much better gas mileage. Not a surprise, but was more than I suspected. Lastly I started reading the RS6 and RS7 forum boards. Lets just say those cars are not as trouble free as the B9 platform. Add to all that RS6s are hard to find and are $50k more than a new RS5... I am out.

That is good to know and yes they will have their share of issues for the new platform RS6/RS7.

[Ed99]

Sorry to be blunt but my response is how would we know what something is worth to you?

That's what test drives are for.

Only you can answer if it's worth it FOR YOU.

I haven't driven a RS6 yet and so true because I could test drive it and end up hated it because it drives too big...that is my worry. The car looks handsome and aggressive which I like a lot. But need to hear the goods and bad from owners here to also help make my decision. Dropping $150K plus tax is a lot of money so have to think this through lol!!

[Ed99]

Same. My S4 is the right size and handles far better (modded) than the RS6. But the RS6 does well for its size. Really hoping we get the RS4 Avant. As well as the RS6 has done, the RS3/RS4 hatch would do even better.

Won't that be awesome if we get the RS3/RS4 hatch...I think it will sell really well here!! What are they holding up for?

[Turbanator]

Won't that be awesome if we get the RS3/RS4 hatch...I think it will sell really well here!! What are they holding up for?

The A3 Sportback and A4 Avant aren't sold here, though the A4 Allroad is. I recall hearing that the RS6 coming here is related to the reason we got the A6 Allroad with the current gen A6, but clearly it's too late for the B9.5 RS4 to come here. I've heard many rumors that the B10 A4/S4/RS4 Avant may be coming to the US next year for MY 2024, but nothing concrete other than possibly an A4 Avant seen testing in LA. I doubt the A3 Sportback would ever come though as Americans have an aversion to any two-box hatchback that isn't <$25k or lifted with plastic cladding.

[JohnEnglish]

Won't that be awesome if we get the RS3/RS4 hatch...I think it will sell really well here!! What are they holding up for?

Wagons have very low sales numbers in North America. The RS6 makes sense for Audi as they're producing limited numbers and they have a higher profit margin than the B9 cars. It's the same thing with the E63 AMG wagon. It's only available by special order.

[VVG]

I haven't driven a RS6 yet and so true because I could test drive it and end up hated it because it drives too big...that is my worry. The car looks handsome and aggressive which I like a lot. But need to hear the goods and bad from owners here to also help make my decision. Dropping $150K plus tax is a lot of money so have to think this through lol!!

As I said, I have owned a tuned C7 S6 and it drove and felt big. The current generation RS6/7 are even larger. They even look huge. It is hard to answer whether or not it is "worth it" over an RS5 when it just such a different car.

[Zombie5150]

I originally was shopping for a RS7. Love the look of the car both inside and out. I was at the point of talking to several dealerships about ordering one (loaded). But the thought of spending 150k+ on a car plus everything else that goes with it (taxes, insurance, registration, etc.), I just couldn't justify it. I'm paranoid enough parking my RS5 in our tight parking spaces I can't imagine how stressed I'd be with a much bigger car. Love the RS7 and it's big V8 but I'm perfectly happy with my smaller and more nimble RS5.

[bloodstar57]

Just test drove a RS5 today, will test a C7.5 s6 tomorrow. Will give feedback but just looking at them next to each other, the S6 looks like a boat. On different note i have driven the new M4 on the test track in South Korea and i must say I'm impressed with the RS5.

[Ed99]

I was sitting in the RS6 just the other day, and the car felt solid and the interior quality is way nicer than the RS5 Sportback. After sitting in the RS6, I noticed the RS5 Sportback interior had more what it appears to be plastic and felt a bit more on the cheaper scale. Do we know if the RS5 Sportback dashboard, doors are plastic vinyl or leather?

[Burrcold]

I was sitting in the RS6 just the other day, and the car felt solid and the interior quality is way nicer than the RS5 Sportback. After sitting in the RS6, I noticed the RS5 Sportback interior had more what it appears to be plastic and felt a bit more on the cheaper scale. Do we know if the RS5 Sportback dashboard, doors are plastic vinyl or leather?

Injection molded plastic.

[MarkFank]

I had just purchased my 2019 RS5 SB and then the RS6 was announced. I was #3 on the local dealers list and ended up passing on it. At the time, I couldn't justify the $60k price difference. After driving an RS6 avant few times, I'm glad I didn't buy the RS6. I absolutely love the RS6 and am a die hard wagon fan but as others have said, it is too big for my liking and the RS5 is right sized for me. That is my only dislike of the RS6, its big. If I had more $ and could have an RS6 and a Porsche 911 of some sort, I would be in heaven.

I keep getting the itch to buy an RS6 every time I see once since they are so damn gorgeous. But it would cost $60k or more to make the move (price difference of the car, sales tax, a 2nd set of wheels/tires blah blah blah), I'd rather keep the RS5 and do a tune to make it a bit more exciting and buy a new Ford Bronco and have 2 cars for the price of 1. Also, if I was going to drop $130k on a car, I'd want a 911.

[bloodstar57]

I had just purchased my 2019 RS5 SB and then the RS6 was announced. I was #3 on the local dealers list and ended up passing on it. At the time, I couldn't justify the $60k price difference. After driving an RS6 avant few times, I'm glad I didn't buy the RS6. I absolutely love the RS6 and am a die hard wagon fan but as others have said, it is too big for my liking and the RS5 is right sized for me. That is my only dislike of the RS6, its big. If I had more $ and could have an RS6 and a Porsche 911 of some sort, I would be in heaven.

I keep getting the itch to buy an RS6 every time I see once since they are so damn gorgeous. But it would cost $60k or more to make the move (price difference of the car, sales tax, a 2nd set of wheels/tires blah blah blah), I'd rather keep the RS5 and do a tune to make it a bit more exciting and buy a new Ford Bronco and have 2 cars for the price of 1. Also, if I was going to drop $130k on a car, I'd want a 911.

Wow did you read my mind! I feel this way exactly. In my mind; GT3 RS & RS6 is the best!!! However, right now the RS5 is a great middle ground until then.

[Turbanator]

How would all of you here complaining about size or price think of getting the RS4 instead, had it come to NA? It'd be marginally cheaper than the RS5 without being much heavier at all.

[Ed99]

How would all of you here complaining about size or price think of getting the RS4 instead, had it come to NA? It'd be marginally cheaper than the RS5 without being much heavier at all.

RS4 is definitely a great buy and I am sure you will have more fun vs the RS5 Sportback!!! RS5 Sportback definitely needs a tune to step it up to play in the same ground level's like the Mercedes C63S and M3/M4 crowd.

[JohnEnglish]

How would all of you here complaining about size or price think of getting the RS4 instead, had it come to NA? It'd be marginally cheaper than the RS5 without being much heavier at all.

I would still get the RS5 because it looks better.

RS4 is definitely a great buy and I am sure you will have more fun vs the RS5 Sportback!!! RS5 Sportback definitely needs a tune to step it up to play in the same ground level's like the Mercedes C63S and M3/M4 crowd.

The RS4 and RS5 are mechanically identical and weight almost the same amount. Why would the RS4 be more fun?

[Burrcold]

I would still get the RS5 because it looks better.

The RS4 and RS5 are mechanically identical and weight almost the same amount. Why would the RS4 be more fun?

^^this. Not to mention Audi quotes the RS5 0.2 seconds faster than the RS4 0-62 mph.

[MarkFank]

If the RS4 avant came to the US, I'd sell the RS5 and get the avant. Because wagon. The RS5 SB is one of Audi's best looking cars ever made IMO and I think the avant is even better. I just want the wagon. I bought the SB because that is as close to a wagon I can get without getting an SQ5 and putting it on bags or lowering it 3 inches. The A4 allroad is a skip for the 2.slow engine. The A6 allroad is intriguing since it actually has an engine worth considering but the size and lack of sporty options kills it.

[Turbanator]

If the RS4 avant came to the US, I'd sell the RS5 and get the avant. Because wagon. The RS5 SB is one of Audi's best looking cars ever made IMO and I think the avant is even better. I just want the wagon. I bought the SB because that is as close to a wagon I can get without getting an SQ5 and putting it on bags or lowering it 3 inches. The A4 allroad is a skip for the 2.slow engine. The A6 allroad is intriguing since it actually has an engine worth considering but the size and lack of sporty options kills it.

I am the same way personally lol. I think the A5 and A7 look better than their respective wagon counterparts, but at least here in NA the wagons feel more special. I currently have an S5 SB on order but I'd cancel that for an S4 Avant if I could.