Ask any car enthusiast what their dream garage is and there's a pretty high chance that there will at least be one wagon on that list. Wagons, after all, are very versatile cars. If practicality and a big cargo area are what you're after, then what's wrong with buying a wagon as opposed to a crossover SUV? Granted, wagons won't have the option for a third row, but the world's best-selling SUVs are mostly five-seater vehicles, and thus, are essentially wagons with a taller ride height.

There is a rare breed of high-performance wagons, however, that manages to combine what the heart wants with what the mind desires. A wagon that has sports sedan qualities that are combined with a longer roof, and thus, a crossover-like amount of cargo space. Among these potent wagons, there's one that stands out in most car enthusiast's minds.

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The Audi RS6 Avant Is A Damn Great Wagon

That would be the Audi RS6 wagon (or Avant in Audi's marketing jargon) is one great wagon whose qualities have made car enthusiasts from all over the world fall in love with this brute. The current fourth generation (C8) RS6 is sold solely as a wagon, and it's the first time that the nameplate has been offered in the North American market since the first generation (C5) RS6 was discontinued. Also, this is the first time that Audi sold an RS-badged wagon in the United States. Prior to this, Audi's North American wagon lineup was dominated by raised "Allroad" versions of the A6 Avant and A4 Avant.

The Audi RS6 Avant wouldn't be popular in the U.S.--at least on paper since it's a wagon, but the clamor for the RS6 Avant to arrive in America was so strong, the German luxury automaker succumbed to the car enthusiast's wishes and finally, the RS6 Avant was offered in the States beginning in the 2021 model year. This proved that there's actually a strong market for high-performance wagons in the U.S.A., and could serve as a precedent for other automakers to sell high-performance wagons in the United States.

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But The RS6 Avant Is More Than Just A Wagon

But part of the RS6 Avant's appeal is its ability to be more than just a wagon. To understand that, let's first talk about its design. Audis are generally understated and nondescript, but the RS6 Avant looks aggressive without being too ostentatious. As with most high-performance cars nowadays, Audi sets its identity with their so-called "Singleframe" grille--which in this case has a hexagonal shape.

There's also a slim (albeit fake) air vent on top of the grille as well as trapezoidal side vents to complete the look of its sculpted front end. Filling the RS6 Avant's sexy widened fender flares are deliciously large 22-inch alloy wheels shod in low-profile Continental SportContact 7 tires--though it probably won't be delicious to replace those tires or wheels if you hit those.

While the exterior looks brawny yet tastefully executed, the interior is pretty somber, though not exactly one that's cheap. This isn't surprising since the RS6 Avant is basically a high-performance version of the A6, so the only interior features that separate the two cars are the increased use of carbon fiber, sportier seats, a high-end Bang & Olufsen surround sound system (though even this can be opted in the A6), and unique software features specific to the RS6 for the Virtual Cockpit digital instruments and the MMI infotainment system.

While the major selling point of a wagon is its SUV-like cargo space (30 cubic-feet), most car enthusiasts probably just want the more handsome looks provided by the body style's longer roof compared to a sedan. Still, the benefits of a long roof are undeniable--especially when you actually need to use all of that space for hauling bulky items. But what you're probably drawn to in the RS6 Avant is its sheer capability.

The RS6's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 packs which is mated to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter generator. This drivetrain has a total system output of 592 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque that lets it sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. In typical Audi fashion, this is sent to all four wheels (aka their Quattro all-wheel drive) via a ZF eight-speed automatic.

The RS6 Avant, of course, isn't just all about straight-line speed, because this wagon comes with sport-tuned adaptive air suspension and a sport differential that actively splits torque between each side of the rear wheels. The steering system is also unique to the RS6, while optional performance extras include an RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control and carbon ceramic brakes.

If this isn't potent enough for you, then there's a new Audi RS6 Avant Performance with more bite and more money to pay for. With 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque thanks to a rework to the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, this hot wagon now does the 0-60 mph run in just 2.9 seconds.

The limited-slip differential has also been reworked, while the ZF eight-speed auto box now provides faster shifts. The RS6 Avant was also deemed too quiet inside, so Audi's engineers reduced the sound insulation in the drivetrain for added engine noise. If that's not loud enough, Audi will sell you an optional RS sports exhaust for even more noise.

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The Audi RS6 Avant Also Has Company

However, is the Audi RS6 Avant the dream performance wagon you're looking for? There are two more high-performance wagons sold in the United States vying for your hard-earned six-digit figures. Both of them are German and both of them are capable in their own unique way.

Audi RS6 Vs. Rivals

The Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon is a brute luxury beast with a muscle car-like attitude, while the Porsche Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo is the RS6 Avant's cousin from Stuttgart.

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Here's Why The Audi RS6 Avant Could Be Appealing To You

The current C8 generation of the Audi RS6 Avant could be appealing to your for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it's the RS6 at its absolute peak when it comes to all-around capability and luxury. That's also the same case dynamically, as the car is very capable on a handling perspective than any other RS6 before it.

Lastly, this RS6 will inevitably be electrified for the next-generation model, but it's not electrification that will still preserve the internal combustion engine (ICE). The RS6 will come with the "e-tron" moniker, and become a high-performance electric wagon that was previewed by the A6 e-tron concept. But of course, the concept is just a preview, and since it's an RS model, expect more performance and added sportiness to the final production model's character.