2026 Audi RS6 Avant: A 621-HP Departure from Reality

      Jerry Perez

      The latest car news and reviews, no nonsense

      Our free daily newsletter brings you the most important stories directly, every weekday.

      Life can feel overwhelming at times. There are typical ways to escape reality; most are temporary fixes that aren't beneficial and ultimately fail to fill the emptiness. However, trying to find an escape is certainly worth a shot. Unique supports for coping with life's unpleasant moments can take various forms. It might be an adventure, a new hobby, a renewed friendship—or a 621-horsepower Audi wagon arriving at your doorstep.

      The 2026 Audi RS6 Avant is the same wagon we've cherished for years—and I genuinely mean cherished. It’s the ultimate versatile vehicle, the coolest daily driver, and essentially, the anti-SUV. It boasts a strong presence and personality, as well as ample space for five, a 19-gallon fuel tank, and the capability to speed on any road.

      Jerry Perez

      What do you do when your environment reminds you of what you’re trying to avoid? You leave it behind. You pop the hatch, toss your bags in the trunk, and set off for somewhere new. Ideally, it should be a location that feels fresh and light, with delightful food and drinks.

      With my two teenagers onboard and a full tank of gas, I directed the RS6’s long and elegant hood southwest and initiated our trip from Indianapolis to St. Louis. Google Maps, vividly displayed on the now slightly outdated infotainment screen, indicated a distance of 265 miles. The estimated travel time was four hours and 15 minutes, but I was confident we could make the trip in a little over three hours—simple enough.

      My nearly 20-year-old son, riding shotgun, took on the role of road trip DJ, allowing the enchanting Bang & Olufsen sound system to play a mix of familiar tunes. We listened to a bit of everything, from my childhood favorites to my current preferences, along with some songs we all could agree on. The playlist included Bad Bunny, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, 311, Rage Against the Machine, Santana, and Blink 182. However, it wasn't long before my 14-year-old daughter sank into the depths of TikTok and, with her AirPods blasting, fell asleep in the backseat. That surely speaks to the comfort of the ride back there.

      Jerry Perez

      Even more impressive than the B&O stereo is the sound produced by the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 during acceleration. It’s deep and smooth and serves as a reminder that, no matter how fast and impressive some EVs are, this auditory experience truly elevates your heart rate and connects you with the machine beneath you. The sight of the thoughtfully designed cockpit, the sensation of the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel in my grip, the mental image of my kids enjoying a car beyond what I can afford, and the smile on my face as I glance back at the wagon post-parking—they are small yet significant reminders that life unfolds within cars. And when certain aspects of life feel tough, these moments become even more precious.

      While money can't buy happiness—that's the honest truth—it can certainly enhance a tough situation.

      The miles sped by, and soon we were in the land of Budweiser. It was easy to find a good dive bar burger or some tasty BBQ from a small local eatery. The beer was enjoyable too. And if you consider yourself a beer connoisseur, I don’t want to hear it. I have simple tastes.

      Jerry Perez

      What's even better is that the Four Seasons in St. Louis offers, from my experience as a frequent traveler, the most affordable rate nationwide for a double room. It costs about twice as much as a typical mid-range chain hotel, but the experience is about eight times better. Definitely worth it any day of the week. Plus, having a safe and nice place for the $163,000 RS6 to rest was an added benefit, as was the valet’s reaction: “Wow, you don’t see these often.”

      Our time in St. Louis was enjoyable and straightforward, resembling the kind of quick getaway that used to be featured in brief, edgy articles: “48 Hours in XYZ, Here’s What To Do.” Nowadays, it’s all about TikTok clips.

      A car is simply that—a car—and I’d argue that, like money, it cannot bring you happiness. I’m aware that this may surprise some, given my entire life revolves around cars, but I believe that vehicles can offer joy through their qualities—even if just for a moment.

      This may not be the review you anticipated reading, and I hope that’s acceptable. In fact, it’s more like a journal entry than a review—but as I’ve mentioned before, these boxes on wheels escort us through our journeys on this planet, for better or worse. My weekend with this exceptionally cool wagon turned out to be very much for the better