High-performance wagons are an Audi staple and the company isn’t disappointing as they’ve unveiled the all-new RS 6 Avant.

Set to celebrate its public debut in Frankfurt, the 2020 RS 6 Avant has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that produces 592 hp (441 kW / 600 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which sends power to a quattro all-wheel drive system. This setup enables the car to rocket from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.6 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

Speaking of performance, the wagon comes equipped with a specially tuned adaptive air suspension and a sport differential which promises to “enhance cornering agility by actively splitting torque between each of the rear wheels.”

There’s also an optimized steering system which “develops significantly higher return forces as [the] steering angle increases, to provide precise steering feedback.”  Customers will also be able to order an RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control.

The car’s drive select system has six different modes including auto, comfort, dynamic and efficiency.  That’s not too unusual, but the RS 6 Avant features two unique modes dubbed RS1 and RS2.  They’re individually configurable and can be pulled up by pushing the RS Mode button on the steering wheel.

Not Your Typical Grocery Getter

On the styling front, the model follows in the footsteps of the A6 and S6 Avant.  However, there are a handful of changes which indicate this isn’t your typical grocery getter.

Starting up front, the RS 6 adopts a prominent grille Singleframe grille with gloss black mesh inserts which are unique to the model.  We can also see a bulging hood, massive air intakes and a silver splitter.

The sporty styling continues further back as the RS 6 Avant has aggressive side skirts and a liftgate-mounted spoiler.  There’s also massive wheels which are backed up by a carbon ceramic braking system. Other notable features include a dual exhaust and a unique rear bumper with an integrated diffuser.

Audi didn’t say much about the interior, but the cabin largely carries over from the standard model.  As a result, owners will find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment system and an 8.6-inch lower display.

While the cabin is instantly recognizable, there are a handful of RS-specific touches including RS-branded sport seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.  We can also see carbon fiber trim, alloy pedals and a red quattro badge on the dashboard. Audi also confirmed the digital instrument cluster has RS-specific displays which “provide information on tire pressure, torque, power output, engine oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration measurements and g forces.”

We’ll likely learn more about the RS 6 Avant at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but Audi confirmed the model will be offered in America.  This is a first for the wagon and Audi Sport GmbH managing director Oliver Hoffmann said he believes the move has “huge potential.”