New Audi RS6 comes in at £77,000

The third generation four-wheel drive Audi RS6 Avant boasts a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds and a maximum speed of up to 189mph - and a combined fuel consumption of 28.8mpg. The super-estate will be available to order in the UK in early 2013 at a price of 'around £77,000'.

The latest RS6 is powered by a new 560PS 4.0-litre V8 TFSI variable twin-turbo, which employs cylinder-on-demand technology to help it on its way to a combined mpg figure of 28.8mpg. Despite being smaller than the outgoing 580PS V10, performance figures are improved, with that headline 0-62mph figure being joined by a variable maximum speed - in standard form, it's limited to the usual 155mph, but by specifying the optional Dynamic package, this rises to 174mph, or 189mph with the Dynamic plus package.

As well as its cylinder on demand (COD) system, the TFSI V8 is also fitted with an engine start-stop system and thermal management technology. These end result is an up to 40 per cent improvement in fuel consumption over the wonderfully tuneful old V10. The lower kerb weight (down by 100kg) is a major factor in this improvement - the body is comprised of around 20 per cent aluminium.

The RS6 is offered with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission with quicker shifts, and 'Sport' and 'Manual' modes, just like the smaller RS4. It's also the first Audi RS model to feature adaptive air suspension, which incorporates tricks such as being able to lower the body by 20 millimetres, and damping that electronically takes into account road conditions, and driving style. Sports suspension with Dynamic Ride Control will also be available.

Larger 390mm discs are fitted, with 420mm carbon ceramic brakes offered as an option. Visually, the new RS6 is identified by its 20-inch, seven-spoke forged alloys. Three 21-inch cast wheel styles are offered at extra cost. Other identifiers are the black honeycomb radiator grille, bespoke bumpers, wings, and side skirts.

The honeycombe theme continues inside - it decks the heavily bolstered leather RS sports seats. The options list also extends to the interior trim - the seats can also be covered in black Alcantara and leather, and the centre sections feature diamond quilting. Luggage space is generous, as before, with up to 1680 litres on offer with the rear seats folded.

Standard equipment also includes xenon plus headlights, LED rear lights, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, illuminated entry sills and the RS-specific driver’s information system. Also on board will be the parking system plus with visual and acoustic prompts, cruise control, four-zone automatic air conditioning, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, BOSE sound system, DAB radio and Audi Music Interface (AMI).

And the options run to all-LED headlights, ceramic brakes, sports suspension, head-up display, 1200 watt Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. Rivals include the  Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG in estate form, and possibly a Sportbrake version of the Jaguar XFR-S, which has yet to be confirmed for production.