When Audi announced its plans to bring the fourth-generation RS 6 Avant to the U.S. market, it took a significant risk. It’s no secret that Americans don’t buy station wagons unless there’s a big engine under the hood producing an outrageous amount of power. At least, that’s what the German carmaker was betting on. However, it’s been over two years since this long-roofed performance car went on sale, and not only has it confirmed that the demand is there, folks have lined up to get one.

Following a week behind the wheel of the 2022 Audi RS 6 Avant, it has become significantly harder to recommend a sporty SUV. With the space of a family hauler and the planted handling characteristics of a sedan, this RS 6 is one of few cars that strikes a true balance between sportiness and practicality. Up a canyon road, it’ll comfortably keep up with a mid-engined supercar and is one of few Audis that doesn’t dull the experience the quicker you go. What was once a long-roofed gamble may just be the best new Audi on sale.

Design/ Styling 

The 2022 Audi RS 6 Avant is one of just three high-performance wagons currently on sale in the U.S. Following the departure of the brilliant Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon. It only has to worry about the Porsche Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo and Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo, both of which cost significantly more than the Audi. Regardless of the small pool of competitors, the RS 6 is still easily the…