First drive: Audi RS6 Avant - Buying and owning

This is going to hurt: the RS6 attracts a group 20 insurance rating and returns just 20.3mpg on average, plus you can expect that figure to plummet if you make full use of the performance.

The stark fact is that the BMW M5 Touring and Mercedes E63 AMG Estate both offer similar pace and practicality for less than the Audi's £77,625 price tag.

However, Audi has a reputation for first-rate fit and finish, and the RS6 more than lives up to this. Dense, soft-touch dashboard plastics are blended with classy metallic detailing, all the controls operate with a precise action and build quality appears rock-solid.

It's worth remembering that Audi reliability doesn’t always match its standards of assembly, though.

On the safety side, powerful brakes, four-wheel-drive traction and electronic stability control help you avoid accidents, while twin front, side and curtain airbags lessen the risk of injury if the worst happens.

Deadlocks, an alarm and plenty of marked parts make life difficult for thieves, although you don’t get a secure boot because of the estate bodystyle.