First drive: Audi RS6 Avant - Inside the car

It’s easy to get comfortable in the RS6 because the supportive front seats are electrically adjustable and the sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel moves for reach and height.

The stereo, satellite-navigation and vehicle settings are controlled through Audi’s intuitive MMI system, which links a rotary dial to on-screen menus. However, the separate climate control switchgear is a bit fussy.

The RS6 is based on the A6 Avant estate, so there’s plenty of room for four adults and the family Labrador inside.

With the rear seats in place there’s 565 litres of luggage space, and this grows to a sofa-swallowing 1660 litres if you fold them flat. A saloon version will follow in the summer.

Every RS6 comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, xenon headlights and an electric tailgate.

Meanwhile, on the inside, you get leather and Alcantara seats, climate and cruise control, a six-disc CD multichanger and DVD satellite-navigation.