Battle of the new Audi RS6 Avant and Mercedes-AMG E63 S hot wagons in Throttle House drag race test
Stay to the end for full track drive, surprise power boost
The ultra-fast family hauler market is heating up. If you want a 600 hp station wagon, you’ve now got two serious options thanks to the Audi RS 6 Avant and the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S. When it comes to family cars like these, there’s only one thing that matters: Which one is quicker?
Throttle House took the two cars to the track because these are both far too quick to properly use on the road. After some gentle ribbing about headlight condensation and the appearance of the Audi‘s built-in toll road transponders in the grille, it was time for a drag race.
The E63 S has the power crown, by a little bit, at least, with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque to the Audi’s 591 hp and 590 lb-ft. But the Audi has a little bit less weight so that takes up much of the advantage of the Merc.
With launch control engaged, the cars take off with the Mercedes-AMG taking the advantage off of the line. And the Mercedes keeps growing that lead all the way to the finish line. Though both got past 200 km/h, calling the RS6 “the most comfortable I’ve got to 200 km/h”.
After the standing start, it’s roll race time. The Mercedes takes the lead in that one as well, walking away from the RS6, though it’s pretty darned close in both cases.
Then there was a third race, and for that one the Audi got something special. A little bit of extra power thanks to Eurocharged Canada. This time the Audi nearly pulls the front wheels on the launch and you’ll have to watch to see the result at the end of the track.