Luxury cars are often seen as poor investments, with many losing a large chunk of their value within just a few years. But not all high-end vehicles follow that trend. Some models buck depreciation norms by holding onto their value remarkably well, even outperforming more mainstream rivals.
One standout model combines refined luxury with thrilling performance and everyday practicality, making it a rare all-in-one package. It’s a vehicle that attracts enthusiasts and families alike, offering premium materials, cutting-edge tech, and a powerful engine under the hood. Its versatility and reputation for quality have helped it maintain strong resale value year after year.
In a segment where prestige often fades quickly, this luxury model proves that smart design and lasting appeal can translate into real long-term value. If you’re looking for a car that feels worth every dollar, even years down the road, this one leads the pack.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed, RepairPal, CarEdge, Edmunds, and the EPA.
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Audi’s RS6 Performance Wagon Holds Its Value Exceptionally Well
Something that we are absolutely thrilled about is that performance wagons are returning to popularity. There are a number of fantastic options hitting the market. However, if you’re thinking about the long-term value of your car, then the choice that will hold its value the best over the long term is the Audi RS6 Avant.
Depreciation and Value
|
Years of Ownership |
Depreciation |
|---|---|
|
Three Years |
15% |
|
Five Years |
32% |
|
Seven Years |
58% |
|
Ten Years |
66% |
According to CarEdge, there is one luxury model that stands above the rest when it comes to long-term value retention, and that is the Audi RS6 Avant. In fact, it depreciates the least compared to its rivals at the three-year mark, the five-year mark, and the ten-year mark.
According to recent surveys, Americans hold on to their new cars for an average of 12.5 years. People who buy new luxury cars likely trade in their vehicles sooner than the average. Despite this, the RS6 Avant will get you the best return on your investment in the long run, allowing you to get a larger down payment for your next car.
2025 Trims and Pricing
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
RS6 Avant Performance |
$126,600 |
Audi’s high-performance station wagon does not come cheap, starting at well over the six-figure mark without any of the additional equipment. A fully-loaded model can easily set you back over $150,000. When you’re spending this much on a vehicle, it is nice to know that you’re going to get as much money back as you can.
Without adding on any additional options or packages, a brand-new RS6 might sell for around $107,914 after three years, $85,809 after five years, and $63,543 after ten years. Losing tens of thousands of dollars in value might sound rough, but other similarly priced luxury cars lose more in the same amount of time.
Other Long-Term Costs
One of the most prominent long-term costs is insurance. Driving a car that is valued so highly is not cheap, with insurance companies offering high premiums. CarEdge estimates that you will pay around $3,885 on average to insure your RS6 Avant annually. This $808 dollars higher than the national average.
CarEdge also makes estimates when it comes to maintenance, based on the costs verified owners have incurred. The average ten-year maintenance costs of an RS6 Avant sit at around $13,102. Considering this is a premium, high-performance car, it is actually impressively low. It is $1,081 less than what you would spend on maintenance for the average luxury wagon.
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The Twin-Tubrocharged V-8 Powering the RS6 Helps Keep It Desirable
One of the biggest things that keep luxury cars like the RS6 desirable in the long term is their performance. As well as being a niche, sought-after vehicle, the RS6 Avant delivers exceptional levels of performance thanks to the raging engine that sits under the hood. Who wouldn’t want to drive one?
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
4.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-8 |
|---|---|
|
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
621 HP |
|
Torque |
627 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
3 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
190 MPH |
Underneath the hood of the RS6 Avant sits one of the most beautifully crafted twin-turbo V-8s out there. It pairs exclusively with an eight-speed transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. The powertrain features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that helps with power delivery. This all combines to motivate the 5,000-pound wagon to 60 miles per hour at a staggering rate.
Audi has created something truly special with the RS6. It may be long and large, but it never fails to deliver in the corners. Sharp handling and brilliant levels of steering feedback make it a rewarding car to drive. One of the best parts of this car, though, is how it sounds, with its V-8 generating an opera that could bring a tear to your eyes.
Fuel Efficiency and Costs
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
RS6 Avant |
14 MPG |
21 MPG |
17 MPG |
Thanks to its gas-guzzling V-8 that prioritizes power above all else, the RS6 Avant ranks among the least efficient vehicles that are currently available on the market. Thanks to its large 19.3-gallon tank, you can still go a reasonable 328 miles before you have to fill up again.
The EPA estimates you’ll spend around $3,600 annually on fuel, assuming you drive 15,000 miles a year with a 45/55 split between highway and city driving. They also estimate that you’ll spend $9,500 more on fuel in five years compared to the average new vehicle.
Key Driver Assist and Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Audi Active Lane Assist
- Audi Pre Sense Front and Rear
- Night Vision Assistant
Audi’s RS6 comes fitted with a plethora of driver assists that make it an easier car to live with day-to-day. Certain features, like adaptive cruise control, are locked behind a $2,000 optional package, though. However, when fully kitted, the RS6 Avant can handle some of the most taxing driving tasks, such as driving for you in slow-moving traffic.
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Audi’s Performance Wagon Is as Luxurious as It Is Quick
When it comes to interior quality, Audi ranks among the best automakers in the world. The RS6 Avant proves this, with a finely crafted cabin that is absolutely loaded with technology. This should mean that the performance wagon ages better than a number of other luxury cars, helping it remain relevant as it gets older.
Interior Dimensions and Comfort
|
Front Row Headroom |
38.3 Inches |
|---|---|
|
Front Row Legroom |
41.3 Inches |
|
Second Row Headroom |
39.5 Inches |
|
Second Row Legroom |
37.4 Inches |
|
Cargo Capacity |
30 Cubic Feet |
The whole point of the RS6 Avant is that it marries performance and practicality in one package. This shows in the level of space on the inside, with plenty of room for adults to relax in both the front and back seats. The cargo area is where you see the biggest rewards of this body style, though, with a ridiculous amount of room for something so performance-oriented.
As is Audi’s way, the RS6 sports a sophisticated if not slightly understated interior. It may not be as flashy or as hard-edged as some of its rivals, but it strikes a nice balance between the two. The cabin is covered with high-quality soft-touch materials, with hints of carbon fiber here and there. You also get a ton of luxurious features standard, such as heated and ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.
Infotainment and Technology
Audi handles screens well in the cabin of the RS6 Avant, for the most part. A 12.3-inch digital cluster sits in front of the driver, displaying key information. A 10.1-inch screen in the middle of the dash handles the infotainment system, with a separate 8.6-inch screen below it for adjusting the climate control.
There are plenty of standard features that help the RS6 Avant feel as premium as its price tag suggests, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bang and Olufsen 3D sound system, and built-in navigation. Everything can also be controlled via what Audi calls Natural Voice Control, allowing you to input conversational commands.