Audi RS 6 Avant Driving Review in Tenerife

Tenerife is an island of dramatic contrasts, offering everything from sun-baked motorways to freezing volcanic peaks within a single hour of driving. We wanted to know exactly how a heavy, immensely powerful estate car would cope with this wildly varying terrain. The Audi RS 6 Avant is a legend in the world of fast wagons, combining family practicality with supercar-level performance. Taking it to a volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean presents a unique set of challenges, and we were eager to see if the reality matched the reputation.

When you first collect the keys to a vehicle this wide and imposing, the immediate thought is whether it will be too much car for a small island. Tenerife has a reputation for tight corners and steep drops, which can intimidate even the most experienced drivers. We spent several days exploring the diverse road network, taking the car from sea level all the way to the clouds, to bring you a comprehensive look at what this machine is actually like to pilot here.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

Our journey began on the TF-1 motorway along the south coast. This road is characterized by long fast sweepers and smooth tarmac, making it the perfect environment for a large grand tourer. The RS 6 Avant feels completely effortless here. The cabin is isolated from wind and road noise, allowing you to cover the distance from the airport to the western resorts in absolute comfort. The suspension absorbs expansion joints beautifully, and the immense power reserves mean that merging into fast-moving traffic is never an issue.

However, the real test of any car in Tenerife is the journey inland. We turned onto the TF-21 climbing to Mount Teide, which takes you from sea level up to a staggering 2,100 m in elevation. As you ascend through the pine forests, the air becomes noticeably thin and you experience a big temperature drop. Many naturally aspirated engines start to feel breathless at this altitude, but the twin-turbo V8 of the Audi simply does not care. It powers up the steep, continuous inclines with relentless force. The all-wheel steering system is a revelation on these mountain switchbacks, artificially shortening the wheelbase and helping the heavy estate pivot around tight corners with surprising agility.

Later in our trip, we headed north to explore the Anaga forest roads. This region feels like a different world compared to the dry south. The roads here are frequently damp, highly twisty, and often misty as clouds roll through the ancient laurel trees. In these low-grip conditions, the famous Quattro all-wheel-drive system proves its worth. It provides phenomenal traction on the slippery, leaf-strewn tarmac. Where a rear-wheel-drive sports car would feel nervous and require constant corrections, the Audi tracks true, inspiring total confidence despite the murky weather and limited visibility.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

The RS 6 Avant is undeniably brilliant on open roads and fast, sweeping mountain passes. It offers a sense of security and pace that very few vehicles can match. However, we must be completely honest about its drawbacks on certain parts of the island. The most significant issue is its sheer physical size.

This became acutely apparent when we decided to take the TF-436 into Masca. This spectacular route is famous for its extremely narrow cliff hairpins and blind corners. In a compact hatchback, it is a thrilling drive. In the Audi, it is genuinely stressful. The car is simply too wide for comfort on these single-lane mountain passes. You will constantly find yourself breathing in, worrying about scraping the large alloy wheels against jagged rock faces, or praying you do not meet a tourist bus coming the other way. Small cars have a massive advantage here, and we would strongly advise against taking something this wide down the Masca descent unless you have nerves of steel.

The width issue also rears its head down at sea level. Navigating the busy resort streets in Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Americas can be a chore. Traffic is often dense, and finding a suitable space for a five-meter-long estate car is difficult. Tight parking spaces in underground garages will test your spatial awareness, and you will frequently find the car overhanging the strictly monitored blue-line meters on the street. It is a vehicle that prefers the open road to the confined spaces of a tourist hotspot.

Practical notes

If you are planning to use this car for a family holiday, the practicality is hard to beat. The luggage space is vast, easily swallowing four large suitcases and several soft bags with the load cover securely in place. The cabin is incredibly spacious, offering excellent legroom for passengers in the back. During our time with the Automatic, 4.0 L, 5 seats variant, we found it to be the ultimate compromise between a performance car and a family hauler.

You must, however, factor in the running costs. Fuel consumption is heavy, especially if you spend a lot of time on the steep mountain climbs. The V8 engine has a fierce appetite for premium unleaded when pushed hard up the TF-21. Furthermore, we highly recommend utilizing valet parking where available, or choosing hotels with spacious, modern parking facilities to avoid the stress of squeezing into older, tighter underground lots.

Verdict

Driving the Audi RS 6 Avant in Tenerife is an unforgettable experience. It is a magnificent piece of engineering that dominates the fast coastal motorways and charges up the volcanic slopes with breathtaking ease. The grip, the power, and the comfort make it a spectacular way to see the island. You just need to be mindful of its dimensions. Keep it away from the narrowest cliff roads and the most congested resort streets, and you will be rewarded with one of the most capable and luxurious driving experiences available on the island.

Where to book the Audi RS 6 Avant in Tenerife

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