The third generation Audi RS6 Avant, the mightiest of all high-powered German estate cars, have been unveiled with a fresh new look and bold specs. This one doesn’t have a V10, but don’t despair, because its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine makes 560 PS and 700 nm of torque.

That’s a serious amount of power, and it gives the car serious performance numbers: 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a mind-boggling 3.9 seconds, and limited top speed of 155, 176, or 189 mph (depending on optional packages). It is a 300 km/h wagon, and it averages 28.8 mpg. How can you argue with that!

This model is also the first RS6 to feature an adaptive air suspension system, so it remains to be seen if it really works. The system works in tandem with Audi drive select adaptive dynamics and Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). There is a slight worry then the RS6 has fallen in the same trap as the latest RS4, which is relying too much on all sort of fancy electronics that kinda sully its thrilling driving experience.

The car is around 100 kg lighter than its predecessor, and features typical RS styling cues inside and out, with some very attractive looking new seats and full carbon treatment for the dash. As for the practical stuff, if you care, it offers up to 1,680 litres of cargo space with the standard split rear seat folded.

Standard equipment include xenon plus headlights, LED rear lights, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, illuminated entry sills and the RS-specific driver’s information system. Also on board will be the parking system plus with visual and acoustic prompts, cruise control, four-zone automatic air conditioning, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, BOSE sound system, DAB radio and Audi Music Interface (AMI).

Prices for the new Audi RS6 Avant start from £77,000 which doesn’t sounds bad, but as is the case with German cars, it comes with tons of attractive options that’ll make the final price way higher than that. Deliveries start from Summer 2013.