Lowering the Audi RS6 C8: All Options Compared

The Audi RS6 Avant C8 combines high performance with excellent everyday usability. However, many drivers find the gap between the wheel and fender too large from the factory. If you want to lower your RS6 C8, you first need to determine which suspension system is installed in the vehicle: depending on the equipment, the RS6 has either a steel spring suspension with electronically controlled dampers or adaptive air suspension.

There are suitable solutions for both variants. For the steel spring suspension, height-adjustable KW coil springs or a complete KW V4 coilover suspension are options. For the standard air suspension, the vehicle height can be adjusted using adjustable coupling rods, a software-based adjustment, or an app-controlled lowering module. In this guide, we compare the options, explain their differences, and show which solution suits which need.

Key takeaways

• Steel spring suspension: KW coil springs retain the factory dampers; the KW V4 replaces springs and dampers as a complete coilover suspension.
• Air suspension: Coupling rods change the mechanical height information, a software solution adjusts the intended settings, and an app module allows convenient, individual control.
• Before purchase: Suspension equipment, model year, axle loads, and registration requirements must be checked.
• After installation: Depending on the solution, professional adjustment, wheel alignment, and verification of legal requirements are necessary.

Which suspension variant does my Audi RS6 C8 have?

The most important question is at the very beginning: Does your RS6 C8 have a steel spring suspension or the optional air suspension? The components and potential lowering solutions differ fundamentally. Products for steel spring suspensions must not be confused with solutions for adaptive air suspension.

A standard air suspension can often be identified via the MMI. If there is a menu item in Audi drive select for raising the vehicle, this indicates adaptive air suspension. A definitive assignment is made via the vehicle equipment or the PR numbers. If in doubt, we recommend checking based on the vehicle identification number and the installed equipment.

All lowering options compared

Lowering the Audi RS6 C8 with steel spring suspension

For the steel spring suspension, there are two KW solutions available. Which one is more suitable depends on whether the main goal is to optimize vehicle height or to fine-tune the overall driving dynamics.

KW Coil Springs: Factory dampers are retained

KW coil springs are a height-adjustable spring kit that is used in conjunction with the existing factory dampers. For the set currently offered in the GG2 shop for the Audi RS6 Avant C8, the front and rear axles are height-adjustable via threads. The tested adjustment range is specified as 5 to 30 millimeters on both axles.

This solution is particularly suitable for drivers who want to precisely adjust the gap between the wheel and fender without sacrificing the electronically controlled factory dampers. Compared to a complete coilover suspension, the intervention is less extensive, while the height can still be adjusted within the intended range.

• Height adjustment on front and rear axle
• Factory dampers and electronic damper control are retained
• Lowering range according to current product: 5–30 mm front and rear
• Parts certificate according to product description
• Only for vehicles and axle loads listed in the product description

Matching product: KW Coil Springs for Audi RS6 Avant C8 F2

KW V4 Coilover Suspension: the comprehensive suspension solution

The KW V4 is the more consistent solution for drivers who want to not only change the vehicle height but also tune the suspension more comprehensively. In this case, the standard spring and damper units are replaced by a complete coilover suspension. For the currently offered RS6 C8 kit, the specified lowering range is 10 to 35 millimeters on the front axle and 10 to 40 millimeters on the rear axle.

In addition to height adjustment, the V4 offers adjustable rebound and compression damping, according to the product description. This allows the driving behavior to be more precisely adapted to the vehicle, wheel-tire combination, and personal requirements. The electronic damper control of the standard suspension is deactivated in this version; the necessary electronics kit is included in the current scope of delivery.

• Complete coilover suspension with springs and dampers
• Height adjustment on front and rear axle
• Lowering range according to product: 10–35 mm front and 10–40 mm rear
• Adjustable rebound and compression damping
• Parts certificate according to § 19.3 as per product description
• Not for vehicles with self-leveling suspension or air suspension

Matching product: KW V4 Coilover Suspension for Audi RS6 Avant C8

KW coil springs or KW V4 – which is better?

If the primary concern is a harmonious vehicle height and the electronically controlled factory dampers are to be retained, KW coil springs are usually the obvious solution. However, if a more extensive adjustment of height and damping is desired, the KW V4 offers the more technically versatile option. Before ordering, the model year, suspension type, and permissible axle loads must be checked against the product specifications.

Lowering an Audi RS6 C8 with air suspension

On the RS6 C8 with adaptive air suspension, vehicle height is regulated via the air suspension. Therefore, solutions specifically tailored to height control are used instead of steel springs or a classic coilover suspension. GG2 offers three different approaches.

Variant 1: Lowering via adjustable coupling rods

Adjustable coupling rods mechanically influence the height information of the standard air suspension. By adjusting them, the control height can be changed while the basic functions of the air suspension remain intact. The currently offered set is continuously adjustable and designed for a change of 0 to 50 millimeters on the front and rear axles, according to the product description.

The coupling rods are the cheapest of the three air suspension solutions. However, they do not offer spontaneous app control. Changes to the vehicle height require mechanical adjustment. Furthermore, the current product is not approved for use on public roads according to the product description. This point must be taken into account before purchasing.

Matching product: Coupling rods for Audi RS6 C8 for lowering the air suspension

Variant 2: Software lowering without additional module

With software lowering, the vehicle's intended adjustment values are adapted via the diagnostic interface. No additional suspension control unit needs to be permanently installed. The KECODI solution offered in the shop provides ten pre-set stages and also allows for subsequent changes to the selected height.

For this variant, the model year is crucial: a separate version is available for vehicles up to and including model year 2022. Vehicles from model year 2023 with UNECE or SFD2 require the designated variant. According to the current product description, the adjustment ranges from a slight raising to a maximum approved lowering of approximately 29 millimeters; the standard lifting function and tire change mode remain intact.

The product description states that there is no possibility of registration for this adaptation in Germany and Austria. Therefore, it is offered exclusively for show, exhibition, or racing vehicles and must not be used on public roads.

• Software lowering for Audi RS6 C8 up to model year 2022
• Software lowering for Audi RS6 C8 from model year 2023 with UNECE/SFD2

Variant 3: Lowering module with app control

The Active Suspension Control lowering module is the most flexible solution for the RS6 C8 with air suspension. According to the product description, the control unit is connected plug-and-play and operated via a Bluetooth app. The desired change in vehicle height can be individually adjusted without having to mechanically work on the coupling rods every time.

Different values can be stored for the various Audi drive select modes. The operation of the air suspension via the MMI remains. In addition, a Show Mode is available; also, a speed can be set above which the vehicle returns to standard height. This module is therefore particularly suitable for drivers who frequently want to switch between different heights or usage situations.

According to the product description, the current scope of delivery includes the Active Suspension Control BLE control unit, the vehicle-specific cable set or adapter, an installation guide, and a TÜV certificate. Whether the certificate is applicable to the specific vehicle version and the desired adjustment range should be checked before ordering and installation.

Matching product: Lowering module for Audi RS6 C8 with app control

Which solution is suitable for which driver?

• Steel spring suspension, focus on optics and everyday use: KW Coil Springs.
• Steel spring suspension, focus on suspension tuning: KW V4 Coilover Suspension.
• Air suspension, simple mechanical solution: adjustable coupling rods.
• Air suspension, adjustment without permanent additional control unit: Software lowering suitable for the model year.
• Air suspension, frequently changing heights and app control: Active Suspension Control lowering module.

The decision should not be based solely on the maximum possible lowering. Everyday usability, desired operation, suspension tuning, existing wheel-tire combination, and legal requirements are also relevant.

Installation, adjustment, and wheel alignment

Suspension work affects vehicle height, axle geometry, ground clearance, and clearance. KW coil springs and the KW V4 should be professionally installed and then adjusted to the desired height. Afterwards, a wheel alignment is advisable or, depending on the modification, required. The clearance of wheels and tires must also be checked over the relevant driving and steering angle range.

For air suspension solutions, correct assembly or coding and an even adjustment of both vehicle sides are crucial. GG2 Fahrzeugtechnik provides support with product selection, installation, adjustment, and assessing the respective approval situation.

Approval and use on public roads

The legal assessment always depends on the product, vehicle, country, and specific execution. The KW coil springs and the KW V4 are offered with parts certificates according to the current product descriptions. Coupling rods and the software lowering linked here are not approved for public road use according to the product description. For the app module, a TÜV certificate is mentioned as part of the scope of delivery; its specific applicability must be checked in advance.

The current documents of the respective product and the assessment by the competent inspection body are always decisive. If you have any questions, we recommend clarifying vehicle data, suspension equipment, and desired lowering with GG2 before ordering.

Frequently asked questions about Audi RS6 C8 lowering

Can every Audi RS6 C8 be lowered with KW coil springs?

No. The currently offered KW spring kit is intended for specific RS6 C8 versions with steel spring suspension and electronic damper control. Model year, vehicle version, and axle loads must match the product description.

Is the KW V4 also suitable for the RS6 C8 with air suspension?

No. The KW V4 currently offered in the shop is not intended for vehicles with self-leveling suspension or air suspension according to the product description.

Does Audi drive select remain active after air suspension lowering?

With the described solutions, essential series functions are generally retained. However, the exact range of functions differs: the app module, for example, allows for individual height values per drive-select mode, while the software lowering applies the selected value globally to the driving modes, according to the product description.

What is the difference between software lowering and the app module?

The software solution changes the intended height values via the diagnostic interface and subsequently does not require a permanent additional control unit. The app module remains in the vehicle and enables flexible Bluetooth control as well as various settings and additional functions.

How low should an RS6 C8 be for daily use?

That depends on the wheel-tire combination, driving profile, ground clearance, and driveways. The maximum possible lowering is not automatically the best everyday setting. A technically clean, freely moving height that suits the vehicle is more important than the lowest value.

Can GG2 handle the installation and adjustment?

Yes. GG2 Fahrzeugtechnik supports in selecting the appropriate solution and offers professional installation as well as the necessary follow-up work after individual consultation.

Conclusion: First determine the suspension, then choose the appropriate solution

For the Audi RS6 C8, the factory-installed suspension determines the possible lowering variants. KW coilover springs and the KW V4 are aimed at vehicles with steel spring suspension. For adaptive air suspension, connecting rods, software adjustment, and an app-controlled lowering module are available.

Those primarily looking for a harmonious height in conjunction with the series dampers are well advised with KW coilover springs. The KW V4 offers the more comprehensive solution for individual suspension tuning. For air suspension, the selection ranges from the simple mechanical variant to convenient app control.

Are you not sure which suspension is installed or which solution suits your RS6? Send us the vehicle identification number, the suspension equipment, and your desired lowering. GG2 Fahrzeugtechnik will check the appropriate version and advise you on the product, installation, and approval.