Audi puts the boot into new A6.

Order books open for sleek and sporty estate car.

Audi has taken the wraps off the all-new A6 Avant.

The estate version of the A6 – the saloon launched last month – has been redesigned to look lower and longer than the outgoing car.

It’s actually only 1cm longer and 2cm wider than before, but Audi’s designers were briefed to give the car a sleeker, sportier stance. Despite looking lower it’s also 6mm taller than before.

Viewed from behind, the Avant’s broad pillars add visual strength, with a steeply sloping glass screen topped by a subtle roof spoiler that’s echoed by a chrome strip running from left to right.

Despite the more rakish and sporty rear end, the big Audi’s luggage carrying capacity hasn’t diminished at all. It’s able to carry 565 litres, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The seats can be split 40:20:40 for extra versatility.

Audi has also managed to free up more interior space, especially for rearseat passengers.

An electric tailgate is standard, but being able to open it by waving your foot under the rear bumper will cost extra.

A luggage compartment rail system lets owners adjust four variable lashing points to secure objects.

A tensioning strap, a net and two hooks are also included and an additional load-securing kit with telescopic bar and strap can also be added at extra cost to divide the luggage compartment into two sections.

Like the saloon, the Avant will feature a range of mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines including a 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol developing 335bhp and a 3.0 litre V6 diesel with 282bhp on tap.

The mild-hybrid technology allows the car to “coast” between 34 and 99mph. In real-world driving, this can save up to 4g/km of CO2.

All come with automatic transmissions and are linked to Quattro four-wheel drive. Smaller engines and two-wheel drive models will be added to the range after launch.

The cabin is decked out with Audi’s new twin-screen array first seen on the new A8 with the option of a 12.3in digitised “virtual cockpit” instrument panel and a head-up display.

Safety systems include a semiautonomous adaptive cruise control that can keep the vehicle in its lane, while ultra-bright HD Matrix LED headlights are also available.

If you keep spending on the optional extras you can equip the A6 Avant with up to five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors as well as a laser scanner in its armoury of vehicle safety aids.

Rivals for the A6 Avant include the BMW 5 Series Touring and Mercedes’ E-class Estate, as well as Jaguar’s XF Sportback.

Prices for the new Avant are expected to start in the region of £40,000 and Audi say the car is scheduled to become available for ordering in the summer.

Further details will be released closer to the time.

jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk

With sportier looks but no loss of practicality the Audi A6 Avant looks set to take on the best estates BMW, Audi and Volvo can offer.