Audi A6 Avant
All-new BMW 5 Series Touring challenger
THE NEW AUDI A6 Avant estate will maintain its boot size despite a dramatically different – and, audi says, much sportier – look when it goes on sale later this year.
The slope from the top to the bottom of the tailgate is at a noticeably sharper angle than in previous models, but boot space has been preserved because the car is longer than its predecessors.
With 565 to 1680 litres of boot space, depending on whether the rear seats are up or down, the A6 Avant still can’t quite match rivals such as the BMW 5 Series Touring (570/1700) and Mercedes-benz E-class Estate (640/1820), but its carrying capacity will be more than adequate for most people’s needs.
Because the new A6 Avant is longer and wider, audi has also been able to stretch interior space, improving elbow room all round and knee room in the rear.
The A6 Avant will be available with a new four-wheel steering system that reduces its turning circle while also boosting agility and stability at higher speeds.
Elsewhere, the car draws heavily on the format set by the new A6 saloon.the interior layout is nearly identical, including a dramatic screen arrangement that dominates the dashboard and utilises Audi’s MMI infotainment system with voice control, which aims to make functions more intuitive to use. In our experience of this set-up in the larger A8 saloon, the lower screen can be dif cult to use while driving.
Semi-autonomous safety systems are on offer, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.the car is also able to accelerate, brake and steer itself in slow-moving traf c.
From the off, the A6 Avant will be offered with a choice of two 3.0 V6 engines, one petrol and one diesel, both linked to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and mild hybrid systems to improve fuel economy.
Smaller, more frugal engines will be launched later – most likely next spring.