Audi A6 Avant Review

Estate cars have played a key part in Audi’s line-up for many years, and even as the brand offers a whole range of SUVs these days, these models – which Audi calls ‘Avant’ – remain popular. 

Sitting above the A4 in the Audi lineage is the A6, with the nameplate first used in 1994 for the facelifted Audi 100 as part of a rejigged nomenclature strategy. It was 1997 when the first ‘new’ A6 arrived, however, and became a key rival for the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, with these models still all being closely fought. 

Available as both a saloon and an Avant, the next-generation arrived in 2004 and boasted Audi’s first true multimedia system, with the fourth-generation A6 reaching showrooms in 2011. 

The A6 Avant has also served as the basis for Audi’s sportier S6 and RS6 models, as well as the more rugged Allroad versions.

The latest fifth-generation Audi A6 was unveiled in April 2018, a couple of months after the saloon, and this is by far the most modern model yet. 

Introducing a new twin touchscreen infotainment layout, with the top screen handling traditional media functions, and a lower screen looking after the climate settings, it also boasted a far classier design and broad spread of driver assistance technology, though many of these were optional. 

High-end features such as four-wheel steering were also introduced for flagship models, along with more efficient mild-hybrid systems. A plug-in hybrid TFSI e version was also launched in 2020 to appeal to the key fleet market.

Value for money

Though the A6 is Audi’s flagship estate car, its £41,755 starting price doesn’t seem too bad by new car standards. All versions also come with a decent level of kit, with the entry-level Sport featuring leather upholstery, dual touchscreens and a reversing camera. Diesel versions do command quite a premium, however, while the flagship Vorsprung brings a significant uplift in price, which we think it just can’t justify. That said, starting prices for the Audi are considerably less than those for the BMW 5 Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant. 

If you’re not fussed about the latest and greatest A6 Avant, older, well-used examples are available for just a few thousand pounds and could prove dependable daily drivers. For the latest generation, prices start from around £20,000 for a four-year-old car with 75,000 miles on the clock. You’ll pay quite a lot more for a desirable S-Line version, though, with these available from around £23,000. You can expect to save between £5,000 and £10,000 by opting for a one-year-old, nearly-new car too. 

Looks and image

Though SUVs might be more on-trend, there’s still a lot to be said for an estate car, and particularly one from a premium manufacturer. And Audi’s A6 Avant is, without a doubt, one of the most premium. Its styling aims to be more classy than sporty, and it delivers with its wide Singleframe grille. Black Edition and Vorsprung models are bolder with their gloss black front ends though. The entry-level Sport models do look a touch ‘basic’ with their small alloy wheels, however. 

The premium image continues through to the interior as well, with the A6 Avant getting an especially glamorous interior. Dominated by the number of displays used, the A6 features an advanced twin touchsceen setup, with the lower screen handling climate functions and the higher system looking after traditional media functions. Audi’s digital Virtual Cockpit is also great to use, though be aware that entry-level Sport features a conventional set of dials, which feels quite old-fashioned next to the rest of the A6’s cabin. Throughout, though, the quality on offer is superb, with only the finest materials being used. 

Behind the wheel, the A6 is a car that majors on refinement and comfort, with the non-sports suspension models and those fitted with adaptive air suspension being the most impressive. The latter setup is particularly good as it has a self-levelling feature that works wonders, particularly if you’ve got a full bootload. It’s not the best handling car or most fun in its class, though. If this is a priority, a BMW 5 Series Touring would be a better choice.

Space and practicality

As Audi’s largest estate car, the A6 Avant most certainly doesn’t disappoint on the practicality front. The boot measures a significant 586 litres, increasing to 1,680 litres once the rear seats are folded. We reckon few will be disappointed, though the Mercedes E-Class Estate does offer more room still. 

The rear seats fold individually, too, while there’s loads of rear seat space – even taller adults should be able to get quite comfortable in the back. 

Engines

Audi has slimmed down the engine choice on the latest A6, with two petrol units and one diesel now offered. All units are paired to an eight-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. 

Starting with petrol, there’s the 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI, both of which use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, with the models producing 201bhp and 241bhp respectively. The latter also features quattro four-wheel-drive, and is able to manage 0-60mph in six seconds. 

If you’d prefer a diesel, currently there’s just the 40 TDI, a 201bhp 2.0-litre unit that features all-wheel-drive as standard. A 7.4-second 0-60mph time is very respectable, however. 

Engines offered previously include the 55 TFSI – a 335bhp 3.0-litre petrol – and the 50 TDI, which features a 282bhp 2.0-litre diesel. 

Running costs

If you’re looking to keep your running costs down, a diesel remains the best choice, with a model equipped with the 40 TDI engine able to return up to 49mpg, with 151g/km CO2 emissions – respectable figures for a car of this size. The petrol models will be noticeably thirstier, with the 45 TFSI returning only a claimed 35mpg, with 184g/km CO2 emissions.

Things to look out for

The latest generation Audi A6 hasn’t performed all that well when it comes to reliability, with some cars having troubled in-car electronics, as well as issues with the brakes. It’s only a small number of vehicles that are affected, but we’d certainly consider paying for an aftermarket warranty once Audi’s three-years, 60,000 miles of cover is up. 

Rivals

The Audi A6 Avant has two main rivals in the form of the BMW 5 Series Touring and Mercedes E-Class Estate, and both are fully deserving your attention. Other premium estate car choices to consider are the Jaguar XF Sportbrake and Volvo V90. If the badge is not as important, Skoda’s excellent Superb Estate is definitely worth a look. 

Depreciation

Audis generally have a good reputation when it comes to holding their value, and next to rivals, the A6 Avant performs well. While decent savings can be had on nearly-new models, it shouldn’t depreciate too steeply considering its price. S line and Black Editions are the most desirable on the used market, and will hold their value better as a result.