► New 2018 Audi A6 Avant
► German exec gets practical
► Mild hybrid tech, A8 interior and more
Audi’s all-new A6 Avant estate has arrived for 2018.
It’s here to rival the BMW 5-series Touring and Mercedes E-Class Estate and, like the A6 saloon it’s based on, promises the world from its humble mid-size exec shape.
In terms of design, the A6 saloon and Avant estate are almost identical right up until the rear quarter – as you’d expect. The rear end is complete with full LED rear lights and chrome trim that scythes across the beltline, with S line models gaining a cowled spoiler and fake exhaust trimmings on the bumper.
Audi A6 Avant: engines and specs
The range is exactly like the A6 saloon, with one four-cylinder and three V6s populating the range. All engines have mild hybrid assistance, with the four-pot unit having a 12-volt system and the 6cyl ones using a 48-volt architecture. See below for full engine specs.
40 TDI
Engine 2.0-litre 4cyl diesel, 201bhp, 295lb ft
Transmission Seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch automatic
Driven wheels Front- or quattro all-wheel drive
Electrics 12v mild hybrid system
45 TDI
Engine 3.0-litre 6cyl diesel, 228bhp, 369lb ft
Transmission Eight-speed ZF automatic
Driven wheels Quattro all-wheel drive
Electrics 48v mild hybrid system
50 TDI
Engine 3.0-litre 6cyl diesel, 282bhp, 457lb ft
Transmission Eight-speed ZF automatic
Driven wheels Quattro all-wheel drive
Electrics 48v mild hybrid system
55 TFSI
Engine 3.0-litre V6 petrol, 335bhp, 369lb ft
Transmission Seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic
Driven wheels Quattro all-wheel drive
Electrics 48v mild hybrid system
Trim specifications haven’t been confirmed yet, but we can at the very least expect an SE and S line, with the blue car here pictured wearing the S line bodykit.
In terms of mechanical upgrades, there are four suspension systems to choose from: regular steel springs, lower and stiffer sports suspension, an adaptive setup and air suspension depending on trim level. Rear-wheel steering and a quattro sport differential are available options, too.
What about inside?
Have you seen the new Audi A6 saloon? Exactly the same as that, plus the A7 Sportback and A8 limo. The main features include two infotainment screens, with the upper being used for media, navigation and car settings and the lower relegated to climate and seating duties.
We had a poke around the new car ahead of the reveal, much like the A6 saloon. Material quality is excellent, there’s plenty of space inside with a couple of handy storage cubbies. We’ll leave you to decide your thoughts on the removal of the rotary wheel for the MMI system.
Hit me with some practicality info
Go for the Avant over the saloon and you’re privy to 30 litres more luggage space – from 530 in the saloon to 560 litres here. That’s not a massive increase, but equals the Volvo V90 for seats up volume. Even so, the load bay is five litres smaller than a Jaguar XF Sportbrake, the BMW 5-series Touring can fit 10 litres more and the Mercedes E-Class Estate holds 640 litres of total volume.
Still, the boot space is naturally more accessible thanks to the hatched rear, and comes complete with a low load lip, rear seats that fold completely flat and a luggage rail as standard. Luggage space maxes out at 1680 litres with the rear seats down. A powered tailgate is standard.
Audi A6 Avant: price and release date
Prices aren’t known yet, but they won’t be much more than an equivalent A6 saloon. The Avant is available to order soon, with deliveries in Europe starting in summer 2018.
Check out our Audi reviews
