• Two 204hp options
• Diesel quicker, cleaner
• More variants coming

Audi A6 Avant petrol engines

The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine delivers 204hp to the front wheels via a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission. It’s smooth and quiet, with a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 149mph. CO2 emissions range from 161–181g/km depending on spec – that’s mainly down to differing wheel sizes.

It’s refined and well suited to motorway cruising, though performance isn’t especially brisk. For most drivers, it’s quick enough, and power delivery is linear and predictable making safe overtaking easy thanks to reasonable delivery of power. Just plan ahead and don’t expect lightning response.

It’s missing – so far – a larger petrol deriviative, but we’ll see how things develop on that score in the coming months and years. If you do crave a more powerful petrol A6, keep an eye out for the upcoming S6 and RS6 models.

Audi A6 Avant diesel engines

The 2.0-litre TDI Quattro is a better all-rounder, even if diesel’s out of favour with most buyers these days. Also producing 204hp, it adds a 48V mild hybrid system that can shut the engine off when coasting and assist at low speeds.

It’s brisker than the petrol, hitting 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds, and feels more responsive in daily use, delivering more low-down power to help keep things moving when fully loaded or climbing steep hills. Overtaking is even easier, with this being very much a point-and-squirt kind of car.

Quattro all-wheel drive is standard here, making it more suitable for rural roads or winter driving thanks to the additional traction in poor conditions the system brings.

Audi A6 Avant hybrid and electric

There’s EV version of this A6 Avant – for that you’ll need to buy the A6 E-Tron (which confusingly is an entirely different car, despite being aimed at the same market sector and being offered in similar bodystyles). There’s a plug-in hybrid available though if you can plug in, but don’t want to be tied down by your cable.

23

What’s it like to drive?

• Superb refinement
• Easy to drive quickly
• Not sporty, but very capable

The A6 Avant is impressively quiet and refined, even by class standards. Wind and road noise are well suppressed, and the mild hybrid system helps with smooth stop-starts. It’s designed to feel effortless to drive, and that’s reflected in its comfort-biased suspension and and ruthless focus on eliminating noise.

Ride comfort is excellent, especially with air suspension. That’s not quite the case with the standard setup, which is firm and joggly and never really settles down. With air, though, it glides over poor surfaces with ease, and the car’s poise is really quite impressive. You might not wish to drive it quickly thanks to its laid-back demeanour, but be under no illusion that there’s bags of grip and braking reserve if you do decide to go quickly.

Handling is composed and confidence-inspiring, but not especially engaging, but the brakes are reassuringly solid in their feel and pedal weight. Of ocurse, the 5 Series Touring remains more fun, but the A6 makes up for it with effortless control and relaxed cruising manners – and for most drivers, this is the preferable set-up.