• Slick twin screens
• Mostly high quality
• Divisive materials

How is the quality and layout?

The A6 Avant’s cabin is modern and tech-heavy. The dual-screen layout dominates the dashboard, and everything is laid out logically. It’s an easy place to spend time. It’s slick and feels every bit the premium offering – job done by Audi, then? Not quite.

Material quality is mostly excellent, although we’re less sold on the shiny piano black plastics which attract fingerprints and don’t feel very premium. Build quality is up to Audi’s usual high standard, but some digital buttons feel a bit cheap.

Still, the cabin feels suitably plush, and buyers coming from older Audis will appreciate the step up in tech and design. The panoramic roof (optional) adds a welcome sense of light, incorporating switchable opaque glass, rather like a Dreamliner – a cool touch.

Infotainment and tech

The twin-screen layout comprises a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen for the infotainment system. Both are clear, fast and easy to use, with a logical menu structure and snappy responses. For those who like physical controls, it’s a bit touchscreen-heavy and we’re yet to be sold on this. The same with the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, and panel in the armrest to control the vehicle’s lighting.

We’re not huge fans of the optional third screen for the front passenger – it’s a bit gimmicky – but the core system works well. We’ve spent extended time in cars thus equipped, and it just doesn’t get used, so don’t waste your money. There’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and they work seamlessly and so far without fault.

Audio quality is excellent, and you can upgrade to Bang & Olufsen for extra punch. Voice control works okay, but it’s not as slick as BMW’s system.

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Comfort

• Supportive front seats
• Rear legroom excellent
• Dual rear ventilation

The front seats are comfy and supportive, with electric adjustment standard across the range. Heated seats come on mid-spec trims and above.

Rear passengers get loads of space, thanks to the long wheelbase. Even taller adults fit easily, and the extra ventilation built into the B-pillars is a nice touch.