Written by Keith Adams and CJ Hubbard Updated: 18 August 2025

Parkers Editor, Keith Adams (below), is running an Audi A6 Avant TDI over an extended period to see if this diesel estate cuts it in a world of electric SUVs.

Update 1: Welcome

Introducing the Audi A6 Avant TDI Quattro Launch Edition Plus

After spending six months and 12,000 miles with an Audi A5 TDI Avant, I’ve stepped up to something a little bigger, a little more luxurious and, crucially for where I live, a lot more secure when the weather turns. Say hello to my new long-termer, the Audi A6 Avant TDI Quattro. It’s the Launch Edition Plus, finished in Grenadine Red, and comes with two features I’m already very glad to have: adaptive air suspension and four-wheel drive.

Living in rural Lancashire, I’m no stranger to grim weather, poorly surfaced roads and the occasional icy climb. The A6 might not be a crossover, but with its ultra Quattro system working away in the background, it gives me real peace of mind when I’m leaving early in the morning or coming home late at night.

You might ask why I’m still driving a diesel estate in 2025. It’s a fair question. Diesel now makes up just 5% of UK car sales, and Audi’s electric A6 is already on sale. But for anyone who regularly drives long distances and doesn’t want to be stopping for fuel or charging all the time, diesel still makes a huge amount of sense

Compared with the A5 Avant, the A6 feels more laid-back, more refined and better suited to the sort of long motorway hauls I do for work. The ride on air is leagues better, the cabin’s even more hushed, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most relaxing cars I’ve ever spent time with. Over the coming months, I’ll be putting it through its paces across the length and breadth of the country and Europe – and seeing whether there’s still life in diesel yet.

What you get with the A6 Avant TDI quattro Launch Edition Plus

As you’d expect from a car nudging £70,000, the A6 Avant Launch Edition Plus is absolutely loaded. This is the top-spec model, and Audi hasn’t held back with the equipment list. From behind the wheel, it feels every bit the high-end luxury estate – and you really don’t need to add anything to make it feel complete.

Here are 10 notable features that stand out so far:

• Adaptive air suspension – gives this big diesel estate genuine comfort on the motorway.
• Four-wheel steering – improves agility at low speeds and stability at high speeds.
• Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System – not bad, but some sound modes are overkill.
• Matrix LED headlights with digital OLED rear lights – Audi’s lighting tech is seriously sharp.
• Heated seats front and rear, plus heated steering wheel – not used them yet!
• Panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency – airy, premium and just like a Dreamliner.
• Surround-view cameras and park assist plus – makes light work of tight car parks.
• Head-up display and MMI passenger screen – that passenger screen really doesn’t get used.
• Audi Connect and voice assistant with Amazon Alexa – too easily triggered by just saying ‘Audi’.
• Quattro all-wheel drive with ultra technology – dependable traction year-round, especially in rural Lancashire.

Rather unusually for a car supplied by the press office, this A6 doesn’t have a long list of optional extras – but then, it doesn’t need them. Being the Launch Edition Plus, it’s already got just about everything you could want, from the huge 21-inch wheels to the panoramic roof and that B&O stereo.

Unlike my recent run of EVs, I’m not expecting to stress over range or charging. In fact, I barely looked at the distance-to-empty when I picked it up – a full tank showing well over 600 miles felt reassuringly old-school. With my 380-mile round-trip commute to the office, I’m looking forward to just wafting up and down the motorway and not worrying about where the next plug is hiding.

It still needs to deliver, though. Diesel’s no longer the cheap fuel it once was, and my old 280hp petrol Skoda Superb L&K used to return 40mpg on the same M6 slog. This Audi will have to do better than that, despite being heavier and a lot more tech-laden.

Over the coming months, I’ll be digging into whether a diesel estate still makes any sense in a world of electrification and ever-stricter emissions rules. On paper, the A6 looks like a deeply capable car – but it’s how it performs in the real world that matters. Let’s see if diesel still has something to offer.

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Update 2: Cabin and controls

What’s the A6 Avant like to spend time in?

Long story short – the A6 Avant delivers effortless luxury, long legs and limo-like comfort. This was expected, an here’s why it’s such a nice place to spend time.

I’ll be honest – I wasn’t quite prepared for how different the A6 feels from the A5 it replaced on my driveway. Where the A5 had a taut, sporty vibe that made it feel like a posh hot hatch, the A6 is operating on an entirely different frequency. This car is all about calm, composure and covering long distances in near-silence, while letting the technology take the strain.

The more time I spend in it, the more it reminds me of a scaled-down A8 – and that’s a huge compliment. It’s a long, low, handsome thing in Grenadine Red with big 21-inch wheels, and while that might sound like a recipe for a fidgety ride, it’s anything but. The height adjustable suspension is proving a boon on the farm, too – no need to resort to using my old Cayenne too often.

The combination of air suspension and Quattro all-wheel drive gives it a confident, unflappable feel, no matter what the road or weather is doing. On the motorway, it just glides – minimal wind noise, barely any tyre roar despite those wheels, and an engine that hums away well below 2,000rpm at a cruise. This is the kind of car that makes you feel fresh after 300 miles, not frazzled.

Cabin comforts and driving impressions

The Launch Edition Plus interior packs in just about everything Audi offers, and it feels it – swathes of soft Dinamica microfibre, backlit trim panels, and a reassuring sense of craftsmanship wherever you prod. Yes, it has shiny piano black surfaces that are amazingly effective at proudly displaying finger prints, and I’m not sure that looks and feels premium – but the rest is spot on.

The front seats are superb: grippy and supportive without being aggressively hard, and the heating function is joined by a separate setting for the steering wheel (which is also a flat-bottomed S-line job). Rear passengers are well looked after too, with heating and their own climate control zone.

Cruising ability is this car’s party trick. The 204hp four-cylinder diesel might not sound like much on paper, but it’s muscular where it matters – 400Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm means instant response when you ask for it, and a 7.0-second 0-62mph time feels perfectly adequate. More importantly, it’s astonishingly frugal for a car this big and quick. I’ve seen well over 50mpg on long trips without even trying, and the 60-litre tank means a real-world range nudging 700 miles is totally achievable. That’s Euro road trip territory.

Infotainment and technology

The tech is a familiar Audi blend of clean graphics, slick animations and one or two ergonomic quirks. There are three separate screens up front: the main touchscreen, a second display for the front passenger (who, so far, has mostly ignored it), and the Virtual Cockpit instrument panel that remains the benchmark in this class.

Throw in the head-up display and you’ve basically got screen overload, although I still prefer physical buttons for heating and ventilation – a tap on a screen doesn’t quite cut it when you’re doing 70mph. Mention – again – for the awful lighting controls. A haptic panel on the door panel, which you have to look at to turn the lights on and off, is annoying in the extreme.

Wireless Android Auto connects quickly and reliably, the B&O sound system is superb, and there’s enough driver assistance tech to make my regular 400-mile days a whole lot easier. Adaptive cruise, lane assist, blind-spot warnings, cross-traffic alerts – it’s all here and works well, although the constant bongs and nudges can be a bit much in town. It’s best on a long A-road or motorway cruise, where you can just let the systems quietly help you get on with things.

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Update 3: Diesel vs electric

How does the A6 Avant compare to its namesake A6 E-Tron?

Long story short – the A6 Avant delivers could be easier to live with and has a more restful ride, but the E-Tron delivers a delightful counterpoint.

With EVs becoming the norm rather than the novelty, it was only a matter of time before the Audi A6 got the electric treatment. I’ve just spent some time with the new A6 E-Tron Sportback – and it’s been a fascinating experience comparing it directly with the diesel Avant I’m running long-term. Same badge, similar dimensions, wildly different feel.

The short version? I really enjoyed the E-Tron. It’s quicker, sharper and, if we’re talking pure driver feedback, arguably more fun. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. The more miles I do in my diesel A6 Avant, the more I appreciate its long-legged, long-range, laid-back character. Horses for courses – and I can see why some might find it tricky to pick between them.

The A6 E-Tron: agile, punchy, and a proper steer

First things first – the A6 E-Tron is a seriously sorted thing to drive. It feels lighter on its feet than the diesel, with super-responsive steering, tight body control and a sense of agility that flatters your inputs. It feels more like a big A5 than a full-sized exec barge – a delightful steer, especially on flowing A- and B-roads. And of course, it’s got all the usual electric car party tricks: instant torque, silent progress, and no whiff of diesel on your hands every time you fill up.

Performance is a step up from the diesel – it really does go when you ask it to, and the lack of engine noise makes it feel even quicker. The ride’s pretty good too, especially on the optional air suspension, although I did detect a little more bob and weave over fast undulations than I get in the Avant. Nothing dramatic – just a slight lack of polish compared with the diesel car’s mature, settled composure.

I also found the driving position slightly higher than expected – not SUV-tall, but enough to make you sit more ‘on’ the car than ‘in’ it. I didn’t mind that, but I know it won’t be to everyone’s taste. Driving range? Well, you don’t get the diesel’s incredible 600+ mile tank, obviously, but I saw a real-world 320 miles from the E-Tron without breaking a sweat. With home charging factored in, that’s perfectly usable.

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The A6 Avant: serene, mature, and brilliant at the boring stuff

Every time I get back into my diesel A6 Avant after a stint in something else, I’m reminded just how calming it is. The air suspension’s more settled than the E-Tron’s, the chassis feels more mature, and everything about the way it goes down the road just feels sorted. It doesn’t shout about its abilities, but the way it suppresses noise and soaks up distance is deeply impressive.

Sure, it’s not as instantly responsive or as quick off the line as the E-Tron. But it is smoother, quieter on a long cruise, and – if we’re being honest – the better car for chewing through motorway miles with minimal effort.

Then there’s the diesel range. You forget how liberating it is not to think about charging stops or planning your route around rapid chargers. I can drive from London to Glasgow and back on a single tank with some to spare, and it’ll average 50mpg while doing it.

Verdict: both brilliant, genuine choice for thinking drivers

The E-Tron’s the pick for those who want pace, precision and modernity. It’s genuinely fun to drive, and proof that electric cars don’t have to be clumsy behind the wheel. But for now, I’m happy sticking with the diesel. It’s more relaxing, more spacious, and far better at the long, dull stuff that real life often demands. And that, in my book, still counts for a lot.

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Update 4: Then and now

Old A6 vs new A6 – what’s changed in the world of diesel?

Long story short – not as much as you might think. Sure, the new car is dripping with tech, but the older one still has a surprising amount of kit and, crucially, the same easy-going character. Lining the two up side by side reminded me why I’ve always had a soft spot for the A6.

I’ve always had a soft spot for the Audi A6, having run them as company cars back in the 1990s and early 2000s. Before that, one of my first cars was an Audi 100 5E with a five-cylinder engine – lovely. So when the chance came to line up my new 2025 A6 TDI with a pre-2000 A6 2.5 TDI, I couldn’t resist. It turns out the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s I ran a couple of A6s as company cars, and before that, one of my first proper cars was an Audi 100 5E. That five-cylinder engine sounded like nothing else, and it left me with a lasting affection for big Audis that continues to this day.

The comparison car here is a pre-2000 A6 TDI from the C5 generation – more than 25 years older than my long-termer. It might look a little plain now, understated even, but back then it was peak Bauhaus-inspired cool. You didn’t buy one to show off, you bought one because it was comfortable, solid and quietly stylish.

What surprised me most is the level of equipment. This car has electric seats, parking radar and even an early sat nav. Okay, the graphics look like they belong on a Game Boy, but the fact it was even available back then is impressive. You realise Audi has always been strong at pushing tech into its mainstream cars.

On the road: how they compare

Refinement is another area where the old A6 still impresses. At 70mph it’s ticking over at just 2,000rpm and does so in near silence. The new car is quieter still, thanks to clever soundproofing and its eight-speed auto, but the overall feel is much the same – an easy-striding mile-eater that doesn’t wear you out.

Of course, progress is progress. The new car is faster, more economical and has far more safety equipment. Mild-hybrid tech helps it to be more frugal, and the interior is a sea of screens and touch panels. Yet the core qualities – space, comfort, subtlety – remain absolutely intact.

If anything, that subtlety feels more refreshing than ever today. In a market where many rivals are increasingly brash, the A6 still does the job without shouting about it. That’s as true in 2025 as it was in 2000.

Driving them back to back, I was struck by how consistent Audi’s formula has been. The details have changed dramatically, but the essence hasn’t. For me, that’s what makes the A6 such a satisfying car to live with – it evolves without losing its identity.

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Update 5: dash to the South of France

What’s it like on a long, long journey?

Long story short – it was just about perfect for the job, with a few niggles that reminded me no car is completely flawless. But when you’re staring down 1,100 miles in one go, you appreciate what a big Audi estate is really about.

We set off from Lancashire with the A6 brimmed, cruise control set, and a boot loaded with luggage that simply disappeared into its cavernous load bay. Okay, so our review does knock the A6’s boot for being smaller than some rivals’, but in practice it’s more than big enough for real-world family duties. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s better shaped than most, making it easier to load and organise without playing Tetris with your bags.

Once on the autoroutes, the car settled into the sort of stride that makes you glad you chose a big Audi. The air suspension worked tirelessly to iron out imperfections in the road surface, while the diesel engine loafed along at low revs with a reassuring hum. It’s not an exciting way to travel, but it’s an effortlessly calm one. At 80mph-plus it still felt composed and quiet, the sort of environment where a 12-hour stint doesn’t seem quite so punishing.

What really stood out was how unflustered it felt even as the miles piled on. The photos tell the story – parked under plane trees in a sleepy French village or lined up for the Eurotunnel home, the A6 always looked at ease. It’s a car that blends into the background when you’re on the move, yet reminds you of its competence every time you stop and step back to look at it. For a cross-continental haul, that ability to just get on with the job with minimal fuss is exactly what you want.

The efficiency really impressed me too. Over the 2,200-mile round trip it averaged 43.5mpg, which is no small feat given the pace and weight we were carrying. That meant far fewer fuel stops than I’d expected and none of the anxiety you’d get in an EV on the same run. It’s the sort of range that makes the idea of a dash to the South of France feel almost routine.

Not quite perfect

Of course, the experience wasn’t faultless. I still can’t quite gel with the seats – after 12 hours my back was telling me about it – and the cabin doesn’t have quite enough cubby space between the seats for the phones and bits and bobs that accumulate on a long trip.

The keyless system feels a little slow-witted too, occasionally insisting on another jab of the start button when you’re ready to go. And somewhere south of Limoges the oil light came on, sending me into a supermarket for a litre top-up. None of it disastrous, but enough to keep things honest.

Yet those little foibles don’t overshadow the bigger picture. The A6 Avant proved itself as a consummate continent-crusher: comfortable, efficient, quietly stylish and utterly dependable. Exactly what I hoped it would be when I signed up for this long-term test – and exactly what you’d want for a proper family adventure across Europe.

The long road home

The return journey told its own story. We covered the 1,100 miles from the Languedoc back to Lancashire in one hit, with only the Eurotunnel Channel crossing (top tip: add Flexiplus when it’s busy, and do so after making the original booking) breaking up the day.

In France, that sort of distance feels achievable – smooth autoroutes, disciplined drivers and an easy rhythm that lets the miles melt away. By contrast, the UK leg felt like hard labour: endless overnight motorway closures, stop-start diversions, poor lane discipline and average speeds that seem glacial after the effortless progress on the Continent. Nice to be back? Honestly, not really. The car did its job superbly, but the journey reminded me that the A6 belongs to the open road – and in France, it found its natural home.

Verdict: For all its small niggles, the A6 Avant is still the car you’d choose if you had to demolish a continent in a single sitting – calm, efficient and absolutely in its element.

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Audi A6 Avant long-term test: scores on the doors

Model tested: TDI Quattro Launch Edition Plus

Current mileage	6,050
Real world average fuel consumption	43.6mpg
Official combined fuel economy (WLTP)	52.3mpg
Parkers miles per pound calculation (mpp)	6.7-6.8
Dates tested by Parkers	June 2025 – December 2025

Top photo: Sue Long