Audi A6 Avant Review: A Confused Gestation

Strategic Insights -

The new Audi A6 Avant has been misunderstood from the start. Initially named as the A7 due to Audi's new model naming strategy, where EVs would have even numbers and internal combustion models odd numbers, it eventually reverted back to being called the A6. This confusion is evident in its design, with a small boot and an interior that's more focused on style than substance. The diesel-powered model we tested was plagued by a poorly damped engine and a lackluster ride, despite its impressive four-wheel drive system.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Audi A6 Avant has a small boot, with only 466 litres of space available in the diesel model, due to the mild hybrid system's battery and ancillary components.
  • The interior design prioritizes style over substance, with a focus on touchscreen controls and virtual instrument displays, but a lack of physical buttons and a compromised touchscreen experience.
  • The diesel-powered model has a poorly damped engine, which transmits vibrations through the steering column, and a clattery noise when accelerating.
  • The air suspension on the test car was too slow to mitigate the jarring bumps on uneven road surfaces, and the 21-inch wheels were not ideal.
  • Despite its four-wheel drive system, the A6 Avant feels disconnected and lacks involvement when driven on twisty roads.
  • The plug-in hybrid model's battery reduces the boot space to only 404 litres, and its high P11D value and unfavourable benefit-in-kind tax rating make it a poor choice for company cars.

Statistics:

  • The Audi A6 Avant has a boot space of 466 litres in the diesel model, and 503 litres in the petrol model.
  • The diesel model has a 1.3-second advantage in acceleration over the petrol model, thanks to its higher torque and lower revs.
  • The plug-in hybrid model has an electric-only range of 63 miles and a P11D value of £62,435.
  • The Audi A6 Avant's interior design features two huge screens as standard, with a third screen available on the top-of-the-range Edition 1 trim.
  • The car's four-wheel drive system provides superb traction and grip, but the steering lacks feel and involvement.

Sources:

  • The Telegraph, "Audi A6 Avant review: is this the car to resurrect a great name?" (no date or edition provided)
  • Audi UK, "Audi A6 Avant" (no date or edition provided)
  • Volkswagen, "Volkswagen 2.0-litre diesel engine" (no date or edition provided)
  • BMW UK, "BMW 520i M Sport Pro Touring" (no date or edition provided)
  • Mercedes-Benz UK, "Mercedes-Benz E220d AMG Line Premium Plus Estate" (no date or edition provided)