2018 Audi A6 Avant boots up

AUDI’S fifth-generation A6 Avant has broken cover, revealing an all-new large wagon that wears the updated design of the A6 sedan from the Geneva show this year, but with the benefit of an elegant boot-boosting wagon treatment.

Like its sedan equivalent, the A6 Avant gains a new range of drivelines including engines that feature a mild hybrid energy recovery system, which regenerates electricity and stores it in a separate 48-volt battery.

Exact engine specifications have not yet been confirmed but it is likely the new A6 Avant will continue the line of 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 forced induction units in both petrol and diesel.

Customers in Australia wanting a wagon version of the A6 are currently limited to the all-terrain All Road and the manic RS6, and Audi Australia is still evaluating the potential for the new Avant in local showrooms.

Given the popularity of the fourth-generation RS6 in Australia’s power-hungry market, the fire-breathing version of the new A6 Avant would be the most likely candidate for sale locally, although that car is yet to be revealed or officially confirmed by Audi as part of the fifth-generation.

The company may also introduce an S6 Avant version positioned between the more affordable A6 variants and the highly-strung flagship, as it has with the A4, S4 and RS4 Avants.

For the new version, the boot capacity has been retained at 565 litres with all five seats in place, but that figure can be expanded to 1680 litres with the second row folded.

Compared with its closest rivals the Audi offers the smallest boot capacity up against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain (1820/640) and the BMW 5 Series Touring (1700/570), although Audi claims its wagon offers the most elbow and knee room in the segment for rear seat passengers.

The Avant also offers a loading width of 1050mm, which should make the Ikea carpark struggle a little easier, while the passenger compartment space has increased over the outgoing model.

Other significant upgrades over the fourth-gen A6 Avant include a suspension and chassis set up that offers a broader spread of ride and handling options from the sportier end of the spectrum to more comfortable settings.

Adding to the mix, are optional four-wheel steering for increased manoeuvrability and stability, while optional air suspension replaces steel springs for a more cosseting ride. A sport suspension package is also available.

LED headlights are now standard regardless of the variant, but offered in three technological levels headlined by the top-of-the range HD Matrix version, which features high-resolution adaptive beams.

Audi’s typically sharp interior design completes the A6 Avant with the latest version of the company’s MMI touch response operating system tying all information and entertainment systems together.

The 10.1-inch central screen provides access to the systems, complemented by a second 8.6-inch screen for climate control if the MMI navigation plus is optioned, and the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, which is standard.