Avant is the Audi byword for grace under pressure – it stands for intrinsic elegance combined with optimal adaptability to the demands of everyday life – and the perennially popular format returns to the A6 range this month. The new Audi A6 Avant not only integrates a 1,680-litre maximum luggage capacity into its flowing lines more seamlessly than ever, but also takes on board standard mild hybrid drive, a wealth of new technology including the fully digital MMI touch response operating system and a broad spread of state-of-the-art driver assistance options.
Aesthetics and functionality – the exterior design
With sharp lines, large surfaces and the distinctive low-profile rear window, the look of the new Audi A6 Avant exemplifies the brand’s new design language. A wide, low Singleframe grille dominates the front, while the elongated silhouette and trapezoidal window surfaces dominate the side view. Distinctively shaped blisters, which visually emphasise the quattro drive, extend over the wheel housings. The muscular roofline flows into the low-profile D-pillar, beyond which is a roof edge spoiler that extends the silhouette and complements the athletic stance. At the rear, a decorative trim provides a link between the lights.
Inviting – body, cabin and luggage compartment
The new Audi A6 Avant is 4.94 metres long, 1.89 metres wide and 1.47 metres high, providing the framework for a cabin that is even larger than before, with front and rear elbow room and rear knee room that are the most ample in the class.
Despite the even more rakish lines, the new A6 Avant matches the outgoing car for luggage capacity. It offers a loading width of 1,050 millimetres and a capacity of 565 litres in five-seat mode, increasing to 1,680 litres with the standard 40:20:40 backrests folded down. The tailgate and the luggage compartment cover open electrically as standard, and an optional sensor is available for the tailgate to be opened using a simple movement of the foot.
Safety first – lighting technology and driver assistance systems
The A6 Avant comes with a comprehensive package of safety systems incorporating the latest in lighting, assistance and passive safety technology. Three headlight formats are available, the most sophisticated being the HD Matrix LED headlights, recognisable by the five horizontal lines which form the daytime running light signature. Upgraded tail lights with a special light signature made up of a single horizontal line and nine vertical segments for each unit are available. When unlocking and locking the doors, they initiate a pulsing coming and leaving home sequence which emphasises their technological sophistication.
With frequent drivers and commuters in mind, the A6 Avant provides an extensive range of driver assistance systems, divided into “City assist” and “Tour” packs. The City assist pack includes features such as the new crossing assist system, while the Tour pack offers adaptive cruise assist, which supplements the adaptive cruise control by means of gentle steering intervention to keep the vehicle in lane. Efficiency assist, also part of the Tour pack, promotes an economical driving style, predictively factoring in speed limits, bends, roundabouts and – if route guidance is active – turnings as part of the cruise control function and also providing haptic feedback via the active throttle pedal.
Emergency assist enhances safety by recognising when the driver fails to act and providing a visual, acoustic or haptic warning. If the driver fails to respond, the system takes over, turns on the hazard warning lights and automatically brings the A6 to a stop in its own lane. The system activates Audi pre sense protection measures, such as seat belt tensioning, window closing, and automatically makes an emergency call.
Strong and efficient – advanced engine range with mild hybrid technology
Robust response across the range, outstanding comfort and efficiency and optimal economy in real world driving characterise the four and six-cylinder TDI and TFSI engines powering the new Audi A6 Avant. All are supported by Audi mild hybrid technology (MHEV) based around a belt alternator starter which recovers energy during braking that is harvested by a separate lithium-ion battery and also enables engine-off coasting at speeds of between 50 km/h and 160 km/h to conserve fuel. An enhanced start-stop function that is active from just over 13mph is also standard.
All versions will be equipped with either seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch or eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmissions, and quattro all-wheel-drive will be a standard or optional feature depending on model.
Attentive and accommodating – navigation and Audi connect
The optional MMI navigation plus is the top-of-the-line component in the infotainment range for the new Audi A6 Avant. Its data transfer module supports the LTE Advanced standard and incorporates a WiFi hotspot. The navigation system uses Personal route assist to recognise the driver’s preferences based on previous journeys and generates intelligent suggestions from this information.