Audi A6 Avant - Engines, performance and drive

​The Audi A6 Avant is designed to cover long distances in a quiet and sophisticated manner, so it probably won’t be the first choice for buyers in search of keen dynamics. For that, the BMW 5 Series Touring is the typical go-to choice, although the gap is narrower than before.

That said, the sporty Audi S6 and RS 6 models provide plenty of thrills, but these come at a much higher cost than the standard A6 range. Unless you’re willing to fork out the big bucks, it’s best to think of the regular A6 Avant as a smooth operator.

The A6 Avant is most at home when gliding along at motorway cruising speeds because it feels virtually as smooth to drive as the luxurious A8 limo. The cabin is well-insulated, too, so the experience is also peaceful. In light of this comfort, Audi’s engineers have made the latest A6 feel much more agile than its predecessors, but it’s important to remember that this is still a big car.

It’s very good, but this clever engineering can’t solve one of the A6 Avant’s traditional weaknesses: numb steering. It’s accurate enough but totally devoid of feel.

Engines, 0-62mph acceleration and top speed

Starting off the A6 Avant’s engine range is the same 40 and 45 TFSI petrol and 40 TDI diesel as you’ll find in the saloon. Both of the petrols are 2.0-litre four-cylinder units with varying power outputs. The 40 TFSI produces 201 bhp and 320Nm of torque, which is good for a respectable 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds. Top speed is 149mph. The beefier 45 TFSI, meanwhile, ups the power to 261bhp and 370Nm. This shaves the 0-62mph sprint down to 6.2 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155mph.

If you prefer diesel power, the 40 TDI is the only choice in the regular A6 Avant. This 2.0-litre block produces 201bhp and 400Nm of torque, propelling the A6 Avant from 0 to 62mph in 7.6 seconds and to a top speed of 149mph.

If you’re hoping to cut your emissions, the plug-in hybrid TFSI e still offers an admirable amount of power to go with its greener credentials. The 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor work together to produce a combined 295bhp and 450Nm of torque. This means this electrified estate car will sprint from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds and then go all the way to 155mph. 

All-out speed demons will be better suited with the S6 Avant or RS 6 Avant performance cars. The S6 may use diesel power, but it still packs a proper punch. With 339bhp and 700Nm of torque on tap, this fast estate will launch from 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds. The top speed is limited to 155mph.

At the top of the high-speed tree, though, is the RS 6 Avant. Its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 churns out a supercar-troubling 621bhp and 850Nm of torque. The result is a blistering 0-62mph sprint of just 3.4 seconds, while top speed sits at 174mph.