Audi A6 C7 Avant 3.0 TFSI qu STronic Review: Prime mover

What we like:

Effortless performance

all-weather capability

practical load area

stylish looks

luxurious interior

What we dislike:

Expensive options

won’t be as quick as the upcoming S6 Avant or RS 6 Avant

The A6 Avant’s vast cargo area is accessed via the electrically operated tailgate. With all seats in place, the boot area can accommodate up to 565 litres of cargo volume, which is a not too significant 35 litres more than the saloon’s boot can gobble up. It is when the rear seats are folded away where the Avant shows its practicality and spaciousness over the saloon with a maximum load volume of 1,680 litres, a full 685 litres more than in the four-door model. With minimal wheel arch intrusions, the load area is well shaped – it will gobble up golf bags easily and possibly a mountain bike with its front wheel removed. Moreover, the loading lip is at bumper level for easier loading and unloading.

The load area is rather versatile as well. There are intelligent luggage lugging solutions such as lashing eyes, side restraining straps, bag hooks, a double cargo floor, a rail luggage fixing system, a dirt-resistant tray and roof rails. The rest of the cabin is equally thoughtful – the highly adjustable driving position and the overall ergonomics are near spot on. The test car came with a unique, ‘butter scotch’-like yellow-cream interior colour scheme that lifts the grey ambience that is typical of Audi cabins.

Just like in other Audis, overall interior quality is exemplary and the choice of materials can hardly be faulted. The A6 Avant’s cabin surpasses all of its rivals when it comes to overall perceived luxury and build quality. It feels expensive, exquisite and special in here thanks to choice materials and surfaces that not only look good but also are tactile and soft to the touch.

In standard spec, the A6 Avant 3.0 TFSI quattro is comprehensively equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, park assist with rear view camera, electrically operated boot lid, soft closing function for the doors, Xenon headlamps, four-zone climate control, electrically operated rear sun blinds and sun roof, Head-up display, S line aero kit, Bose sound system and so on. The car tested here though, has further optional extras like the air suspension ($8,856), the superb Bang & Olufsen Advanced sound system for, make no mistake, $22,925, adaptive cruise control and so on.

In 3.0 TFSI quattro form, the A6 Avant has it all – strong V6 performance, all-weather surefootedness and stability thanks to its quattro drive train, practical and versatile load area, unparalleled levels of perceived quality and luxury as well as stylish and handsome looks.

Credits: Story and Photos by Joe Yeo