The 2019 Audi A6 Avant looks really classy and can swallow up to 1,680 litres
of cargo, making it quite possibly the perfect family hauler unless a high
seating position is needed.
The new A6 Avant is 4.94 metres long, 1.89 metres
wide and 1.47 metres tall, and that substantial footprint creates a larger
interior than its predecessor. Audi claims best in class front and rear elbow
room, as well as rear knee room. The cargo area takes 565 litres, or 1,680
litres with the 40:20:40 rear seats folded flat.
The tailgate and the luggage compartment cover open
electrically as standard, but sensor control is available. The load bay is
equipped with a rail system with four variable lashing points to secure
objects. A tensioning strap, a net and two hooks are also included; while the
optional load-securing kit with telescopic bar and strap allows sectioning of
the load bay.
Powertrains are shared with the sedan, which can be
had with two 3.0 litre V6 engines with quattro AWD. The petrol TFSI comes with
335 hp and 500 Nm of torque, and is mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch
automatic. Such equipped, 0-100 km/h is done in 5.1 seconds and top speed is
limited to 250 km/h. The TDI is paired with an eight-speed torque converter
automatic, and serves up 282 hp and 620 Nm.
All engines feature the brand’s 48 V mild hybrid
system, where a belt alternator starter (BAS) works together with a lithium-ion
battery to allow for coasting at speeds between 55 and 160 km/h. The start-stop
system kicks in early at 22 km/h. An optional sport differential actively
distributes power between the rear wheels when cornering hard.
Audi says that the new A6 offers a larger spread
between dynamics and comfort than its predecessor. There’s a standard
progressive steering and the optional dynamic all-wheel steering. At speeds up
to 60 km/h the latter system turns the rear wheels as much as five degrees in
the opposite direction. This reduces the turning circle of the big wagon by up
to one metre. Above 60 km/h, both axles steer in the same direction for better
agility and stability.
Customers have a choice of four suspensions –
standard steel-spring suspension, sport suspension, suspension with shock
absorber control and the adaptive air suspension, also with controlled
absorbers. In addition to the shock absorbers and air springs, the electronic
chassis platform (ECP) also controls the all-wheel steering and the sport
differential. Audi drive select provides comfort, auto and dynamic modes.
Wheels are up to 21 inches.
The Audi A6 Avant provides a range of driver
assistance systems, divided into “City” and “Tour” packages. In addition to the
standard emergency braking assist Audi pre sense front, the driver assistance
systems also include adaptive cruise assist with narrowed road assist. It
supports longitudinal and lateral control in stop-and-go traffic right down to
a standstill and at speeds of up to 250 km/h.
Emergency assist enhances safety by recognizing 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.
Five functions support the driver in urban traffic:
Crossing assist detects critical crossing traffic in front of the car; Audi pre
sense 360° detects collision hazards; rear cross traffic assist monitors slow
reversing. Exit warning and lane change warning supplement the package. Up to
five radar sensors, five cameras, twelve ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner
provide the data.