If you’re one of those cash-rich, time-poor guys who are inclined to circumnavigate the globe every year and despise the idea of spending countless hours negotiating what is still a notoriously unreliable EV charging network, then you may consider the latest diesel Audi Avant’s punitive 33% BIK company car tax implication to be money well spent.
Performance and drive
An average 53mpg will take some of the sting out of the fiscal equation but the biggest bonus relating to Avant ownership lies in the way it is an absolute gem to drive.
Combining a tried and tested 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with the latest 48V mild hybrid technology, which adds a soupcon of electric boost, it delivers its power to the road via Audi’s latest twin-clutch automatic gearbox and smart Quattro four-wheel drive system.
Yes, some characteristic diesel combustion chatter invades the cabin under more aggressive acceleration, along with a hint of undesirable buzzing through the pedal box, and you’ll struggle to ignore the eerily audible whine created by the latest regen fly-by-wire brakes, but once the engine is settled into its comfort zone and the suspension warms to its task, the Avant’s ability to cover ground swiftly and effortlessly is nothing short of intoxicating.
At motorway speeds you will have to crank up the volume slightly to listen to your favourite podcast thanks to the significant roar generated by those wide, low-profile tyres, but at least the slick frontal profile provides a drag coefficient SUVs can only dream of, and the standard laminated side glass ensures wind noise is extremely well isolated.
Interior and tech
If we’re being brutally honest, the latest cabin has lost some of the previous model’s lustre. Yes, plenty of soft-touch materials are still in evidence but there are also a fair few hard plastics dotted about the place, including those around the air vents and the central armrest, while the ‘sustainable’ materials used to trim the door cards look and feel decidedly low rent. Equally, the rather gawky flat-topped and bottomed steering wheel can’t hold a candle to the exquisite items found in previous generation A6s.
Infotainment-wise, a large 14.5in touchscreen is used to control all the main menus, including the climate controls. This is not ideal, as we’d prefer to have some physical buttons but at least the menu lay-out and icons are sharply delineated and quick to respond to inputs.
Higher-spec models also come with a passenger-side dashboard screen, which is canted away from the driver to avoid distractions. This lets passengers watch movies or choose the music, so it is probably for the best if your teenage son understands his domain is exclusively rear seat-based. Chances are you won’t have to put up with too many protests, as the generous rear space should prove plentiful enough for the gangliest yoofs.
The Avant’s innate ability to accelerate is only equalled by its ability to haul freight, especially when fitted with the adaptive, self-levelling air suspension. This £1,700 add-on not only has a cushioning effect on the ride quality but also automatically lowers the ride height as speeds increase. In addition, the system will maintain a level equilibrium even when fully laden. Handy if you’re inclined to load the 466-litre litre boot with weighty scuba gear or hook up your Hoby cat trailer and head to the beach for the weekend.
If you think that boot dimension seems rather modest for such a big car, you’re not wrong. The reason for this is the hybrid battery which is situated beneath the boot floor. At least you get a couple of labour-saving devices, including a powered tailgate and load cover and a couple of mechanical levers located either side of the boot to lower the rear seats and extend the load bay in hey presto fashion.
Positives: Smooth ride, strong performance, frugal diesel engine.
Negatives: Some evidence of cost cutting, limited boot space, expensive BIK.
Standard equipment: 18in alloy wheels, LED headlights with matrix functionality, rear and side windows with heat-insulating glazing, leather front seats – electrically adjustable and heated, rear seat split-folding 40:20:40, four-zone automatic air conditioning,11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit plus and 14.5-inch OLED touch display, wireless phone charging, USB ports with charging function, DAB digital radio, Audi connect navigation and infotainment, hill hold assist, surround view cameras, adaptive cruise control, park assist plus lane departure warning, swerve assist and turn assist, front cross traffic assist, front emergency brake assist and traffic sign-based speed limiter.
Engines: Petrol: 204hp 2.0; Diesel mild hybrid: 204hp 2.0
Equipment grades: Sport, S Line
Transmissions: Seven-speed automatic
| Model | Audi A6 Avant TDI S tronic S Line |
| P11D | £59,580 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Fuel consumption | 53.3mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 139g/km (33%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £328/£655 |
| Luggage capacity | 466 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,968cc/204hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
