Audi uncovers all-new A6 Avant

AUDI has ripped the covers off its next-generation A6 Avant wagon, with new styling, technology and powertrains that mirror the A6 sedan revealed at the Geneva motor show in March.

However, according to Audi Australia, the A6 Avant is still under consideration for a local debut, meaning it could arrive sometime after the sedan that is set to touch down towards the end of this year.

The Avant wears the same face as the A6 sedan with re-sculpted headlights and singleframe grille, while the rear design has the same sloping D-pillar of the previous model and new-design tail-lights from the sedan.

At 4940mm long, the Avant is roughly the same size as the previous model, and luggage volume is identical at 565 litres, up to 1680L with the 40/20/40 rear seats folded.

A number of different storage options are available for the Avant, including the floor-mounted rail system, a tensioning strap, a net, two shopping hooks and an optional load-securing kit with telescopic bar and strap.

As with the sedan, all the engines underpinning the Avant range will be teamed with a 48V belt alternator start, which produces a mild-hybrid powertrain capable of coasting between 55-160km/h and recuperating up to 12kW through regenerative braking.

While exact powertrains have yet to be announced, it is expected a range of 2.0- and 3.0-litre engines in both petrol and diesel flavours will be offered.

Either a seven-speed or eight-speed automatic will be mated to the selected engines, with quattro all-wheel drive as standard. Four-wheel steering will be offered as an option to reduce the turning circle and enhance stability.

Like the sedan, four different suspension set-ups will be offered – steel-spring suspension, sport suspension, suspension with shock absorber control and adaptive air suspension.

A comprehensive suite of active and passive driver assistance systems will be offered in the Avant, divided into ‘City’ and ‘Tour’ packages, while three versions of the A6’s new LED headlights are available, including the top-spec HD matrix LED lights with high-resolution high-beam.

Like the sedan, the Avant’s interior has been completely overhauled for the new generation, with two touchscreen displays measuring 10.1- and 8.6-inches housing the infotainment and air-conditioning controls, respectively.

While the regular Avant has yet to be confirmed for Australia, it is likely that the fire-breathing RS6 Avant will return in new-generation guise, with Audi Australia corporate communications manager Shaun Cleary telling GoAuto: “The current and former RS6 Avant have been huge success stories for Audi Sport, both in Australia and globally, and so it is only logical that a successor is being seriously considered.”

No decision has been made on whether a new version of the A6 Allroad jacked-up wagon will be produced, however an Australian debut would be likely given Audi currently offer the A6 and the A4 Allroad Down Under.

A decision of the A6 Avant’s local fate will be made at a later date.