Audi A6 Avant review

Every A6 Avant features a comfortable driver’s seat, with a huge range of electric adjustment (including four-way lumbar), so this a great car in which to cover big miles.

S line models bring bigger side bolsters to hold you in place more securely when cornering quickly.

The climate control is adjusted via a 8.6in touchscreen, which is positioned low down on the centre console. It’s more intuitive than the Volvo V90’s similar arrangement, simply because the A6 Avant’s main climate menu is always on display instead of having to share real estate with numerous other menus.

However, the traditional buttons and knobs in the BMW 5 Series Touring and Mercedes E-Class Estate (not to mention older Audi models) make things easier still.

Seeing out of the front of the A6 Avant and over its bonnet is no problem, while relatively slender windscreen pillars help at roundabouts and junctions.

True, the rear screen is shallower and more steeply raked than the E-Class Estate’s, but parking is still easy enough, because front and rear sensors and a reversing camera are standard.

You also get excellent LED front and rear lights with entry-level Sport trim, while even more sophisticated Matrix beam headlights that adapt to the conditions are fitted to S line models.

A second touchscreen is positioned above the one for climate control, giving you access to the stereo, phone and sat-nav.

It’s an arrangement that works well when the car is stationary, thanks to menus that are logically laid out. However, the screen is distracting to use when driving, because you have to take your eyes off the road to switch between menus and find the correct area of the screen to hit.

It’s worth considering the optional Technology Pack, which not only increases the size of the screen from 8.8in to 10.1in, but brings a voice control system that recognises natural speech instead of insisting that you learn specific commands.

Other options include two Bang & Olufsen stereo upgrades: the 705W premium sound system and the 1920W 3D advanced sound system.

Audi is famous for the quality of its interiors and the A6 Avant is only likely to enhance that reputation.

Not only does the dual-touchscreen layout provide plenty of wow factor, but the interior is backed up by ambient lighting, wonderfully tactile materials and a standard of assembly that’s second to none.

There are few traditional buttons, but those you do get all click precisely and satisfyingly.