Used Audi A6 Avant 2004 - 2011 review

What's the used Audi A6 Saloon like?

The Audi A6 Avant is big in every way: big on space, prestige, equipment and power. It has everything you'd expect of an executive cruiser, with added practicality.

Five adults will be perfectly comfortable in the cabin, thanks to generous head, leg and shoulder space all-round and a multi-adjustable driving position.

Overview

The Audi A6 Avant is a prestige load-lugger that's classy and impressively refined.

Pros

• Spacious
• Comfortable
• Luxurious

Cons

• Larger-engined petrol models are expensive to run
• Light steering not to all tastes

Central to the A6 Avant's appeal is its big boot. Even with the rear seats in place, there's plenty of space for a family's holiday luggage, while with them folded you could use it to move house.

Its handling is pretty impressive, too. The A6 Avant changes direction sharply, resists body roll well and grips the road strongly.

Front- and four-wheel-drive versions are available, along with optional self-levelling air suspension – useful for those who carry heavy loads on a regular basis. The standard car's ride feels firm over poor surfaces, though.

Our recommendations

Which used Audi A6 Saloon should I buy?

Most engines are strong, although the base 2.0 petrol and 2.0 turbodiesel feel slightly short of puff and struggle to pull the Avant when fully loaded. The 2.4 V6 is stronger, but the 3.2 V6 petrol is a better bet. It's smooth and provides strong pulling power over a wide rev range, as do the 2.7 and 3.0 V6 turbodiesels.

The 4.2 V8 petrol is hugely powerful and sounds great, while the direct-injection 4.2 V8 is punchier still, yet is more fuel-efficient.

Our favourite is the 3.0 V6 diesel, which comes with Audi's quattro four-wheel drive, as it has the best balance between power and economy. Stick with entry-level SE trim, which should provide all the equipment you need: climate control, cruise control, alloys, a CD player, traction control and automatic headlights and wipers. S-line versions have stiffened suspension and sportier cabin trim.

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