Audi have unveiled the Avant version of their new A6 executive car.

Audi’s new 5 Series Touring and E-Class estate rival has been revealed and it boasts much better performance than its predecessor all round.

It measures in at 4.93m long, 1.87m wide and 1.46m tall to provide better passenger space and 20L more luggage space, with a seats-down maximum of 1,680L. This puts it ahead of the BMW but way off the class leading Mercedes.

Despite the Avant’s size it weighs 15% less than the outgoing model thanks to the extensive use of aluminium in the construction of the body.

The benefit of this weight loss will be felt in the economy, with fuel consumption reduced by as much as 18%.

Engine choices will be the same as those for the saloon A6. Petrol engines are the 201bhp 2.8 FSI and the 295bhp 3.0 TFSI while there will be the a 174bhp 2.0 TDI and three 3.0TDI’s producing 201bhp and 241bhp while the range topping, twin-turbocharged model produces 308bhp.

That final engine will take the A6 Avant from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The 2.0 TDI is the most frugal engine in the line-up, producing 132g/km of CO2 and being capable of 56mpg.

Gearbox choices will be a six-speed manual, CVT, seven-speed double-clutch and an eight-speed auto which is only available with the 308bhp TDI engine.

Interior and exterior styling remains almost unchanged over the saloon and the options list is also likely to be unchanged with wheel sizes ranging from 16 inches to 20 inches, bluetooth, head-up display, a gesture controlled tailgate release and the S line sports package all available.

The new A6 Avant will go sale in Europe towards the end of the summer with prices starting at €40,000 (£35,000).

Source: Audi