The design of the Audi Avant seems more conceptually well integrated with its A6 stable mate than most "wagon" versions of sport sedans. The horizontally split front grille, headlights, lower grille openings with fog lights, hood profile and even front fender flares display a unity of design that connects this vehicle to the A6 sedan. The four door configuration and the upsweeping lower body line further this similarity. It's from the B-pillar back that the Avant stands alone as designers have extended roof and belt lines to incorporate the cargo carrying function of the A6 Avant.
Our test Avant came through with the S Line Sports package that added a host of premium options including a sport tuned suspension, headlight washers and 19 inch alloy wheels shod with high performance, low profile tires.
There is only one power train available; the 3.2 liter V6 delivers 255 horsepower and 243 foot pounds of torque coupled to Audi's six-speed Tiptronic that allows the driver the choice of fully automatic or sequential operation. Both combine to deliver power to the Quattro all wheel drive system.
Large vented power-assisted disc brakes with ABS round out the performance equation.
The interior of our Avant benefited greatly from the addition of Audi's Technology and Convenience packages, that added features as diverse as Bose Surround Sound Audio and DVD based Navigation systems as well as a host of electronic and power options. Front sport seats, full leather upholstery, a power operated tailgate lift and extensive airbags round out the passenger compartment.
MSRP for the base version of the Avant A6 is $48,000, but totaling up the cost of the optional packages on our test vehicle quickly runs the total up to almost $61,000.
The V6 engine can run quite nicely on either regular, 87 octane or premium grades of gasoline though Audio recommends the higher 91 octane for better performance. Either way the EPA estimates fuel economy to be 17 MPG in town and 26 MPG on the highway.