Audi has unveiled the new A6 Avant, which will hit the Irish market this year. To the surprise of many, the early examples of the big estate will offer customers a straight choice between petrol and diesel power, although the diesel will be aided by mild-hybrid technology. Plug-in hybrid examples are expected to follow over the next year or so.
But I thought the A6 Avant was electric?
Yes, about that. For a while, Audi decided it would be nice if electric cars all had even numbers in their names, such as the Q4 e-tron and Q6 e-tron, leaving combustion-engined models with the odd numbers (A3, A5, Q7 etc.). In fact, Audi got so deep into that idea that the old A4 was replaced by the new A5, but Audi has now reneged on the whole scheme. So, the car that was going to be called the A7 Avant is back to being the A6 Avant. Not to be confused with the A6 Avant e-tron, which is a different car altogether.
That's confusing. So, what's different?
Well apart from the size, shape and dashboard design, most things have changed a fair bit. The A6 Avant sits on Audi's Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture, which already underpins the latest Q5 and A5 models.
The core of the engine range, therefore, will be made up of 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder units, with buyers getting a choice between petrol and diesel power. A 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine will also be offered in some markets, but it's unclear whether that will come to Ireland. And if it does, whether anyone will buy the thing.
But before we get into that, there are noticeable differences in design, with the A6 Avant inheriting the A6 Avant e-tron's attitude to aerodynamics and technology, but little else. Like the A6 Avant e-tron, the shape is way more rounded than before, but the A6 Avant gets a bigger front grille, bigger headlights and different bumpers. There's a different rear-end design, too, although the combustion-powered A6 Avant follows the electric model by offering customisable daytime running light signatures.
The design is very similar inside, too, with the same basic dashboard that's dominated by a massive, curved housing for the digital instrument display and touchscreen, both of which come as standard. There will also be an option to add a third display, in front of the passenger, giving them their own touchscreen, while a head-up display will also feature.
Audi says the A6 Avant will have a 503-litre boot when all five seats are in use, but that's just a litre larger than the A6 Avant e-tron's 502-litre luggage bay. And remember, the electric version gets a second area for luggage, under the bonnet.
That said, despite Audi's attestation that this is the most aerodynamic combustion-engined A6 Avant ever, the slightly more practical roof design of the fossil-fuelled car means there's more space when the back seats are folded away.
It doesn't sound all that different, then?
Though the two cars are distinctly different to look at, the big changes are unquestionably found under the skin. Whereas the electric car has space for a luggage tub under the bonnet, the combustion-powered models fill that space with engines. Or at least, one of a few different engines.
The base option at launch will be the 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces up to 204hp and sends it all to the front wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Promising adequate performance, it's likely to be more than sufficient for those who don't do great distances every day.
Those regularly travelling further afield, however, will likely prefer the 2.0-litre diesel engine, which also produces 204hp. But while the power outputs are the same, the diesel engine has more low-down grunt, so it accelerates slightly faster and - in some markets, at least - will be offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. It's also aided by mild-hybrid technology, helping to improve fuel economy further still.
Finally, Audi is offering some markets a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine that will drive all four wheels as standard. It too gets an automatic gearbox and mild-hybrid technology, but it's much more performance-orientated than its stablemates, with 367hp giving it a 0-100km/h time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h.
Any other mechanical changes I should know about?
Just a few. Audi will offer the A6 Avant with a choice of three different suspension setups, with the standard suspension joined by sports suspension that lowers the body by 20mm for a sportier look and better handling. Finally, adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled damping will be available, allowing drivers to tailor settings to the conditions.
The A6 Avant also gets reworked steering that's designed to feel more direct, and there's brake-operated torque vectoring that can brake the inside wheels to tuck the car tighter into a corner if necessary.
So, when can I have one?
The new A6 Avant arrives in Ireland this May, with the new Audi A6 saloon following later in the year. Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions of both will be offered from launch. Initial Irish pricing starts at €69,290.