The new Audi A6 Avant debuted in April 2018 and was introduced to Japan in March 2019. We test-drove this model, now in its fifth generation, which incorporates cutting-edge driver assistance and connectivity systems.

While "second-car wagons" like the Volvo V90 and Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake are now common, it's fair to say that the Avant, since the Audi 100, has been instrumental in elevating the station wagon from a mere practical vehicle with a large cargo space to a stylish driver's car.

This time, we test-drove the "A6 Avant 55 TFSI quattro S line," the fifth generation (C8) since the first model, codenamed C4.

In conclusion, despite its body size, it achieved an unbelievably light handling and manageable agility, along with the exceptional straight-line stability that is its hallmark. Furthermore, its 48V mild-hybrid system, from idling stop to coasting, provided unparalleled smoothness.

European E-segment station wagons each pursue their own distinct identity as high-end tourers rather than purely practical vehicles, offering a world that doesn't exist in Japanese cars. The A6 Avant has evolved fittingly as the leader in this segment.

Audi's establishment as a premium brand owes much to the C5 generation A6, which appeared around the same time as the first TT. It revolutionized the image of E-segment sedans and wagons, previously seen as either conservative executive cars or taxis in Germany. The image of Audi as an innovator transcending convention largely stems from the A6 Avant.

Audi became a pioneer in this genre not because station wagons during the bubble era evoked images of fulfilling weekends with skiing, surfing, or camping, thus aligning with lifestyle trends.

Instead, it was through the pursuit of aerodynamics and its unique quattro all-wheel-drive system that it achieved a high-level balance of straight-line stability as a high-speed cruiser and the load-carrying capacity unique to a station wagon, reaching a pinnacle as a functional driver's car.

Conversely, its pursuit of high-speed stability and load capacity led the Avant to become the vehicle of choice for drug couriers, known as "Go fast" in European cinema, transporting narcotics and marijuana. While the movie featured an RS4 Avant, a real-life incident in 2009 saw a drug dealer in France, near the Spanish border, arrested after attempting to flee at over 200 km/h with a large quantity of marijuana in an RS6 Avant. Fact, it seems, often surpasses fiction.

To digress slightly, the latest A6 Avant, now in its fifth generation, is a model with such a unique background and presence. Its exterior dimensions of 4950 x 1885 x 1465 mm, while keeping the overall length within 5 meters for the E-segment, mean its width and height are equivalent to a previous-generation A8. The same can be said for its impressive 2925 mm long wheelbase.

The shoulder line, extending from the front and rear fenders across the body sides, is quite complex, with varying degrees of sharpness. Like its predecessor, the front lights have an inward-scooped, piercing look and employ LED matrix technology. Along with the chrome garnish stretching horizontally above the rear lamps, there are many intricate details beyond the enlarged single-frame grille. Yet, none of these elements stand out jarringly, contributing to an overall clean appearance, which is typical of Audi.

The "55 TFSI quattro S line" powertrain combines a 3-liter V6 turbo engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission. It's also a mild-hybrid system utilizing a belt-driven alternator starter (BAS) and a 48V system. This system handles restarts from idling stop and energy regeneration during deceleration. It uses the alternator's auxiliary drive to cover the critical phase between a standstill or coasting and when the engine's torque becomes effective (though torque reaches 500 Nm from 1370 rpm). Its operation is remarkably seamless, with no unpleasant jolts or vibrations even during repeated stop-and-go traffic.

The interior, finished with a modern design, features a dual-layer, wide touchscreen. The upper screen displays infotainment and vehicle information, while the lower screen consolidates comfort functions. The drive mode selector, however, is a physical button located on the left side of the console, a practical touch.

With five settings—Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual—we first tried the former two for city driving. Despite the ample torque and the assistance of rear-wheel steering, the car doesn't feel sluggish at low speeds. Rather, the surprise is how effortlessly and smoothly this nearly 5-meter-long, 1930 kg vehicle handles. While we couldn't fully test the Dynamic mode, we confirmed that the steering, which had a gentle feel with less sensitivity around the neutral point, becomes more responsive, and the gear shifts to a lower selection, accompanied by a more pronounced exhaust note.

Still, the smooth ride and agile handling leave a lasting impression. Both the front and rear suspensions are double-wishbone types. Peeking into the engine bay, the front upper mount is positioned quite inward, allowing for ample damper stroke length. This demonstrates how the advantage of housing the turbocharger within the V-bank is utilized.

The "smoothness" extends to the advanced driver assistance systems. The Level 2 systems, including deceleration in response to the pace of the car ahead and lane-keeping assist adjustments, are natural and do not agitate the driver. The seats are also unusually thick by today's standards. The cabin offers high comfort and excellent quietness, along with unwavering straight-line stability. Cruising at high speeds while enjoying these features feels almost as if the car itself is omniscient, and one can imagine it providing a sense of security even in adverse weather.

The A6 Avant, which has continuously refined its unique world as a functional driver's car, has become a vehicle that evokes a distinct aesthetic through its evolutionary direction and outstanding perfection.

Spec
Audi A6 Avant 55 TFSI quattro S line
Body | Length 4,950 × Width 1,885 × Height 1,465 mm
Wheelbase | 2,925 mm
Engine | 2,994cc V6 Intercooled Turbo
Max. Output | 250 kW (340 ps) / 5,200–6,400 rpm
Max. Torque | 500 Nm (51.0 kgm) / 1,370–4,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed automatic
Drivetrain | 4WD
Suspension | Front and Rear Double Wishbone
Tires | 245/45R19
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 12.3 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 189 g-CO2/km
Trunk Capacity | 565 liters
Seating Capacity | 5 people
Price | ¥10,410,000