Audi is playing its part in saving the wagons by giving the A5 Avant a bigger brother. The new A6 Avant (“C9”) seems like an upsized version of the A5, and while more variety wouldn’t hurt, both wagons look great. Curiously, the next-generation A6 debuts strictly as a wagon, with the traditional sedan body style set to follow next month.
Design and Exterior Features
The long-roof model takes center stage with an interesting choice of a brown car for the press images. While not necessarily to everyone’s taste, the black A6 Avant with dark Four Rings, as seen by Motor1 Germany, offers a sleeker look. Originally, Audi intended to rename this model the A7 Avant under a revamped nomenclature strategy, but that plan was dropped.
Unlike the fully electric A6 Avant E-Tron, the new A6 Avant skips the trendy split headlight theme. However, the visible radars and sensors on the lower grille remain a bit of an eyesore. Audi’s commitment to no longer using fake exhaust tips is a welcome change, with the rear design featuring real exhaust outlets.
Aerodynamics and Wheels
With a drag coefficient of 0.25, the A6 Avant is Audi’s most aerodynamic combustion engine wagon. The electric E-Tron version is even more slippery, boasting a 0.24 CD. In Europe, the base model comes with 18-inch alloys, while fancier versions offer 21-inch forged wheels with a unique tri-color design.
Dimensions and Size
The new 2025 Audi A6 Avant is 2.3 inches longer than its predecessor, measuring 196.4 inches. The wheelbase remains nearly identical, at 115.2 inches. The width, excluding mirrors, matches the outgoing “C8” generation at just under 74 inches.
Interior: Familiar Yet Improved
The A6 Avant’s interior closely resembles that of the A5 Avant, including the optional 10.9-inch passenger screen. It also shares the same 14.5-inch infotainment and 11.9-inch digital driver’s display. Notable improvements include 30% extra sound insulation without a weight penalty, tighter seals on windows and doors, and optional acoustic glazing for the rear doors.
Newly developed engine and transmission mounts help reduce noise and vibrations. Audi also refined the dual-clutch automatic transmission to minimize noise, adding foam rings to larger wheels for improved comfort.
Practicality and Cargo Space
The A6 Avant offers 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a standard rail system for added practicality. Folding the 40:20:40-split bench increases the cargo volume to 54.1 cubic feet. Even the base model includes an electric tailgate with a projection light to guide foot-gesture activation.
The large panoramic glass roof features a “digital curtain” with nine segments that switch between transparent and opaque, allowing for customizable light and shade patterns.
Engine Options and Performance
The entry-level 2025 Audi A6 Avant in Europe features a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing 201 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. The diesel variant offers the same horsepower but more torque at 295 lb-ft, with front- or all-wheel drive options.
A 3.0-liter V6 with 48V technology powers the top A6 model, generating 362 hp and 406 lb-ft. It matches the performance of the new S5 Avant, sprinting from 0 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.
Performance Variants and Future Plans
Four-cylinder models are slower, with the gasoline engine taking 8.3 seconds to hit 62 mph and the diesel model taking 7.9 seconds, or 7 seconds flat with Quattro. A future S6 Avant and potentially an RS6 Avant are expected, hopefully retaining the brawny V8 engine.
Advanced Features and Platform
Additional highlights include rear-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, and brake-by-wire technology. The V6 version offers a Quattro Sport differential for enhanced handling and a sportier drive. The A6 Avant shifts from the MLB Evo platform to the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), shared with the A5.
Pricing and Availability
Audi is opening orders in Europe this month, with the 2025 Audi A6 base model priced at €58,000 and the diesel version starting at €61,700. Production is set to take place at the Neckarslum factory alongside the A5 Avant. Unfortunately, fans of the A7 Sportback will be disappointed, as the swoopy model will not be renewed.
