Competition
Base price for the A6 Avant is $62,800, and my test car was equipped with the cold weather package ($900), the technology package ($2,200), manual side and rear window sunshades ($350), rear side airbags ($500) and a power tailgate ($600), for a grand total of $67,350.
Most of the A6 wagon's rivals come from the same country:
BMW 535xi Touring, 300 hp, $73,600
Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC, 268 hp, $77,300
Volkswagen Passat 3.6L 4MOTION, 280 hp, $49,775
Volvo XC70 3.2 AWD, 235 hp, $46,495
We could also vaguely consider the Dodge Magnum R/T AWD, with its 350-hp V8, that starts at $44,095. Dodge's wagon is in its final year of production, though. It's a little short on power by comparison, but you can get a loaded A6 Avant for the admission price of the BMW and the Mercedes.
Conclusion
The A6 Avant has a lot to offer for those who hate SUVs and that have a couple of kids to haul to the day-care and the occasion road trip. With a smooth and efficient powertrain, a gorgeous interior and a lot of cargo space, this Audi can hold its own in the mid-size luxury wagon segment.
What's more important is that you don't have to buy an SUV to ride your family in style. As for me, I'm just happy that the A6 helped me get through the Christmas vacation in one piece.
Interior cargo space
Competent powertain and all-wheel drive
Nice-looking cockpit
Irritating heating and ventilation controls
Slow-reacting throttle system
MMI could be easier to use
None
photo:Philippe Champoux
Base price for the A6 Avant is $62,800, and my test car was equipped with the cold weather package ($900), the technology package ($2,200), manual side and rear window sunshades ($350), rear side airbags ($500) and a power tailgate ($600), for a grand total of $67,350.
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| The A6 Avant has a lot to offer for those who hate SUVs. |
Most of the A6 wagon's rivals come from the same country:
BMW 535xi Touring, 300 hp, $73,600
Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC, 268 hp, $77,300
Volkswagen Passat 3.6L 4MOTION, 280 hp, $49,775
Volvo XC70 3.2 AWD, 235 hp, $46,495
We could also vaguely consider the Dodge Magnum R/T AWD, with its 350-hp V8, that starts at $44,095. Dodge's wagon is in its final year of production, though. It's a little short on power by comparison, but you can get a loaded A6 Avant for the admission price of the BMW and the Mercedes.
Conclusion
The A6 Avant has a lot to offer for those who hate SUVs and that have a couple of kids to haul to the day-care and the occasion road trip. With a smooth and efficient powertrain, a gorgeous interior and a lot of cargo space, this Audi can hold its own in the mid-size luxury wagon segment.
What's more important is that you don't have to buy an SUV to ride your family in style. As for me, I'm just happy that the A6 helped me get through the Christmas vacation in one piece.
 |
Competent powertain and all-wheel drive
Nice-looking cockpit
 |
Slow-reacting throttle system
MMI could be easier to use
 |
None
photo:Philippe Champoux
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