A SLEEK and stylish new A6 Avant estate car has been unveiled by Audi and will be joining the new-look A6 saloon later this summer.
A fraction shorter than the current model but crucially for an estate slightly wider, the new Avant retains its 1,680 litre maximum cargo capacity.
As Audi's alternative to the BMW 5 Series Touring and the Mercedes E-Class Estate, the new A6 majors on style which includes a rear spoiler integrated into the roofline and muscular haunches.
Like the saloon, the Avant will feature a range of mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines including a 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol developing 335bhp and a similarly sized V6 diesel with 282bhp on tap.
With a remote control electronic tailgate and a cargo bay width of 1,050mm the Avant offers 565 litres of boot space.
Four damping systems will be available including adaptive air suspension and the option of all-wheel steering.
The cabin is decked out with Audi's new twin-screen array first seen on the new A8 with the option of a 12.3-inch digitised ‘virtual cockpit' instrument panel and a head-up display.
Safety systems include a semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control which can keep the vehicle in its lane while ultra-bright HD Matrix LED headlights are also available.
Depending on equipment, the A6 Avant has up to five radar sensors, five cameras, twelve ultrasonic sensors as well as a laser scanner in its armoury of vehicle safety aids.
Prices for the new Avant are expected to start in the region of £40,000 and Audi says the car is scheduled to become available for ordering in the summer. Further performance details will be announced later.