Audi A6 Avant Black Edition 50 TFSIe

We recently received and reviewed a stable Audi favourite, the Audi A4 Avant 40TDI Black Edition, and this was swiftly followed by its larger sibling – the A6 Avant Black Edition 50 TFSie. I think of the A6 as the older and more sophisticated of the two siblings, It is like the elder daughter away at university studying law or medicine, with the A4 being the younger son at college doing a sport course and training / playing rugby every week being quieter, more and serene and dare we say it a little more “grown-up”

Black Edition still has it

It seems incredible to think that it is now fourteen years since Audi introduced the “Black Edition” to their A4 and A5 line-up. Even then we weren’t unaccustomed to manufacturers special editions, I can remember them back in 80’s when my parents took delivery of their new “special edition” Volvo together with pin-stripe, chrome wheel trims and a pop-top sunroof!

Such introductions have been more sophisticated since then and there was no mistaking the Black Edition when it first arrived. It looked that good, so good in fact that it is still alive and kicking today and available across pretty much every model in the line-up. It has also been copied by many manufacturers in numerous guises ever since!

For many still wrestling with the notion of going fully electric, the plug-in hybrid is the perfect next step. They offer lower BIK than traditional diesel / petrol cars, full electric travel for those local journeys, but the comfort of a petrol engine for those long journeys without the delay and “painful” cost of using public chargers en-route.

The A6 wagon is spacious

Our short time with the A6 gave us the opportunity to do just that. We did a few local runs on full electric and a longer journey with a choice of driving modes to suit. The only thing really missing from our test was finding enough luggage, shopping or other elements to fill the cavernous boot. Even our Fox Red Lab looked lost and in need of some company in there!

Sleek design is familiar but current

Like most Audi’s the A6 looks familiar. It is sleek in design and especially in Black Edition form very pleasing on the eye. It is so good that it disguises its size really well. At just under 5 metres, that’s the same length as a standard wheelbase VW campervan! Inside is spacious, airy and now infinitely more aesthetic than the functional and efficient interiors of old. Whether you love or hate technology it certainly has made a huge difference to new car interiors today.

The 50TFSIe packs just one horse short of 300. Even for a big car that is a lot, and the result is a very nimble family wagon that is swift off the mark and very nimble and surefooted around the corners, helped of course by the legendary quattro system.

A6 range and driving on electric

With a full charge the A6 will do a reported 40miles* (Source CAP Data). Our A6 was showing 34 after being fully charged overnight which is an acceptable discrepancy in today’s world of electric range and the numerous factors that can influence the computer on board.

Our local trips clocked up 22 miles during the day which was all on full electric. We had purposely set the driving mode to full EV to test the car. It was quiet with just a hint of external noise. Even with 20” alloy wheels fitted the all too numerous potholes were handled without fear of spilling our take-way coffees required to complete our shopping expedition.

The full EV range makes this an ideal “commute” car. My commute of 27 miles was completed in full EV mode and with a workplace charger I’m fully set for the return journey.

Topping out at 152miles round trip, our “destination journey” is where we could really feel the full attributes the A6 Avant has to offer. The space on offer being evident that even our 6’3” son found comfort in the back behind me, without compromise to my driving position which is not an easy feat nowadays! It was amazingly quiet and almost silent at motorway speeds, except for occasional enthusiastic depression of the accelerator to change lanes and speed up. This was more to satisfy myself that there was still an engine under there than anyone else!   

Although such a journey should be well within the capabilities of most of today’s full EV’s. Our recent experiences suggest that they aren’t always without either charge enroute or perhaps just a little anxiety on the return journey.

Not sure why but I still think nothing of a diesel or petrol car having 30-40mile range and the low fuel warning light on – and yet get worried the minute the EV drops below 75.

As with all PHEV’s there is a premium to pay for having the electric element – but support terms are good, especially for qualifying members of our partners ICAEW, RICS and BASC.

The A6 Avant is a brilliant family car

The A6 works exceptionally well as a family wagon – and whilst it may not come with the fridge, cooker and pop-top roof like the SWB VW camper – the boot is good for a whole lot of camping gear, golf clubs or any other outdoor sporting pursuits that may pepper your weekends and holidays.

Audi A6 Avant review conclusion

The A6 Avant is a versatile as they come, offering almost as much space inside as the Q7 ,just without the higher SUV driving position. All this in a package that has that all important kerb appeal and works for both the company car and private buyer.

Perhaps the most endearing feature is that it can bridge the gap for those really wanting to move away from combustion engines but really not comfortable or ready to go full electric – a United Nations or Switzerland in the ongoing BEV v ICE debate and one that empathises with both camps and offers a truly viable alternative.

A bit like employee exit interviews I ask myself two important questions after a demo loan.  

1.Would I like to see it on my drive and drive it every day?

2.Would I add it to my recommended list?

In both cases I would have to answer an emphatic yes, but then my admiration and love of the Audi is no secret. If you’re not convinced then I would highly recommend you simply try one as we think this “more sophisticated sibling is scoring a first class honours”!

If you’re thinking about your next new car and not sure whether petrol / diesel, PHEV or full electric would suit you best then get in touch – we’ve been running both EV’s and PHEV’s for the last ten years and happy to share our real life experiences to help people decide – for more information call us on 01473 372020 or email getintouch@tysoncooper.com