Audi A6 SE Multitronic

	At 546 litres, the boot is bigger than the E-Class’s, while rear seat space is plentiful – although the raised centre perches and big transmission tunnels mean all four cars are limited to carrying four, rather than five, in comfort

Even with youth on its side, the new Volvo can’t match the German machine’s fresh design, slender panel gaps and curvaceous bodywork.

And the attractive looks (even the controversial front grille is growing on us) haven’t come at the expense of the packaging. At 546 litres, the boot is bigger than the E-Class’s, while rear seat space is plentiful – although the raised centre perches and big transmission tunnels mean all four cars are limited to carrying four, rather than five, in comfort.

The A6 has by far the best cockpit. While the switchgear isn’t as logically laid out as in the Volvo or Merc, the adventurous design creates an unrivalled sense of occasion. You do sit a little high, though – sticking with manual seats rather than our test car’s electric items might help matters.

Under the bonnet lies the familiar 2.7-litre V6 diesel. Its 178bhp and 380Nm outputs don’t stand out, but both are delivered lower down in the rev range than in any rival, so the Audi pulls away smartly. It also sounds good. On the flip side, brake fade is an issue under hard use, and keen drivers should avoid the Multitronic CVT set-up, which lacks the control of a conventional manual box.

This transmission is fine in normal conditions, and the suspension is better mannered than the S80’s, but not as soothing as it should be – although it’s worth noting our car had the £1,500 adaptive air-suspension option. Yet despite sharp steering, it’s not as engaging as the BMW. Will this be an issue when the £28,570 Audi is such good value?