Audi A6 Avant review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Both diesel engines offer, on paper at least, extremely good fuel economy, with the 40 TDI delivering up to 60.1mpg on a combined cycle. Even the six-cylinder 50 TDI offers as much as 48.7mpg.

In both cases, opting for the larger 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels will put a dent in the fuel economy, dropping to 57.6mpg and 47.9mpg for the 40 TDI and 50 TDi respectively. Stick with the 18- or 19-inch rims if you’re hoping to maximise fuel economy.

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The fuel efficiency is thanks, in part, to a mild hybrid system, which recovers energy during braking and enables engine-off coasting at speeds of between 34mph and 99mph.

Unsurprisingly, the 40 TDI is the cheapest to tax, although, with a starting price of £40,000, all models attract the £310 VED five-year supplement for high-end cars. CO2 emissions of 124g/km mean a first-year rate of £205 for the 40 TDI, followed by five payments of £450. In the case of the 50 TDI, the first-year rate rockets to £830, but levels out to £450 in year two.

Insurance groups 

The 40 TDI in Sport trim is the cheapest A6 Avant to insure, slotting into insurance group 36. There’s no premium penalty for upgrading to the Technology Pack, but the S line model is slightly more expensive, sitting in group 38 of 50.

You’ll pay more to insure the 50 TDI models, although all models sit in group 42, regardless of whether you opt for Sport or S line. In all cases, the A6 Avant is more expensive to insure than the BMW 5 Series Touring (groups 30 to 41), and roughly the same as the E-Class Estate at the top level, although the cheaper Mercedes models creep into the lower 30s (groups 30 to 44).

Depreciation 

Larger cars tend to depreciate faster than smaller vehicles, which is a factor working against the A6 Avant. On the other hand, the Audi badge tends to slow depreciation, giving the A6 range three-year residual values of 41-46 per cent.

The practicality of the Avant should ensure values remain higher than the saloon models, but be wary of splashing out on too many optional extras. While some can add value, or at least make the car easier to sell, many will not translate to extra value on the secondhand market.