Audi A4 Avant vs. Audi A6 Avant: which is better?
Can't decide between Audi's two best-selling estate cars? Read our guide to find out which is better suited to you
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Estate cars are often overshadowed by SUVs – not just because they’re higher off the ground and larger, but because they make up a large percentage of new and used car sales in the UK.
The humble estate hasn’t been forgotten about, however, and in many cases is the body style to have, especially for dog owners.
Audi has been at the forefront of estate cars for decades, offering two models – the A4 Avant and A6 Avant.
Both are similar in many ways, yet they're quite different. The A6 is longer and with a larger boot, but both models offer great practicality, performance, reliability and tech.
If you need a low car for the family dog or just like the idea of having a practical version of a saloon car, keep reading to find out which is best for your needs.
Styling
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From the outside, these two large estate cars look very similar.
They both feature the wide front grille that’s synonymous with modern Audi cars and over the muscular bonnet, there’s a smooth roofline that sweeps to the boot opening of all models – but note the A6’s is longer than the A4's.
At the rear is where you’ll notice the biggest difference because of the exhaust tips, which change depending on the model you get.
Standard petrol and diesels have ‘fake’ exhaust tips or two to one side, while an RS4 or RS6 will have four smaller or two larger ones.
Move inside and you’ll notice comfortable (sometimes leather) seats, a wide array of the latest in-car tech and a stylish infotainment system that complements the rest of the interior.
What are they like to drive?
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When it comes to driving these two estate cars, it’s a very similar experience. Both can be had with either a manual or automatic gearbox, with the automatic S-Tronic being the most popular choice for ease of use.
Powering the A6 is either a petrol or diesel engine with varying performance and fuel economy, with the top-spec RS6 having a powerful 621hp 4.0-litre V8 engine.
The A4 also benefits from similar engines, with its top-end RS4 Avant having a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 under the bonnet that’s lighter than the V8 and is therefore nimbler.
No matter which you choose, you’re getting a car that’s happy sitting at 70mph on the motorway all day and is more than capable of driving around town running errands.
Interior and technology
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Audi has a strong history of making splendid interiors, but the A6 is the clear winner for us in terms of overall luxury.
The A6 comes with plush leather seats as standard, whereas the A4 needs to be upgraded to the S Line trim to get these.
Both cars come with a large central infotainment screen running Audi’s excellent MMI system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The styling is what makes Audis so popular. They may not be as futuristic as a Tesla or Mercedes, but the familiarity makes them homely and somewhat relatable. The Virtual Cockpit that comes as standard in all A4 and A6 models is one of the best in the game, meaning you can keep your maps and music right in front of you.
Boot space and practicality
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The main differentiating factor between the A4 Avant and A6 Avant is the boot space, with the A6 coming out on top.
Both estates get a wide boot opening, with the Audi A6 getting 565 litres of space and the A4 getting 495 litres. With the rear seats folded flat, this grows to 1,680 litres in the A6 and 1,495 litres in the A4.
There isn’t a massive difference between the two on paper, but in practice, you’ll really benefit from the A6’s larger and wider boot when it comes to furniture, suitcases and shopping.
Safety and reliability
Both models score highly when it comes to reliability. Thanks to Audi’s attention to detail and many tried-and-tested parts, there’s very little to be concerned about.
But like with all cars, they may go wrong from time to time but that’s just the nature of vehicle ownership – thankfully modern Audis go wrong less frequently.
Safety is impressive too, as it always has been with Audis. Thanks to safety features such as anti-lock braking, ISOFIX and up to eight airbags, the A6 and A4 both scored a full five stars following their most recent Euro NCAP safety tests.
Size and dimensions
Audi A4 Avant
Length: 4,762mm
Width: 1,847mm
Height: 1,435mm
Boot space: 495 litres
Audi A6 Avant
Length: 4,939mm
Width: 1,886mm
Height: 1,470mm
Boot space: 565 litres
Verdict: Audi A6 Avant vs. Audi A4 Avant: which should you buy?
Choosing between the A6 Avant and A4 Avant is a bit like deciding whether to play rugby or American football.
Both are fairly similar at first glance, yet they're different when you get into the details.
To put it plainly, you should buy the A6 if you need more boot space and increased comfort for longer journeys. While the A4 is a luxurious car, it’s not on the same level as its larger sibling.
If you want a sportier driving experience and can live with a few litres less space at the back, the A4 would be a fine choice.