What's all this about?

Audi, booting up the all-new, fifth-generation A6 saloon to create the latest A6 Avant. Now, we're big estate-car lovers here at CE, so this is great news. Especially as the A6 Avant will form the basis of the monumental RS 6, which is likely to have to start with at least 600hp in order to see off the threat from certain German rivals. But we digress.

Okaaaay... so can we get back to the, um, regular A6 Avant?

No problem. This fifth-generation, 'C8' A6 is a sharp-suited machine with a classy interior, and the Avant is no exception. It's a little bit larger in all directions compared to its immediate predecessor, which is to the benefit of interior space - Audi claims class-leading figures for front and rear elbow room, as well as rear knee room. However, the Avant has the same 565/1,680-litre boot as the outgoing model, so it hasn't gained any capacity there.

Nevertheless, the stunning interior - which can be laden with all sorts of luxury, connectivity and driver assist safety system toys - looks lovely and can come with the three-screen digital array we've already seen on the A7 Sportback and A8 executive limo.

Outside, the addition of the longer, tapering roofline makes the Avant into a real looker. We love the trapezoidal glasshouse in profile, for instance, and the subtle little roof spoiler. The Audi already looks a class act.

What about the motive power and the chassis?

Also like the A7 and A8, and borrowing from its already-announced saloon sibling, the A6 Avant will feature a couple of V6 motors that benefit from mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) technology. Choose from a 55 TFSI petrol with 340hp or a 50 TDI diesel with 286hp. The same four suspension set-ups - standard steel-spring suspension, Sport suspension, suspension with variable shock absorber control and then fully adaptive air suspension - are offered on the A6 Avant, which comes with quattro all-wheel drive across the board. The TFSI uses a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox to send power to the wheels, while the TDI employs an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic, and you'll enjoy variable-ratio Progressive Steering as standard. All-Wheel Steering is an option on the A6 Avant, reducing its turning circle by a metre to 11.1 metres overall.