Audi has unveiled the first images of its elegant and versatile new A6 Avant in Europe. With countless innovations, a high standard of comfort and luxurious equipment, the Audi A6 Avant is poised to extend its lead within its competitive field.

The first deliveries of this new model will take place in Europe in March 2005.

Powerful TDI and petrol engines with up to eight cylinders and 246 kW (335 bhp) maximum output are at the heart of the new A6 Avant. All engines share a level of power and torque that is outstanding in this segment of the market and include:

-	4.2 V8 developing 246 kW (335 bhp), 420 Newton-metres
-	3.2 V6 FSI developing 188 kW (255 bhp), 330 Newton-metres
-	2.4 V6 developing 130 kW (177 bhp), 230 Newton-metres
-	3.0 V6 TDI developing 165 kW (225 bhp), 450 Newton-metres
-	2.7 V6 TDI developing 132 kW (180 bhp), 380 Newton-metres

A choice of front-wheel or quattro permanent four-wheel drive ensure that the engine's power is always translated reliably into traction, and thanks to the advanced suspension design and very rigid bodyshell, opens up new horizons in driving dynamics.

The high quality of the materials and finish is typical of an Audi interior. With a distinctively sporty flair and close attention to ergonomic perfection, the cockpit ensures the driver is luxuriously cocooned and fully integrated.

The load area of the new A6 Avant also radiates sophistication and innovation. An ingenious securing concept with a large number of clever configurations permits an unprecedented level of versatility and variability.

Measuring 4.93 metres in length, 1.86 metres in width, and 1.46 metres in height, the new Audi A6 Avant is visibly impressive. The lines of the car combine the clear Audi architecture with other core elements of the brand's progressive design including the hallmark single-frame grille.

The classic proportions of the Avant's silhouette, with its high shoulder line, narrow window area, coupé-like roofline and flat, sloping tail end, have been infused with a new degree of dynamism and tension.

The contours of the gently rising, curved shoulder line and the powerful, sweeping motion of the dynamic line above the side sills give the entire body of the car a forward-moving, tapered appearance which is even more marked on the Avant, compared with its saloon sibling.

The decidedly horizontal design of the rearward structure, with the two-section rear lights curving well in towards the centre, gives the vehicle an air of sturdiness and stability.

A glance at the front end, with the trapezoidal-shape single-frame radiator grille, reveals the A6 Avant to be a member of the latest generation of Audi models. The latest lighting technology is visible behind the clear glass covers of the headlights.

Even luggage travels Business Class in the new Audi A6 Avant which is emphasised both by the materials and finish of the luggage compartment and by its entirely new securing concept. Countless meticulously thought-out details set the benchmark for this class thanks to its versatility and variability.

All new A6 Avant versions have two securing rails recessed into the floor of the level, 1.05 metre wide load area (through-loading width). These are fitted with four sliding, adjustable and lockable lashing eyes in total which, along with the luggage net fitted as standard, can be used to secure individual items of luggage of almost any size. All A6 Avant versions have bag hooks integrated into the luggage compartment trim, as well as an additional luggage net to one side. A lockable side compartment can be supplied as an optional extra, for keeping objects hidden from prying eyes.

The load area floor can be folded up as a standard feature and can be locked in a variety of positions to divide up the load area. This not only provides scope for stowing objects between the rear backrest and the raised floor to prevent them from sliding around, but also provides access to the lower load area, where a large plastic tray is integrated.

This versatile feature answers the question of where to put wet towels and swimmers after a day at the beach or your golf shoes at the end of a hard day on the course.

The rail system's variability can be further enhanced as an optional extra by adding a telescopic rod which can be fixed to both rails, dividing up the luggage compartment diagonally or horizontally and providing another means of reliably securing luggage. Additional support is provided by a retaining strap, which – when both ends are engaged in a rail – lashes objects down securely against the sides of the luggage compartment at the push of a button, or divides up the compartment transversely when engaged in both rails, to keep large, bulky items of luggage in place.

The cycle rack system, which has been developed specially for the A6 Avant and is likewise mounted on the rails and around the protective tray, is a means of transporting two mountain bikes securely.

Audi's development engineers have further optimised the securing method for the safety partition net, which protects the passengers against displaced items of luggage in the event of emergency braking manoeuvres or a nose-to-tail collision. It is much easier to fold the rear seat back down one third, two thirds or entirely, as desired.

There is also a large, versatile storage box which has been designed for the luggage compartment. Secured to the rails by means of the lashing eyes, it can be arranged with its opening facing to the rear where it can be used for storing small items of luggage and for dividing up the luggage compartment. Or, if pushed flush against the rear seat with its opening facing forwards, the box can be accessed via the through-loading facility in the rear seat, transforming into a storage compartment that is well away from inquisitive eyes.

An optional reversible mat is available with matching velour on one side and a rubberised, easy-to-clean surface on the reverse side to protect the floor of the load area. The reversible mat also incorporates a protective sheet that can be pulled down over the bumper to protect it during loading and unloading.

The detachable ski and snowboard bag is another new feature that will be of particular interest to winter sports enthusiasts allowing equipment to be packed away swiftly and easily in the bag while outside the car, then stowed in the luggage compartment avoiding drips and dirt.

For the first time, the A6 Avant’s tailgate opens and closes automatically at the push of a button. The opening process can also be initiated by pressing the button on the car key. The required opening angle can be infinitely varied.