2019 Audi A6 Avant Is Another Wagon We Probably Won't Get In America

Sleek shape with crossover space... so can we have one, please?

Traditional wagons are hard to come by in the US. Audi's been known to make a few, of which the new A6 Avant is just the latest. But we wouldn't count on it showing up in American showrooms, and that's a bit of a shame.

Based on the new C8-generation A6 sedan revealed a few months ago in Geneva, the new Avant was first revealed back in April, but is now being released in full, stretching its roofline to offer more space in the back for whatever you (or those in markets where it will be offered) may have to haul.

In fact, with as much as 59.3 cubic feet freed up when the rear seats are folded down, it has almost as much cargo capacity as the Q5. But at less than 58 inches tall, it's nowhere near as high as a crossover. That means a slippery shape with a low 0.27 drag coefficient. And it boasts more elbow room (front and rear) and rear-seat knee room than anything else in its class, which includes rivals like the BMW 5 Series Touring, Mercedes E-Class Estate, Jaguar XF Sportbrake, and Volvo V90.

From the C-pillar forward, it's essentially the same vehicle as the A6 sedan, right down to Audi's latest MMI infotainment system and 39 driver-assistance and safety systems. European customers will be able to choose between three turbodiesel engine options: a 2.0-liter inline-four with 204 hp (mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission) and a 3.0-liter V6 with either 231 hp or 286 hp (mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with standard Quattro all-wheel drive). There'll be four suspension options and an assuredly long list of options. Just don't go asking for that list at your local Audi dealership here in the States.

Here's The Engine That Will (Probably) Power Aston Martin's SUV

Is it what you expected?

We already know Aston Martin’s first SUV, rumored to be named Varekai, is set to begin production by late 2019. Its official debut is expected next March at Geneva. We also know its final design will not be identical to that of the DBX Concept, but has remained relatively unknown is its powertrain. Could it be a hybrid? Plug-in hybrid? Pure internal combustion? Australia’s Motoring recently spoke with Aston Martin’s chief creative officer Marek Reichmann who hinted that it’s technically possible to drop a six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz engine under the luxury SUV’s hood.

Remember, Aston Martin is already making use of Mercedes engines in, for example, the all-new Vantage. Makes no sense to stop there. “It could (use a Mercedes-sourced six-cylinder) because that would be a pretty good engine and combination. Potentially,” said Reichmann. More specifically, Marek is very likely referring to Mercedes’ new M256 turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, which is also connected to a mild hybrid system and can produce up to around 382 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.

So not only will the DBX/Varekai be the brand’s first SUV crossover, but also its first hybrid vehicle. The latter trend will gradually make its way to additional Astons as well, specifically its sports and supercars. It’s also possible, though not confirmed at this time, a fully electric version of this SUV will debut, but company sources remain tight-lipped on that subject for now.

But one thing is for certain: diesel is out of the question. “Never, ever, ever, ever, never, ever, ever. Never. Never! No diesels,” Reichmann laughed. But what is happening next year is the debut of the Rapide-E, a fully-electric version of the Rapide that’s limited to only 155 examples. “Why are we doing the Rapide-E? To understand what our customers want from electrification because Aston Martins are not typically, everyday-use cars. We want to know what’s most important through feedback from the consumer,” Reichmann said. Also remember that only last March did Aston launch its new Lagonda sub-brand, which will consist of an all-electric lineup.

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