While advanced upon its launch, the Audi A6 Avant now lags behind the competition – in particular through the absence of modern driver-assistance technology such as the VW Passat’s Traffic Jam Assist, which effectively drives for you in queues.

However, it’s loaded with passive safety kit such as front airbags with front passenger deactivation and side head airbags, seat belt monitoring and an anti-theft alarm with tow-away protection.

Also on offer is a tyre pressure monitor, acoustic parking sensors with rear-view camera, night vision display with pedestrian detection, rear side airbags and active lane assist.

Audi Matrix LED headlights are optional but do a very good job of avoiding dazzling other drivers. Other notable extra-cost safety kit includes a head-up display, pre-sense basic (which tightens seatbelts, closes windows and sunroof and activates hazard warning lights if an imminent collision is detected) and traffic sign recognition. 

There’s a lot of space inside the Audi A6 Avant. Four adults fit easily with loads of head- and legroom, while the middle rear seat is suitable for shorter journeys only due to its smaller size.

Each door has cubbies to store belongings, and rear-seat passengers get their own climate control system.

We found the cupholders in the front aren’t huge, which means some coffee cups and bottles don’t fit. 

The E-Class Estate’s boot is far bigger than any other in this sector, but that isn’t to say the A6 Avant’s is pokey. It’s actually an incredibly practical car. A powered tailgate is a worthwhile optional extra. 

This shouldn’t be too problematic given that all versions get parking sensors at front and rear as standard. Optional automatic parking systems take all of the hassle away – simply push a button and the X3 will steer itself into a space. 

The remote parking system on the 5 Series isn’t available, unfortunately.