Design and Road Presence
When it comes to estate cars in the UK, both the BMW 5 Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant are standouts for those seeking style without compromising practicality. British roads, with their mix of narrow city lanes and open country stretches, demand an estate that balances presence with agility. Let’s see how these two German estates fit into our daily drives in terms of design, size, and kerb appeal.
| BMW 5 Series Touring | Audi A6 Avant | |
|---|---|---|
| Styling | Sharp lines, sporty stance, classic BMW kidney grille | Sleek silhouette, prominent Singleframe grille, understated elegance |
| Dimensions (approx.) | Length: 4.96m Width: 1.87m Height: 1.50m |
Length: 4.94m Width: 1.89m Height: 1.47m |
| Kerb Appeal | Dynamic and modern – stands out on both suburban streets and business car parks | Sophisticated yet subtle – blends well in upmarket neighbourhoods and the city centre alike |
On the outside, the BMW 5 Series Touring tends to catch more attention thanks to its assertive look, while the Audi A6 Avant offers a more refined and understated appearance that many British motorists appreciate for its classiness. In terms of size, both estates are nearly identical – long enough to offer real road presence but not so large as to feel cumbersome on tighter village roads or when squeezing into a typical UK parking space.
2. Performance and Driving Experience
When it comes to performance, the BMW 5 Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant both bring strong credentials to British roads, but their personalities are distinctly different. Let’s break down their powertrains, handling, and overall ride comfort in the context of everyday UK driving.
| BMW 5 Series Touring | Audi A6 Avant | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | Petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid (520i, 530e, 520d) | Petrol, diesel, mild hybrid (40 TFSI, 40 TDI, 50 TDI) |
| Power Output Range | 184–333 bhp | 204–340 bhp |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed S tronic or 8-speed tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive |
| 0–62 mph (best) | ~5.3 seconds (540i xDrive) | ~5.1 seconds (S6 Avant) |
Handling on British Roads
The BMW has long been praised for its rear-wheel-drive balance and sharp steering—traits that come into their own on winding B-roads and country lanes. The Touring feels agile yet composed, making it a joy when you fancy a spirited drive across the Peak District or Scottish Borders.
The Audi A6 Avant, on the other hand, leans towards effortless cruising. Its quattro all-wheel drive gives confidence in wet or slippery conditions—a big plus for those living in rain-prone parts of Britain. The steering is precise but less engaging than the BMW’s, prioritising comfort over outright feedback.
Ride Comfort & Everyday Practicality
If you regularly tackle city traffic or motorway commutes, both estates deliver impressive comfort. The BMW’s adaptive suspension smooths out potholes and speed bumps common in urban areas. The Audi’s air suspension option takes this further, gliding over rough tarmac with minimal fuss—a real asset on patchy UK roads.
The Verdict for British Drivers
If your daily routine involves lots of tight corners and rural driving, the BMW edges ahead with its sporty dynamics. If you value a softer ride and surefootedness whatever the weather, especially on longer journeys or through city congestion, the Audi makes a compelling case.
3. Practicality and Boot Space
When it comes to choosing the right estate for British roads, practicality often tops the list. Both the BMW 5 Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant are designed with daily life and UK weekend getaways in mind, but how do they really compare when it comes to boot size, rear-seat space, and overall user-friendliness?
Boot Capacity Comparison
| Model | Boot Space (Seats Up) | Boot Space (Seats Down) | Loading Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 5 Series Touring | 570 litres | 1,700 litres | Hands-free tailgate, split-folding seats |
| Audi A6 Avant | 565 litres | 1,680 litres | Powered tailgate, flexible cargo rails |
The BMW edges slightly ahead with a fractionally bigger boot, both with seats up and down – ideal for those family trips to Cornwall or hauling sports kit. Both estates offer wide boot openings and low load lips, making it easy to slide in suitcases or the weekly Tesco shop.
Rear-Seat Comfort for Passengers
If you regularly ferry mates or family around the UK, rear-seat space matters. The Audi A6 Avant provides a bit more legroom and headroom compared to the BMW, which can make a difference on longer journeys up the M1 or for taller passengers. Both come with rear air vents and USB charging points as standard, so everyone’s devices stay topped up on road trips.
User-Friendliness for Daily Life
Day-to-day usability is where these estates really shine. The BMW features clever underfloor storage and an independently opening rear window – handy for grabbing your umbrella during those classic British showers without opening the whole tailgate. The Audi’s flat floor in the rear makes fitting three across more comfortable and its adjustable cargo rails are perfect for securing everything from pushchairs to garden centre hauls.
The Verdict: Everyday Estate Use Across the UK
Both cars nail practicality for British drivers, but if you need every last inch of boot space and love smart storage solutions, the BMW 5 Series Touring has a slight edge. If passenger comfort is your priority and you value flexible cargo features, the Audi A6 Avant is a strong contender. Either way, both estates are well-suited for everything from daily commutes to spontaneous adventures in the Lake District.
4. Running Costs and Efficiency
When choosing between the BMW 5 Series Touring and the Audi A6 Avant for British roads, running costs are a big factor for most UK drivers. Let’s break down how these two estates compare in terms of fuel economy, insurance, road tax, and servicing costs to help you make a practical decision.
Fuel Economy
| Model | Petrol (mpg) | Diesel (mpg) | PHEV (mpg, combined) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 5 Series Touring | ~36-40 | ~50-57 | Up to 188* |
| Audi A6 Avant | ~35-39 | ~49-56 | Up to 201* |
*Plug-in hybrid mpg figures are theoretical and depend on charging habits.
Insurance Groups
The BMW 5 Series Touring typically sits in insurance groups 30-43, depending on trim and engine size. The Audi A6 Avant is similar, usually in groups 31-44. Expect higher premiums for sporty models or plug-in hybrids.
Road Tax (VED)
| Model/Engine Type | First Year VED (2024 rates) | Standard Rate (Year 2+) |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 5 Series Touring Petrol/Diesel | £190-£585* | £190-£180* |
| Audi A6 Avant Petrol/Diesel | £190-£600* | £190-£180* |
| PHEV Versions (Both Brands) | £0-£10* | £170* |
*Depends on CO2 emissions; PHEVs benefit from lower rates but may incur extra if list price exceeds £40,000 due to the ‘luxury car’ supplement.
Servicing and Maintenance Costs
BMW 5 Series Touring:
Annual service packages start around £500 per year for basic maintenance at BMW dealerships. Independent garages can be cheaper, but main dealer history helps with resale.
Audi A6 Avant:
Audi offers fixed-price servicing plans from about £550 per year for similar cover. Again, independent specialists might save you a bit, but main dealer stamps are valuable come trade-in time.
Summary Table: Running Cost Comparison (Typical Annual Spend)
| BMW 5 Series Touring | Audi A6 Avant | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (12k miles/year) | £1,650-£2,100* | £1,680-£2,150* |
| Insurance Premium** | £700-£1,100 | £720-£1,150 |
| Road Tax (VED) | £190-£585+ | £190-£600+ |
| Servicing & Maintenance*** | £500-£650+ | £550-£700+ |
*Based on average UK fuel prices and real-world economy
**Varies by driver profile and postcode
***Main dealer pricing; independents may be cheaper
The bottom line? Both estates are well-matched on running costs in the UK. Plug-in hybrids offer savings if you regularly charge at home. However, higher-spec models and luxury car supplements can push up annual bills. It’s worth getting tailored insurance quotes and considering service plans before committing.
5. Tech, Features and Connectivity
When it comes to tech, features, and connectivity, both the BMW 5 Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant are well equipped for British drivers who value convenience, safety, and seamless integration with daily life. Here’s a breakdown of what UK buyers can expect as standard and optional kit—especially focusing on infotainment, driver assists, and connectivity.
Infotainment Systems
The BMW 5 Series Touring is fitted as standard with the latest BMW iDrive system (typically featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen), sat nav, DAB radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Over-the-air updates are supported. The Audi A6 Avant comes with its dual MMI touch response screens (10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower) and includes navigation, DAB, Bluetooth, wireless smartphone mirroring as standard.
Optional upgrades for both include premium sound systems—Harman Kardon in the BMW, Bang & Olufsen in the Audi—and head-up displays.
Infotainment Comparison Table
| Feature | BMW 5 Series Touring | Audi A6 Avant |
|---|---|---|
| Main Display | 12.3” Touchscreen | 10.1” Upper + 8.6” Lower Touchscreens |
| Sat Nav | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
| Premium Sound Upgrade | Harman Kardon (optional) | Bang & Olufsen (optional) |
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
British roads demand sharp safety systems—narrow lanes, unpredictable weather and busy motorways mean driver assistance isn’t just nice to have. Both estates come with front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and lane departure warning as standard.
The BMW offers the Driving Assistant package (with features like active cruise control and blind spot monitoring) as an option, while Audi’s Tour Pack adds adaptive cruise assist and traffic sign recognition.
Driver Assistance Feature Comparison
| Assistance Feature | BMW 5 Series Touring (UK spec) | Audi A6 Avant (UK spec) |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Active Cruise/Adaptive Cruise Assist | Optional (Driving Assistant Pro) | Optional (Tour Pack) |
| Lanes & Blind Spot Monitoring | Optional (Driving Assistant) | Optional (Tour Pack) |
| Pilot Parking/Remote Park Assist | Optional (Parking Assistant Plus) | Optional (Parking Assistance Pack) |
| 360° Camera System | Optional (Technology Pack) | Optional (Technology Pack) |
Connectivity for UK Drivers
BOTH models offer wireless charging pads, multiple USB-C ports front and rear, and Wi-Fi hotspots as options or in higher trims.BMW’s ConnectedDrive suite lets you send routes from your phone to your car before leaving home—a handy feature if you’re planning a staycation or need to dodge weekend congestion on the M25.Audi’s myAudi app offers remote vehicle status checks and lock/unlock functions.
The Verdict on Tech for British Life?
If you want straightforward tech that works out of the box—especially if you’re an Apple user—the BMW wins for simplicity. The Audi counters with more screen real estate and a slick interface that feels cutting edge but may take a moment to learn. For British buyers who value driver assists for urban commutes or motorway miles, both are well matched—but check which optional packs best suit your needs before ticking those boxes on the order form.
6. Which Estate is Best for British Roads?
When deciding between the BMW 5 Series Touring and the Audi A6 Avant, it’s crucial to consider what really matters for British drivers. From daily commutes in urban areas to weekends away exploring the countryside or heading off on a family staycation, both estates offer plenty—but each has its own strengths depending on your priorities.
| Feature | BMW 5 Series Touring | Audi A6 Avant |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort & Ride Quality | Exceptionally smooth, great for long motorway journeys and city speed bumps alike. | Slightly firmer, but still comfortable—especially shines on twisty B-roads. |
| Boot Space | 570 litres (expandable), ideal for family gear or DIY runs. | 565 litres (expandable), clever storage options suit active lifestyles. |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | Up to 57 mpg (diesel), keeps running costs down for commuters. | Up to 55 mpg (diesel), economical and reliable for mixed driving. |
| Technology & Infotainment | User-friendly iDrive system, standard sat nav and Apple CarPlay. | Sleek MMI Touch Response, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay as standard. |
| Handling on UK Roads | Balanced steering, excels in town and on dual carriageways. | Precise handling, feels agile on rural lanes and motorways alike. |
| Running Costs & Insurance | Slightly higher insurance groups; efficient engines help offset costs. | Generally similar insurance; mild hybrids available for extra savings. |
Summing Up: Which Should You Choose?
If your main concern is comfort and a plush ride—especially if you spend hours on the M25 or taking the kids to school—the BMW 5 Series Touring is tough to beat. It’s also a top pick for those who value a refined interior and straightforward tech. On the other hand, if you want something that feels lively around winding country roads or you’re after cutting-edge digital displays, the Audi A6 Avant stands out. Its slightly more compact feel suits urban parking while still offering loads of space for golf clubs or camping kit.
Our Recommendation:
- For commuters: Both estates are frugal on fuel, but the BMW edges it with slightly better real-world mpg and comfort for longer stints behind the wheel.
- For families or those who love a UK staycation: Either car swallows luggage with ease, but Audi’s flexible storage solutions might appeal if you’re always packing for adventures.
No matter which you choose, both the BMW 5 Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant are perfectly suited for life on British roads—blending performance, practicality, and just enough luxury to make every journey enjoyable.
