AUDI S6 AVANT vs BMV i5 TOURING

Space, luxury and performance matter most in exec wagon battle

- 

AUDI has long been known for fast estate cars. Over various generations, the likes of the RS 4 and RS 6 have offered mind-bending performance with space for the whole family – plus the dog - to enjoy.

Now, Audi has dipped its toe into the waters of high-performance estates with an electric twist, thanks to the new S6 Avant e-tron. While there's no fully blown RS model (yet, at least), the on-paper specs of the S6 show promise for fast wagon fans. After a series of electric SUVs that haven't troubled the front runners in their respective classes, can Audi deliver something special when it's working with the bodystyle it does best?

BMW might have something to say about that. Of the big three German premium brands, it has been BMW that has most consistently delivered with its electric cars – especially at the pricier end of its range, where its EV line-up is almost universally excellent. The i5 is one such example, and in the M60 Touring, BMW has a direct answer to the S6 Avant ready and waiting to go.

In a segment where performance, refinement, luxury and space all matter, which car delivers the most?

ON THE ROAD