Stick with Audi A6 or move on...?

[monkeytennismum]

We currently have an Audi A6 Avant estate (which we've been very happy with), but it's 10yrs old so starting to get a few problems and DH wants to upgrade to something newer (but not brand new). We have 3 DCs and go away quite a bit so need something that can fit 3 car seats and a roomy boot. DH also has some other restrictions:

• will only consider German or Volvo makes - Japanese at a push
• not 4x4 or people carrier
• must be an automatic

Does anyone have any recommendations? Should we just go for a newer A6, or would a BMW, Mercedes or Volvo give us something extra? Would we be missing a trick by not considering the smaller 4x4s e.g. Volvo XC60 or Audi Q3?

Also, a question from the Mum!: as children get older and I need to join in the Brownies / swimming etc runs would I benefit from a 7-seater or do you not really use the extra seats that much?

Thanks in advance!

We had an A6 for a while and got fed up with its length. We changed to a Q5 and haven't looked back - we are getting a new Q5 this autumn. We also have 3 children (two of whom are full-sized men now) and travel a lot. We use a roof box for longer holidays.