New Audi A6 Allroad, because there is still light beyond SUVs

Just over a year ago the eighth generation of the Audi A6 was presented, and it has gradually expanded its range, and now it is the turn of growth with the arrival of the new Audi A6 Allroad, its off-road variant. The Audi A6 Allroad thus welcomes its fourth generation, coinciding precisely with its 20th anniversary: a new generation that, despite changing its image, does not alter the distinctive features that have made this model so popular.

As with other brands that continue to offer “estate” versions of their saloons, the Allroad models from Audi still bring a breath of fresh air for those of us who don’t like SUVs, since they combine the characteristics of the latter with other advantages that, in my opinion, give them an edge over an SUV: better aerodynamics, lower fuel consumption, a lower centre of gravity and superior dynamic behaviour on winding roads.

Design and aesthetics with a distinctive character

Although the Audi A6 Allroad is based on the styling adopted for the new generation of the A6 saloon, the Allroad variant has distinctive elements that, in this new generation, aim to reinforce its off-road character. For example, at the front the Singleframe grille features vertical aluminium elements, as do the blade and the lower body protections; the specific roof bars, the window surrounds, the rear lower protection and the strip on the tailgate can be finished in aluminium or black; the distinctive wheel arches come as standard in Scandium Grey finish, although optionally they can be chosen in body colour or black; while the side skirts feature the Allroad logo.

All of this can be complemented with two optional styling packs that Audi offers, called Aluminium Pack and Black Styling Pack, in which certain body elements have an aluminium or black finish. In addition, Audi offers up to eleven body colours for the new A6 Allroad, including the new Gavial Green, created exclusively for the Allroad and inspired by the specific colour applied to the first Allroad of 1999.

The interior of the new Audi A6 Allroad comes standard with seats upholstered in fabric combined with synthetic leather, available in three colours: Black, Okapi Brown or Pearl Beige; to which grey graphite inserts are added. Optionally, the upholstery can be had in Beige and Brown tones and perforated Valcona leather, along with inserts that can be in wood or aluminium.

If you want a more refined touch, you can opt for the Allroad Line interior trim, which includes sports seats upholstered in Alcantara and leather in Petrol Grey and Black tones, aluminium inserts and pedals, plus illuminated door sills. Optionally, the Allroad Line styling can be complemented with a wide list of combinations.

Generous technology and interior space

Despite its off-road character, the Audi A6 Allroad is still a modified Audi A6 Avant, so its exterior dimensions remain unchanged, thus also maintaining its generous space and interior capacity, especially in the rear seats, as well as a large boot thanks to its 565 litres, which can be expanded to 1,680 if the rear seats, which fold as standard in a 40:20:40 split, are lowered. Continuing at the rear, the electric tailgate opening, an automatically retracting load cover tray, a rail system for securing loads, a tension strap, a net and two bag hooks are also included as standard. Optionally, you can also fit a telescopic bar and a strap to divide the boot in two, and if all this is not enough, you can install an electrically deploying towing hook.

In terms of safety and comfort, the Audi A6 Allroad divides all these systems into two packs: on the one hand the Tour pack, which includes functions such as efficiency assistant, adaptive cruise control and emergency assist; on the other hand is the City pack, which includes the turn assist and exit warning functions. Common to both is the central driver assistance controller, which is responsible for collecting the data for all the systems.

Three powerful TDI engines

From the moment of its

launch, the Audi A6 Allroad will be available with three diesel options based on the 3.0 TDI V6 engine, offered in three power levels. The “basic” option delivers 231 CV of power and 500 Nm of torque; the next option is the 50 TDI, which delivers 286 CV and 620 Nm of torque; while the most powerful option is the 55 TDI version, with 349 CV of power and 700 Nm of torque. All of them are linked to the eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox, which sends power to all four wheels as needed thanks to selective torque control on each wheel.

All three also benefit from Mild-Hybrid technology, already seen in other models from the brand, which has a main 48 V electrical system capable of reducing fuel consumption by 0.4 l/100 km. In addition, it can coast in a range of different speeds, and the Start/Stop system can switch on from 22 km/h.

In terms of dynamics, the Audi A6 Allroad stands out for equipping pneumatic suspension with damping control, as well as progressive steering as standard and dynamic steering, which stands out for allowing the rear wheels to turn up to five degrees at speeds below 60 km/h, while at higher speeds all the wheels turn in the same direction, enhancing the sense of stability.

The new Audi A6 Allroad is scheduled to go on sale later this month, with a starting price of around 69,980 euros.