The new Audi A6 allroad quattro looks set to become the most desirable variant of Audi’s latest A6 Avant range. For the first time, the rugged estate adopts the muscular wide-body treatment previously reserved for RS models, giving Audi’s go-anywhere family wagon a far more purposeful stance. The additional 110 millimetres of width transform its visual presence.
The idea of giving Audi’s allroad models broader wheelarches is not entirely new. More than a decade ago, similar discussions took place during development of the previous-generation A4 allroad. At the time, however, Audi Sport — then operating as Quattro GmbH — was reluctant to increase body production complexity and dilute the exclusivity of its RS models. In recent years, attitudes have changed. With allroad derivatives proving highly profitable, Audi wanted to create greater separation between the standard Avant and its more adventurous sibling. The wider bodywork already being developed for the upcoming RS6 provided the perfect opportunity.
Customers are unlikely to complain. At 1.99 metres wide, the new A6 allroad has genuine road presence. Starting at €77,250, it sits noticeably broader and more assertive than the standard A6 Avant, with no risk of being mistaken for a conventional company car.
Beyond the widened bodywork, the familiar allroad ingredients remain. Protective underbody cladding, contrasting wheelarch extensions, wheels measuring up to 21 inches, adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering all feature. The air suspension offers up to 55 millimetres of ride-height adjustment, allowing the allroad to venture beyond tarmac when required while maintaining long-distance comfort on the motorway.
Inside, the cabin is shared with the rest of the new A6 range. The triple-screen dashboard layout and head-up display remain unchanged, while the seats are among the best in the segment, offering extensive adjustment and optional ventilation. Front and rear passenger space is excellent.
One area where the allroad disappoints slightly is practicality. Despite its substantial dimensions, boot capacity ranges from 404 to 1,497 litres, figures that are merely average for a large executive estate. Those requiring additional carrying capacity will likely turn to the roof rails or the optional tow hitch instead. Towing capacity reaches 2,500 kilograms for the diesel model and 2,000 kilograms for the plug-in hybrid.
Engine choice is initially limited. At launch, buyers can choose between a six-cylinder diesel and a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid.
The diesel remains the more characterful option. Its 3.0-litre V6 produces 299 PS and 580 Nm of torque, supported by an electrically powered compressor and a 24 PS mild-hybrid system. The result should be effortless long-distance performance combined with impressive towing capability.
Alternatively, the plug-in hybrid combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 252 PS with a 105 kW electric motor. Total system output stands at 367 PS and 500 Nm. A 25.9 kWh battery located beneath the load floor enables an electric-only range of up to 95 kilometres, while recharging via an 11 kW AC charger takes around two and a half hours.
Despite their differing drivetrains, both versions deliver identical headline performance. Each accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and reaches a limited top speed of 250 km/h.
It seems highly likely Audi will eventually expand the range with a more emotional six-cylinder petrol variant. Until then, the V6 diesel looks set to remain the enthusiast’s choice.
The biggest success, however, may simply be the styling. The wider track and RS-inspired bodywork finally give the allroad the visual distinction many buyers have long wanted. It remains every bit the practical all-weather estate, but now it looks every inch the flagship lifestyle model Audi always intended it to be.
