Limitless possibilites

Long before the advent of SUVs, there was the Audi allroad quattro. Based on the A6 Avant of the time, it made its first appearance at the Detroit Motor Show in the late 1990s, showcasing an elegant wagon design but with capabilities that allowed it to tackle more adventurous terrain than the traditional Audi A6 Avant. It was effectively the original crossover vehicle, with height-adjustable suspension and a more rugged look that included under-vehicle protection against gravel and debris when it ventured off the blacktop.

Of course it featured Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive, but was not a 4WD in the traditional sense, but then it was not designed to tackle gnarled 4WD tracks, but rather offer a level of versatility previously not available in a premium vehicle.

The Audi allroad quattro was a hit, particularly in markets like Australia where even some of our allegedly ‘sealed’ roads leave a lot to be desired and the presence of gravel and dirt surfaces play a significant role in the lives of many Audi customers. Yet for all its versatility and off-road ability, the Audi allroad remained an elegant, luxury vehicle, with all of the creature comforts, drivability and safety you would expect from Audi.

It was initially available with both TFSI and TDI drivetrains and was later joined by A4-based versions that met with equally success.

Now, the new A6 allroad – the fifth iteration – continues in the same vein, but introduces new technology and improvements throughout that keep the allroad fresh and at the cutting-edge – what many believe to be the perfect incarnation of the all round lifestyle vehicle.

The new model is bigger than ever before, measuring in at 5016mm long, 1986 wide (excluding the wing mirrors) and ranging from 1479mm to 1508mm tall. For the first time, the body has been significantly widened by 111mm over the A6 Avant on which it is based and 84mm wider than the previous model. That also means a wider track this time around – 74mm wider than the A6 Avant and 54mm up on the previous incarnation which not only adds to the vehicle’s ‘footprint’ but also its road presence, as does the fact that it sits 34mm higher than a standard A6 Avant.

Wheel sizes range from 19-inches up to optional 21-inch models (as well as sporting greater width), while the presence of trim around the wheel arches as well as underbody protection and the allroad-specific panels are all finished in black as standard (partly matte and partly gloss) which also serves to differentiate the model. The contrasting finish to the allroad elements that were are major feature of the original models is also still available as an option – with inserts in the radiator grille featuring matte silver chrome accents, as well as the underbody protection, along with the roof rails and window trims finished in aluminium and the exhaust trims chrome-plated.

More elegant than ever before but with an unmistakable sense of purpose, it will be available in seven metallic paint finishes – Plateau grey, Florett silver, Madeira brown, Midnight green, Firmament blue, Mythos black and Glacier white as well as non-metallic Arkona white.

Then there is the lighting, with optional Matrix LED headlights with micro-LED technology and digital OLED rear lights 2.0 with digital daytime running lights, comprising 48 LED segments per headlight. Out on the highways, the headlights equipped with micro-LED modules project the lane and orientation light onto the road and there are up to eight selectable daytime light signatures, most of which include active elements as well as the likes of communication light features including proximity detection.

Under its svelte exterior, the A6 allroad boasts an impressive array of leading-edge technology that gives it impeccable road manners and impressive performance to tackle pretty much anything the modern lifestyle can throw at it. From the allroad-specific adaptive air suspension which offers 55mm of adjustment range, to progressive steering as standard and the choice of the aforementioned larger and wider wheel/tyre combinations, the allroad is set up to take everything in its stride.

The suspension sees the A6 allroad sitting 34mm higher than a standard A6 when it’s in ‘balanced’, ‘comfort’ and ‘efficiency’ modes (selected through the Audi drive select), but then raising a further 15mm when the ‘offroad’ or ‘offroad+’ models are selected for more adventurous conditions. As required, the electronic differential lock also intervenes more intensely in these modes. The traction control system allows for more slip to provide better traction in these more challenging, loose surfaces and targeted braking intervention is designed to prevent individual wheels from spinning, with torque directed to the wheels with better traction.

When speeds increases above 85km/h in the off-road modes, the suspension returns to its normal height. For even greater height increase, there is also a ‘lift’ mode which raises the body 20mm above its standard height for maximum clearance at speeds of up to 35km/h.

Conversely, the ‘dynamic’ mode or at speeds of 120km/h or higher sees the suspension lower 20mm below standard height for reduced drag and maximum efficiency at speed. This works perfectly in tandem with the standard progressive steering and the all-wheel steering which is standard on the plug-in hybrid model and available as an option on the TDI variant.

Which brings us neatly to the power plants in the latest A6 allroad, introducing a plug-in hybrid for the first time as well as a V6 TDI with MHEV plus. The A6 allroad e-hybrid combines a 2.0 TFSI engine delivering 185kW and an electric motor with up to 105kW for a combined output of of 270kW and 500Nm of torque. That’s enough to deliver a 0 to 100km/h time of 5.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 250km/h, but also offers the flexibility of up to 95km of all-electric driving (WLTP figure). Its 25.9 kWh battery (20.7 kWh nett) charges at 11kW and takes around two and a half hours for a full charge. In addition, the vehicle recovers energy automatically based on route data stored in the navigation system, but can also recover energy automatically without active route guidance, with the degree of thrust recuperation adjusted via paddles on the steering wheel.

The 3.0-litre V6 TDI produces 220kW of power and 580Nm of torque with its MHEV plus technology, able to deliver up to 18kW of additional power and up to 25kW of power from regenerative braking. It hits 100km/h from standstill in 5.4 seconds while delivering superb fuel economy.

Of course with power going down to the road surface through all four wheels thanks to quattro drive, the combination of drivetrains, adaptive suspension and steering make for a compelling combination, whether the allroad be city bound, out on the highway or traversing gravel back roads.

Inside the driver and other occupants are ensconced in trademark Audi comfort, with an interior that is elegant yet functional. The MMI panoramic display with a curved design and OLED technology form the focal point up front with its 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and 14.5-inch MMI touch display, while there is the option of adding a 10.9-inch MMI passenger display. As well as sports seats, the allroad is available with individual contoured seats featuring ventilation and a massage function. Then there are the likes of the dimmable panoramic glass roof, optional four-zone climate control and the air quality package with fine-dust sensor, while functions like the ‘experience worlds’ modulate the interior lighting, sound, massage functions, and climate control settings to create an invigorating, relaxing, or well-balanced atmosphere.

The new allroad also features improved sound insulation, more tightly sealed windows and optimised door seals to provide an even quieter cabin and protect against dust ingress when out on unsealed roads. There is also the option of acoustic glazing, which includes not only the front but also the rear side windows. This all goes towards an even quieter cabin while further improving additions like the optional Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D audio. This also includes speakers in the front headrests, while the likes of the Audi assistant – the self-learning voice assistant – make for a multi-layered onboard experience.

All this in an interior that provides outstanding comfort for passengers as well as ample storage for luggage and equipment, with 466 to 1497 litres – or 404 to 1423 litres in the e-hybrid and TDI respectively. This is accessed with the standard electric tailgate or with a foot gesture for those times when your arms are full. Even in the cargo section the presence of an adjustable rail system allows for tailored packing and the 40:20:40 rear split seat allows myriad storage options.

Further enhancing its versatility, there is also a roof pod available from Audi Genuine Accessories designed to work with the all road’s roof racks for additional storage and depending on the engine option selected, the A6 allroad is able to tow up to 2000kg and 2500kg in the e-hybrid and V6 TDI respectively.

So once again, the newest Audi allroad serves up an elegant vehicle but one with a distinctive edge to its design. One that differentiates itself from the A6 Avant as well as all other wagon offerings from other brands, but without the need for over-the-top design elements. It offers impressive performance and silky smooth ride and handling around town and on the open road, combined with genuine ability when the road ends. It rides higher than a standard Avant but not as high as a standard SUV. It also now offers the choice of plug-in hybrid drive and all that that entails, or TDI power, giving customers that choice to best suit their lifestyle, while also serving up the very latest in connectivity and technology. It may be true that no vehicle can be all things to all people, but the A6 allroad certainly comes close in the minds of many.

Exact specification and local pricing for the new Audi A6 allroad will be announced ahead of its Australian introduction.