New A6 allroad quattro

Since its first introduction 20 years ago, the Audi A6 allroad quattro has delivered a unique combination of sophistication and versatility that have set it apart. Now, the fourth incarnation of the Audi A6 allroad quattro has been revealed, promising all of the incredible versatility of the previous models, but with new powerplants, technology and even more impressive equipment than ever before.

This is a model that has always enjoyed tremendous acceptance around the globe and found a particularly enthusiastic audience Down Under. Each subsequent generation of the A6 allroad quattro and later its smaller sibling, the A4 allroad quattro, have proved hugely popular in Australia, and this newest model promises to build on the successes of the those earlier models.

Its success comes as no real surprise. It’s Avant configuration and quattro permanent all-wheel drive gives it an obvious edge in this environment, and the luxury appointment and technology mean that owners need not forsake a single creature comfort or convenience in the name of practicality. Add to that a variable ride height for greater ground clearance, additional off-road assistance systems, underbody protection and a distinctive style and it’s not hard to see why the Audi A6 allroad quattro has been right at home in Australia from the very beginning.

The A6 allroad quattro sports its own distinct look. It’s more robust treatment, large wheel guards underbody protection and higher stance are immediately obvious, while the wide, low Singleframe with its vertical aluminium struts dominates its front end. The allroad-specific roof rails mounted on bars and the window slot trims, the underbody protection as well as the diffuser trim and the band between the rear lights are finished in a choice of black or aluminium look. The wheel arch trims are finished in contrasting scandium grey as standard or are optionally available in the body colour or in gloss black.

There are also two optional packages that take the distinctive look ever further, with an aluminium exterior package and a black styling package as well as no less than 11 colours to choose from, including the new allroad-specific colour gavial green, which pays homage to the first model from 1999. 

Sitting up to 45 millimetres higher than the standard A6 Avant, ground clearance can be tailored to suit terrain and speed as the driver sees fit. Indeed the adaptive air suspension with controlled damping comes standard in the Audi A6 allroad quattro and was tuned specifically to boost its off-road capabilities. At highway speeds above 120km/h, the ride height is lowered by 15 millimetres and if the A6 allroad quattro sets off in offroad mode (speeds up to 80km/h), the body is 30mm higher than the standard ride height. Travelling at very slow speeds below 35km/h, lift mode adds another 15mm, raising the ground clearance 45mm above the normal position. 

Add to this specially calibrated quattro permanent all-wheel drive to deal with a range of off-road scenarios as well as hill descent control and tilt angle assist – then throw in the ability to tow up to  2.5 tonnes – and the practicality across a range of applications become obvious.
The interior is available in three colours – black, pearl beige and okapi brown. The seats are upholstered as standard in black cloth and partial leather. Alternatively beige and brown tones as well as the stylish perforated Valcona leather are also available. Instead of the standard inlays in graphite grey fine paint finish, there are two wood variants and one in aluminium. 

Then there is the allroad line which offers even greater capacity to tailor to personal tastes, including  sport seats with upholstery made of an Alcantara/leather combination that combines two colours – petrol grey and black. Inlays and pedals made of aluminium, illuminated door sill trims with logo projection add further highlights. 

Optionally, the allroad line comes with many other interior decor variants – special colour combinations, contrasting stitching and piping as well as decorative trims made of fine grain birch wood and the specific aluminium strip with subtle green colour highlights, matching the exterior paint. 

As an alternative to the standard seats, which can be equipped with seat heating and ventilation, Audi also supplies sport seats. Top-of-the-line equipment comes in the shape of the electrically adjustable customised contour seats, which can be supplemented with a massage function. Optional equipment further boosts comfort, with the air quality package adding subtle fragrances to the interior, including an ionizer. There’s also an optional panoramic glass sunroof and contour ambient lighting package.

Although Australian specification has not been confirmed, in European markets, the new A6 allroad quattro will be offered with three V6 TDI engines.

The A6 allroad quattro 45 TDI with 170kW and 500Nm of torque, the A6 allroad quattro 50 TDI, the engine produces 210kW and delivers 620Nm of torque and the 3.0 TDI with 257kW of power and 700Nm  of torque. These deliver o to 100km/h times of 6.7, 5.9 and 5.2 seconds respectively, while still delivering 5.8-5.9 litres per 100km for the 170kW and 210kW models and 6.4-6.6 litres per 100km for the 257kW variant.

All three powerplants also boast Audi’s mild hybrid technology (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle), which can reduce fuel consumption in real driving conditions by up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres. 

Power is transferred through an eight-speed tiptronic with quattro permanent all-wheel as standard. A sport differential is available as an option which distributes the power variably between the rear wheels. 

The optional dynamic all-wheel steering combines agility and stability, reducing the turning circle at lower speeds and enhancing stability at higher speeds when travelling in a straight line or changing lanes. 

The Audi drive select system allows the driver to adjust the operation of the controlled functions and components in six modes (dynamic, automatic, comfort, efficiency, allroad and lift). Large 18-inch wheels are standard with 225/55 rubber, while 21-inch wheels, the largest optional wheels from the Audi Sport range are also available. 

The A6 allroad quattro features the same extensive infotainment range found in its A6 and A7 siblings with a digital operating system comprising a top large screen – measuring 10.1 inches – to control the infotainment and an 8.6-inch display below for climate control, comfort functions and the text input. There is natural-language voice control, Audi virtual cockpit and a multifunction steering wheel to control the various on-board systems. This is complemented by the likewise optional top-of-the-line infotainment control centre – the MMI navigation plus including LTE module and Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Audi connect online services are extensive as you would expect and the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System which delivers 3D sound to the rear is offered as an option. In addition, up to seven drivers can store around 400 functions in up to seven individual profiles. 

The driver assist systems are divided into two packages – the Tour assist package includes functions such as efficiency assist, adaptive cruise assist and emergency assist, while the City package features the intersection assist and the exit warning. The central driver assistance controller (zFAS), which continuously calculates a model of the vehicle environment, provides the data source for all these systems. 

Other standard equipment includes the electric tailgate and the automatically opening luggage compartment cover. A rail system, a tensioning strap, a net and two bag hooks also form part of the standard specification. The optional load-securing kit with telescopic bar and strap allows the luggage compartment to be divided up into individual sections. The trailer hitch features an electric release function. 

The all-new Audi A6 allroad quattro is expected to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2020. Further details on specific models, pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.