The 2020 Audi A6 Allroad has arrived, and with it, the hopes and dreams of those who have been waiting to sit inside this high-riding crossover are now within reach. The new A6 Allroad is part of the fifth-generation Audi A6 (C8) that Audi launched in 2018. That distinction earns the A6 Allroad its own laundry list of updates, not the least of which includes a new look, new features, and new tech options. Then there’s the hope of a U.S. return, something the A6 Allroad hasn’t had the opportunity to do in a long time. Audi hasn’t made a final decision yet, but there are discussions on whether the A6 Allroad has the chops to return and thrive in America. More details on that end should arrive closer to the model’s actual market launch sometime next month. The 2020 Audi A6 Allroad is here. Here’s to hoping we see more of it in the future beyond these press photos.
2019 Audi A6 Allroad
- Make: Array
- Model: 2019 Audi A6 Allroad
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Exterior
-* New Singleframe grille
-* Taller than the A6 Avant
-* Eleven color options, including OG color Gavial Green
-* A6 Allroad-exclusive roof rails
-* Higher ride height and ground clearance
There are a number of things you need to pay attention to when it comes to the Audi A6 Allroad is its size. It’s roughly the same size as the A6 Avant with a length of 4.95 meters (16 feet) and a width of 1.9 meters (6.2 feet). Both models also have the same wheelbase measurements, a by-product of sharing the same MLB platform that the entire A6 range uses. So why is that the A6 Allroad looks bigger? The answer, of course, is sitting right in front of us. The A6 Allroad is, effectively, a wagon on stilts. It stands 1.5 meters tall (4.9 feet) compared to the 1.46-meter (4.8 feet) A6 Avant. It’s an inch taller, sure, but there’s more to it than that. The A6 Allroad has a higher ride height and ground clearance than a wagon, but it’s not packaged as a full-blown crossover or SUV. It doesn’t fall under one specific category of vehicle, which is why it’s often described as the offspring of a wagon-crossover/SUV union. The A6 Allroad Quattro is in a class of its own, making it one of the most unique vehicles in Audi’s full model lineup.
The new A6 Allroad is a looker, though, I must say, the previous model carried a little more grace in its design. The new A6 Allroad looks rough in a grouchy kind of way. The headlamps are carried over from the previous model, but there is a noticeable difference in the front grille design that completely changes the profile of the front section. Whereas the old model featured a series of thin vertical struts lined up close to one another, the new grille has them further apart, not to mention that there are only six bars left. There are black horizontal panels inside the grille that makes the whole setup look cluttered, but the Lamborghini-like intakes on opposite ends of the fascia distract you away from that sight. The intakes are bigger, but they’re still largely closed off except for a thin slit that serves as the entrance for air to go in the engine compartment. The blade and underbody protection is less distinctive than the one in the last model. At least this one comes with a nice aluminum-look finish. Most of what you’ll read about the new 2019 Audi A6 Allroad will tell you about the dramatic improvements in its design. I don’t see it, at least not in the front section.
The A6 Allroad’s side section is a different story. From this angle, the A6 Allroad looks impressive. You can see how high the ground clearance is compared to the A6 Avant. That and the sloping roofline enhances the Allroad’s sporty character. There are also a few interesting design pieces worth noting, including the wheel arch trims that are finished in a contrasting Scandium Gray color. This is the default setup, but you can switch it up in Gloss Black or the model’s own body color if these options suit you better. Roof rails are also available on the A6 Allroad. It’s the only version of the A6 where this comes standard. At least Audi’s sticking the model’s identity and overall purpose.
Other than the taillamps, the interior doesn’t carry any significant changes. The big change is the composition of the taillamps, specifically the addition of what looks like individual LED pearls lined up in the bottom half of the taillight cluster. The same underbody cladding is present below the rear bumper and the rear diffuser. I can’t say if the new A6 Allroad’s rear section looks cleaner than the previous model. I suppose the important thing is that it doesn’t deviate from the aesthetics that Aud’s going for.
Overall, the 2019 Audi A6 Allroad looks like how it’s supposed to look. I’m not a fan of the front section, but I am a little warmer on the overall look of the model. If you’re looking for extra layers of discernment, Audi is offering a pair of optional packages, including an aluminum exterior package and a black styling package that offers exactly what their names imply: aluminum and black trim accents, respectively. Color choices abound, too, should you need more options in that department. The new A6 Allroad is available in 11 different colors, including Gavial Green, an exclusive finish to the model that harkens back to one of the colors Audi offered in the first A6 Allroad 20 years ago.
Move to other sections of the car, and you’ll notice more similarities with its sibling. The raised roofline and the steeply raked screen are practically lifted from the A6 Avant. Even the model’s taillights and trunk lid look like they were carried over to the A6 Allroad.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see these design elements pop up once all that camouflage is taken out of the car. Rest assured, the A6 Allroad looks like it’s ready to get down to business.
Interior
-* Dual digital display
-* Audible and tactile feedback
-* 20 cubic feet of cargo room (seats up); 54 cubic feet of cargo room (rear seats flat)
-* Lots of leather, Alcantara, carbon fiber, aluminum, and wood trims
-* Three interior color choices: Black, Pearl Beige, and Okapi Brown
As expected, the 2019 Audi A6 Allroad’s interior comes with wholesale changes that adopt what other versions of the A6 have already received. The most prominent change is the dual digital display setup that has filtered across the entire A6 lineup. They’re hard to miss — they’re located on the center console — and, at least based on our experience with other Audis that carry the setup, complicated to use. The setup looks great; it gives the A6 Allroad cabin a premium feel and, more importantly, it removes a lot of the clutter in the center console. But the touchscreen nature of the displays means that they become tricky to use, especially if you’re the driver. It’s hard to tell if you’ve successfully navigated through the myriad of features these panels carry or if you’ve managed to push a button without looking at them. The technology does provide audible and tactile feedback, but anybody who’s ever had experience with any of these new AI personal assistants will attest that not all of your commands are followed, especially if it doesn't understand what you’re saying.
This isn’t a full-blown criticism of the Audi A6 Allroad’s interior because other than the unexpected operational challenges created by these digital screens, the A6 Allroad’s cabin is top-class in every way. The lower end of the dashboard is a new design that was introduced in the new A6. It’s far from a traditional look, and, in precisely that way, it gives the interior a nice modern touch.
Likewise, Audi’s not short-changing you on the quality of the materials that are available on the A6 Allroad. The interior, specifically, is available in three colors: Black, Pearl Beige, and Okapi Brown. You can choose a specific color — I like Pearl Beige, but if it’s difficult to clean, give me Okapi Brown — and mix-and-match it with the available upholstery options that come in black cloth and partial leather. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can opt for some stylish options, including a beige and brown tone, as well as perforated Valcona leather grade. A Graphite Gray paint finish comes standard on the inlays, though you can also avail of a pair of wood trim options or one in aluminum. The available options are a good reminder of the A6 Allroad’s potential for personalization. Oh, and it doesn’t end with just the colors and trim.
Specific to the A6 Allroad is a seemingly endless options list that you can choose from to drown yourselves in the full Audi experience. If you can’t sport seats with upholstery wrapped in Alcantara and leather, Audi can make that happen. Aluminum inlays and pedals, as well as illuminated door sill trims with logo projection? You bet. Audi can add those, too. Contrast stitching and piping are also available and since we’re pretty much giving out the whole spiel, might as well include the decorative trims made of fine grain birch wood and the like. When it comes to options, Audi spared no expense on the 2019 A6 Allroad, providing you the option of spending of all yours on it.
Now, let’s talk about cargo space. The Audi A6 Allroad offers as much as 20 cubic feet of cargo space when all seats are in their full and upright positions. Fold the 40:20:40 split-folded rear seats and that space opens up to 59.3 cubic feet. Those are solid figures that compare favorably to rivals like the Volvo V90 Cross Country, which offers 19.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 54 cubic feet of space when the 60/40 split rear seats are folded. The Subaru Outback, on the other hand, trumps both models handily with it 35.5-cubic feet of cargo space with the seats upright and a cavernous 73.3 cubic feet of space with the seats folded. Of course, Audi’s not just thrown out the A6 Allroad’s cargo storage area with mixing in a few standard goodies into the pot. A rail system, tensioning strap, a net, and a pair of bag hooks all come standard in this model. The tailgate is also electric while the luggage compartment can also open by itself. You can even add a few options in this department, including a load-securing kit with a telescopic bar and strap that allows the luggage compartment to be divided up into individual sections.
Say what you will about the 2019 Audi A6 Allroad’s perceived shortcomings, of which there aren’t many. It’s hard to deny that Audi did its homework in developing this model, especially when it comes to the interior.
Drivetrain
-* 3.0-liter V-6 TDI engine
-* 228 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque (entry-level)
-* 282 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque (mid-tier)
-* 349 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque (range-topper)
-* Mild-hybrid system
-* Eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission
-* Quattro all-wheel-drive system
-* Standard-issue adaptive air suspension system
The Audi A6 Allroad is powered by a 3.0-liter TDI V-6 engine. That’s it. There’s just one engine. Fortunately, the TDI comes in three different states of tune, providing enough choices for those who are interested in buying the model. The base version produces 228 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The mid-tier Quattro 50 TDI, on the other hand, produces 282 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of twist. Then there’s the range-topping Quattro 55 TDI, which packs a stout 349 horsepower and an incredible 516 pound-feet of torque. The latter is right around the amount of torque you’d expect from supercars, not a wagon with a raised ride height. It’s worth noting, too, that all versions of the A6 Allroad come with mild-hybrid technology. Impressive stuff from Audi.
All three versions of the Audi A6 Allroad are equipped with the same eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. All four wheels receive power from the V-6 engine via the transmission courtesy of Audi’s fabled quattro all-wheel-drive system. There are different performance times for each version, corresponding to the amount of output the V-6 engine produces. In the case of top-flight Quattro 55 TDI, it can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. All versions come with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
As impressive as the numbers are, the A6 Allroad isn’t defined by its output. The numbers are pieces to an even bigger puzzle that also includes important chassis and suspension characteristics. This is where the A6 Allroad truly makes its bones. Not only does it sit 1.8 inches (45 mm) higher than the Audi A6 Avant, but that discrepancy contributes to the A6 Allroad’s 5.5-inch ground clearance. Now, these numbers may sound inconsequential to some, but to others, these numbers are the reason the A6 Allroad exists in the first place. The raised ground clearance helps the Allroad navigate rough and choppy roads in ways no other version of the A6 can do, including the Avant. Imagine, for a second, traveling in areas with protruding objects that can damage a car’s underbody. It’s a delicate predicament with other A6 models, but not with the A6 Allroad. The raised ground clearance helps it travel smoothly in places where other models would struggle. Then there’s the standard-issue adaptive air suspension system that Audi installed specifically for the A6 Allroad. As if a higher ride height isn’t enough, the adaptive air suspension can also lower the ride height during city driving, or, in extreme cases, raise it to create as much as 7.3 inches of ground clearance. That’s muscle flexing that only the Audi A6 Allroad can pull off.
In conjunction with it the A6 Allroad’s adjustable suspension capabilities, a host of tech features — ones you normally see on off-road vehicles — are also in place to drive home the A6 Allroad’s off-road chops. Hill descent control and tilt angle assist are more or less useless with any other version of the A6, but they’re absolutely critical with the A6 Allroad, especially in more difficult terrain. Likewise, speed control helps keep the vehicle’s speed below 20 mph in instances like downhill driving while independent four-wheel braking helps keep the high-riding wagon pointed in the right direction, particularly if you’re driving on slippery roads.
It’s hard to imagine a vehicle with these many capabilities, and yet, that’s exactly what the A6 Allroad is all about. It’s Audi’s chameleon, one that’s as capable of going to the supermarket as it is heading to the mountains.
Prices
Pricing for the 2019 Audi A6 Allroad starts at €61,500. That converts to around to just under $70,000 based on current exchange rates. That’s actually a fair price considering that earlier versions of the A6 Allroad all cost around the same figure as the incoming model. Now, we’re talking about pricing strictly on how much it will go for in the European market. The U.S. market is a different conversation entirely. See, Audi hasn’t offered the A6 Allroad in the U.S. since the C5-generation of the A6 was in the market. That generation retired in 2004. Since then, the Audi A6 Allroad has undergone two different generational transformations not counting the current C8 generation from which the 2019 A6 Allroad is a part of.
So why am I not counting this new model? Well, it seems that Audi’s still undecided on whether to bring the new A6 Allroad to America. The operative word there is “undecided,” which basically means that there’s a chance, slim as it may be, that the A6 Allroad returns to the Land of the Free. I don’t want to get anybody’s hopes up, but count me in on the list of people who are excited to see the A6 Allroad in the U.S., that is if Audi decides to put some legs into the comeback.
Even if it doesn’t happen, we’re not completely left out in the cold. The Audi A4 Allroad is available in the U.S. at a starting price of $45,700. It’s not exactly the A6 Allroad, but it'll do. For now, at least.
Competition
Volvo V90 Cross Country
The Volvo V90 Cross Country is arguably the most direct competitor of the Audi A6 Allroad. Released in 2016, it didn’t waste time establishing its own identity as a more rugged version of the V90 wagon. Among its many enduring qualities is the new design language that has made Volvo into a household name. More important than that, though, is the powertrain options that are available to the V90 Cross Country. There are a lot of engine options to choose from — four in total — including the base model T5 that comes with 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder that produces 254 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Next up is the T6, which throws a supercharger into the mix to help raise output to 320 ponies and 295 pound-feet of torque. Diesel versions are also offered on the V90 Cross Country, though I don’t suspect any of them to find their way to the U.S. market anytime soon.
Read our full review on the 2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country.
Subaru Outback
For the record, the Subaru Outback doesn’t belong in the same class as either the Volvo V90 Cross Country or the Audi A6 Allroad. But it’s here on this list because it’s a much cheaper alternative compared to its European counterparts, a fact you’ll see when you realize that the Subaru Outback actually tops at under $39,000 for the 3.6R Touring model. Its status shouldn’t be taken against it, either. The base unit of the Outback features a 3.6-liter flat-six engine while the bigger 3.6-liter flat-six helps push its power levels up a vicinity where it can legitimately compete against the likes of the A6 Allroad and the V90 Cross Country.
Read our full review on the 2018 Subaru Outback.
Conclusion
The Audi A6 Allroad has always struck as one of the most versatile models Audi has in its lineup. Judging by the early returns on the new 2019 model, it looks Audi has another winner in its hands. The 2019 Audi A6 Allroad probably won't win the auto industry's equivalent of a beauty pageant, but it really doesn't need to. This model isn't about its looks as much as it is about its purpose and all-around function. In those two categories, the 2019 A6 Allroad not only passes with flying cars, but it also stands head and shoulders above everybody else. This is quintessential Audi. It may not offer the prettiest of cars, but when it comes to everything else, it's one of the best to do it. The 2019 Audi A6 Allroad is the latest example of that.
Further reading
Read our full review on the 2019 Audi A6.
Read our full review on the 2019 Audi A6 Avant.
Read more Audi news.