Audi reveals new-generation A6 Allroad

AUDI has lifted the lid on the all-new fourth-generation A6 Allroad soft-roader wagon, marking the 20th anniversary of the Allroad’s premiere.

Set for a local debut in the first half of 2020, the all-new A6 Allroad joins its regular sedan and wagon counterparts that are still waiting to arrive in Australia following a reveal at the 2018 Geneva motor show.

Setting itself apart from the A6 Avant, the Allroad features an increased ride height of up to 45mm, increasing ground clearance to 139mm for venturing (slightly) off the beaten path.

Thanks to its adjustable air suspension, a 45mm increase is capable at speeds of up to 35km/h, while a 30mm increase is achieved in off-road mode at speeds of up to 80km/h. When travelling at 120km/h or more, ride height is lowered by 15mm.

In addition to the off-road driving mode, the A6 Allroad also features hill-descent control and a display that monitors longitudinal and transverse angles, and can issue a warning if the angle gets too steep.

All-wheel steering is also available as an option for up to five degrees of articulation for low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability.

The Allroad is distinguishable from the A6 Avant through a number of subtle exterior touches, such as the signature grey cladding around the side skirts and wheelarches, which can be optioned in body colour or gloss black.

Its singleframe grille features vertical aluminium slats, while the front bumper and underbody protection also feature an aluminium finish.

At the rear, the diffuser trim and band between the rear lights can be finished in black or aluminium, while Allroad-specific roof rails also feature.

Eighteen-inch rims are included as standard, while optional rims measure up to 21 inches.

Checking in at 4940mm long with a 2930mm wheelbase, the A6 Allroad features the same 565-litre cargo volume as the Avant, which increases to 1680L when folding flat the 40/20/40 split-fold rear seats.

Three colour schemes – black, pearl beige and okapi brown – are available for the interior, while a specific Allroad trim featuring grey and black leather/Alcantara fabric is also available.

The Allroad carries over the infotainment systems from the A6 and A7, including 10.1- and 8.6-inch touchscreens, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is available as an option.

Driver-assist systems are bundled into two packages – Tour and City – which bundle various technologies suited to open-road or urban driving.

The A6 Allroad makes use of a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 offered globally in three different states of tune – either 170kW/500Nm, 210kW/620Nm and 257kW/700Nm, with fuel consumption ranging from 5.8-6.6 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions from 152-172g/km.

All feature a mild-hybrid 48-volt electrical system which can cut up to 0.4L/100km of fuel use and can allow vehicle coasting for limited periods of time.

An eight-speed auto is used across the range, in tandem with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive with torque vectoring.

Australian pricing and specification will be revealed closer to the A6 Allroad’s arrival next year.