New rugged Audi A6 allroad quattro launched
The new Audi A6 allroad quattro is an off-road inspired version of the A6 Avant, with a raised ride-height and rugged design
The new Audi A6 allroad quattro has been launched. Based on the A6 Avant, the allroad offers a revised suspension set-up, off-road specific technology updates, new mild-hybrid powertrains and reworked styling with rugged exterior trim. It will reach the UK market in August, with prices starting from around £55,000.
Suspension updates over the standard Audi A6 include a raised ride-height and adaptive dampers, which can automatically vary the A6 allroad’s ground clearance depending on the car’s road speed and the prevailing road conditions. Buyers can also spec rear-wheel steering as an optional extra.
The A6 allroad gets a range of off-road specific technology updates over the standard estate, including hill-descent control, a revised ABS system and a tilt-angle assist system, which warns the driver if the vehicle is at risk of tipping over. The German brand has also recalibrated the allroad’s traction control system for improved off-road performance.
Like the rest of Audi’s off-road-inspired estates, the A6 allroad features black plastic wheel arch extensions, a redesigned front bumper, fresh side skirts, new roof rails and a bulkier rear bumper with a chunky diffuser. Other standard features include protective underbody panelling and a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels.
Buyers get the same level of equipment as the conventional A6 and A7, with a 10.1-inch infotainment system, digital climate and voice controls. Optional extras include larger 21-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass sunroof, a head-up display and Audi’s 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The new A6 allroad is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 mild-diesel-hybrid powertrain. It’s available in three power outputs, with the least potent model offering 228bhp and 500Nm of torque. Mid-range 50 TDI models produce 282bhp and 620Nm of torque, while the range-topping 55 TDI has 342bhp and 700Nm of torque.
Audi’s mild-hybrid system comprises a 48-volt belt-driven alternator starter and a lithium-ion battery pack, which Audi claims will offer emissions ratings of 156g/km of CO2 and economy figures of 47.9mpg on the 45 TDI and 50 TDI models. The range-topping 55 TDI variant offers respective figures 172g/km and 42.8mpg.
The A6’s MHEV system is also fitted with an energy recuperation system, capable of recovering up to 8kW of power under deceleration. The recovered energy can then be used to drive the A6 allroad on electric power alone, at speeds up to 14mph.
All three engine variants are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a revised version of Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, with an updated version of the brand’s configurable electronic chassis platform. An optional torque-vectoring differential can be specced for the rear axle, too.
Now read our long-term test of the standard Audi A6 Avant. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below...
