Audi A6 Allroad 2020 Review

Model review

While large SUVs might be the choice for the majority of buyers looking for a big capable car these days, there’s another more niche segment worth considering – rugged estate cars. 

But it’s not a new sector, with the likes of Volvo, Subaru and Audi existing in this market for some time. And it’s the latter firm we’re interested in, which has its ‘Allroad’ line specifically made up to offer more capable 4x4-inspired versions of its existing cars. 

You can choose between the Audi A4 Allroad and the A6 Allroad we’re reviewing here, and they make for compelling alternatives to the firm’s standard A6 Avant, as well as its range of ‘Q’-badged SUVs.

Latest model

The A6 Allroad is now four generations in, and recently celebrated its 20th birthday – the original version debuting in 1999, well ahead of the rest of Audi’s SUVs. 

Based on the current A6, which arrived the previous year, the new Allroad benefits from Audi’s latest design traits – a larger and bolder front grille and more intricate LED lights, for instance. Allroad versions are also raised by 45mm compared to the standard car and gain revised styling kit and the chunky plastic cladding expected from a rugged-looking model. 

Mild-hybrid engine technology has also been introduced, along with further driver assistance kit and Audi’s latest twin-touchscreen media and climate system. 

Value for money

When it comes to value for money, it’s safe to say A6 Allroads don’t represent the best bang for your buck. With prices starting from £56,925, this Audi is not a cheap car. Even more ludicrous is the top-spec Vorsprung, which costs almost £75,000 before options. However, the standard kit is very generous – including 19-inch alloy wheels, an electric tailgate and Matrix LED headlights to name but a few features. 

It’s quite hard to draw comparisons to the standard A6 Avant, too, given the engine line-up and trim levels aren’t quite the same, but given the regular car is available from £43,000, the Allroad commands quite the premium.

However, limited demand for the Allroad means you can expect to see big savings on nearly-new versions. We spotted one-year-old examples for £40,000, which is a huge saving off list price.   

Looks and image

The rugged estate car market is quite a niche segment, and one that some buyers will love and others won’t be such a fan of. For many, the regular A6 Avant will fit the bill perfectly, but if you want something more capable off-road (or that just looks more rugged), and don’t want an SUV, a car like the Audi A6 Allroad is well worth considering. It retains the same classy styling found across the Audi range, and it’s a very handsome-looking car – arguably even more so than the A6 Avant.

The A6’s interior is also a brilliant place to be thanks to a high-tech feeling helped by two touchscreens and digital dials. The top screen is used as a traditional media system for functions like smartphone mirroring and satellite navigation, while the lower screen looks after climate control functions. It essentially complicates what a traditional rotary dial would do, and isn’t the easiest to use on the move, but certainly adds a modern feel to the interior. The quality throughout is also superb, with the highest grade materials being used to give it a really upmarket feel – perhaps as you would expect from a car costing nearly £60,000.

Behind the wheel, the A6 Allroad takes a refined and comfortable approach. Thanks to standard-fit adaptive air suspension, the ride is brilliant, while it feels very planted to drive, with minimal roll through the corners. The suspension can also be raised or lowered depending on the situation. And while the Allroad isn’t aimed at extreme off-roading, it’s ideal if you need to take up muddy tracks and country lanes every now and again. 

Space and practicality

Given the complex suspension system, the Allroad is slightly less practical than the standard A6 Avant. The boot takes a 21-litre hit, though still leaves an impressive 565 litres of room which should be more than enough for most situations. The Mercedes E-Class All Terrain’s boot is larger, though. Rear space is also generous, and adults should have no trouble getting comfortable in the back seats. 

Diesel models can also tow a 2,500kg braked trailer – meaning the A6 Allroad could be a very capable towing car, and is ideal if you want to hitch up a caravan. 

Engines

The Allroad comes with the more powerful engines from the A6 range, with two diesel units and one petrol available. 

The 45 TDI kicks off the range – using a 228bhp 3.0-litre diesel engine, which enables a 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds. This would be our pick of the range, but if you want more power, then take a look at the 50 TDI, which increases its power to 282bhp and cuts the 0-60mph time to 5.7 seconds. Both are capable of a 155mph top speed. 

If you’d prefer a petrol, the 55 TFSI sits at the top of the range as a 335bhp 3.0-litre, and can reach 60mph in just 5.3 seconds, which makes it feel really quite rapid.

All models come with a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox – one of the Allroad’s weakest links, due to its sluggish nature – as well as quattro all-wheel-drive. 

Running costs

Unsurprisingly for a big and heavy estate car, the A6 Allroad’s running costs won’t be cheap. Even the most efficient 45 TDI version will return a claimed 38.2mpg, while the petrol model manages just 33.2mpg. CO2 emissions for all models are close to 200g/km, too, which means you can expect a pricey first year road tax bill, along with steep company car tax bills. 

Things to look out for

Despite Audi’s premium reputation, the brand’s models have been a bit disappointing in recent years when it comes to reliability – not proving to be as dependable as you might expect. It’s largely due to all the technology fitted, which gives greater scope to go wrong. That said, if you choose the current-generation A6 Allroad, it’ll be covered under Audi’s warranty until at least 2022, but it’s worth investing in an aftermarket warranty once that expires. 

Rivals

It’s a rather niche segment for rugged estate cars, but the A6 Allroad has two very close competitors – the more spacious (and expensive) Mercedes E-Class All Terrain, and the cheaper Volvo V90 Cross Country, which is more expensive because of its smaller engines. If you’re not as fussed about the premium badging, a Subaru Outback or Volkswagen Passat Alltrack could be worth considering.

If a more conventional SUV appeals, the Audi Q7, BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE are worth considering. 

Depreciation

If you’re buying a new A6 Allroad, be careful of the steep initial depreciation that hits the model. It’s not uncommon for nearly-new models to be offered at £15,000 less than the original list price. For that reason, it’s worth looking for a pre-registered example that represents better value for money.