Here comes the fourth take on the Audi A6 allroad quattro, based - as it ever is - on the current generation A6 Avant. It comes with the usual enhanced bodywork - wheel-arch extensions, underbody protection, beefier side sills and some snazzy roof rails - and an interior that favours tasteful, dun colours. Motive power is provided by a 3.0-litre V6 TDI mild-hybrid (MHEV) mill in three strengths, all of which drive all four wheels through quattro and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Choose from 45 TDI (231hp, 500Nm, 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds, 48.7mpg and 152g/km CO2), 50 TDI (286hp, 620Nm, 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, same mpg and CO2 figures as the 45 TDI) or 55 TDI - this brute has the motor from the recently launched S6 TDI, so it packs 349hp and 700Nm, meaning 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds, 44.1mpg and CO2 as low as 168g/km. All the allroad models are limited to 155mph, by the way, and they ride around 45mm higher than an A6 Avant in their standard settings, rising higher or lower on their adaptive air suspension according to what road speed they're doing and which drive mode they're in. Practicality is also key to the A6 allroad, as it can tow up to 2,500kg of braked trailer and has the same 565/1,680-litre cargo capacity as the regular Audi wagons. The new allroad goes on sale from the end of this month.
Matt Robinson - 5 Jun 2019