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Audi A6 Allroad: First Drive Preview
Audi A6 Allroad: The Anti-SUV Turns 20
Words and Photos by Pietro Martelletti
Twenty years after its first inception back in 1999, the Audi A6 Allroad reaches its fourth generation. Audi has the Allroad models very close to its heart, a car that acquires off-road skills and obviously care about Allroad customers, supporters over the years of the very same concept. We are talking about those who do not want to “conform” to the world of SUVs, but still want to have a car capable of grinding motorway kilometers in relax and have the ability to travel stretches on dirt roads without any problem. The new model, compared to the previous generation, has a longer wheelbase, but the real updates lie in the adaptive air suspension system that comes as standard, which based on the selected driving mode allows you to change the overall ground clearance, from -10mm in Dynamic (-15mm if over 120kph) and +45mm in Offroad, which brings the car to 18.4cm, more than many SUVs and Crossovers. We also have the assistant for steep downhill roads, dynamic all-wheel steering and the “tilt angle display” that allows to see on the MMI display the angle of inclination of the car with acoustic signals in case of risky position.
We also have the 48V mild-hybrid system (MHEV) – already seen on other Audi models – which turns the car into a hybrid, also from a tax point of view. And then start&stop system and the opportunity to idle the engine in ideal deceleration conditions, promising reduced consumption of 0.4l per 100km. The engines unveiled at this point are 45, 50 and 55 TDI, all 3-liter Diesel V6, which in the 55 version delivers 349 hp and 700 Nm of torque thanks to an electric compressor that helps at low speeds. A petrol unit with 340 hp will come soon. The new Allroad starts at €67,550 for the 45TDI and reaches over €100,000 for a well-specced 55TDI.
Through fast bends the A6 Allroad behaves very well, immediately offering great confidence thanks to the suspension that absorbs every slightest road imperfection in an incredible way. On narrower corners the weight is perceived more and it is advisable to call into question the Dynamic driving mode. But it is on a dirt path that the Allroad finds bread for its teeth. Traction is excellent, even when you look for the limit and so you don’t have to stop and still crunch kilometers in maximum comfort. The goodness of the traction and stability controls can be appreciated when they are turned off as well, thus activating the Offroad mode, for a more extreme drive in which the lack of driving aids is necessary for the correct continuation on extremely challenging terrains.
The kilometers on dirt roads in the dense undergrowth of Slovenia are devoured by the A6 and finally we come back to the asphalt, where a simple switch of mode is enough for bring back the best comfort and sporty behaviors of the car. Here we appreciate the interiors and the care for the assemblies with combinations of high-quality materials, interesting contrasts and a modern design. The three screens are noticeable, but they are not very invasive as you drive, giving at the same time an excellent experience to the passengers, as well as the controls of the air conditioning, partially digital for the occupants in the back.
In a world of big SUVs, some prefer to be discreetly distinguish themselves. Whether for skiing, taking your horse or transporting your boat, the A6 Allroad will not disappoint you and will still amaze you with comfort and safety features always at hand, as it has been doing for twenty years now.
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