Overview

The combination of an estate and a 4×4 is usually a compromise but it can be a happy one. For many that want off-road ability but not the stigma of a traditional 4×4 (such as the Land Rover Discovery) then the Audi A6 allroad could be high on the shopping list.

• READ: A6 Allroad vs Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain vs Volvo V90 Cross Country

SUVs, off-roaders, soft-roaders, 4x4s, Chelsea tractors – call them what you will – still have something of a reputation that can put some buyers off. Appearing unnecessarily large, imposing and unfriendly to the planet, the SUV prompts anger in some quarters but the 4×4 estate models usually pass under the anti-4×4 brigade’s radar. They look like any other estate after all: the extra ride-height and chunky bolt-on body parts are the only giveaway.

The Audi A6 allroad then, ticks a lot of boxes. Its four-wheel-drive technology makes it useful when negotiating rougher terrain and the added benefits provided by the large load bay are obvious. This is a capable load-lugger that’ll take you anywhere. Well, almost anywhere.

Performance

There are four engine options: a 3.0-litre petrol with 306bhp and 440Nm, a 3.0-litre diesel with 201bhp and 450Nm, a 3.0-litre diesel with 241bhp and 580Nm and a 3.0-litre twin turbocharged diesel delivering 309bhp and 650Nm. So what’s new about this, the third-generation Audi A6 allroad? Well, it comes with fancy new headlight clusters, it’s got four-level adaptive air suspension as standard and fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 20%. That’s thanks mostly to stop/start technology and a 70kg weight reduction compared to the previous model.