Overview

The combination of an estate and a 4x4 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 4x4 (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 4x4 estate models usually pass under the anti-4x4 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.