The 2023 Audi A6 allroad is not inexpensive, but owners will not tire of driving or owning this savvy wagon
The 2023 Audi A6 allroad quattro is sold in trim levels of Premium Plus and Prestige, with starting prices of $70,000 and $75,000. (Mark Maynard photos)
Table of Contents
What Makes an allroad?
2023 allroad Pricing
Safety Awards
Driving the A6 allroad
4-Wheel Air Suspension
Interior Function
Back Seats and Cargo
Why Buy the 2023 Audi A6 quattro allroad?
Specifications
BY MARK MAYNARD
The Audi A6 allroad is an elegant continental cruiser with adventurous intent. But this all-wheel-drive wagon has largely been avoided by American motorists with lingering disdain for the “W” word.
Such anti-wagon sentiment is unfortunate because the A6 allroad is about as much a traditional wagon as an SUV is about Sport and Utility.
A new A6 allroad is not inexpensive, starting at around $70,000 and upwards of $80,000 with options. But those buyers get a vehicle they will never tire of driving or owning.
Unfortunately — or fortunately for some savvy buyers — Audi is transitioning to electric powertrains for all new models by 2026. However, a spokesman said Audi expects to continue selling combustion-engine cars until 2033.
“There are no plans to eliminate the allroad at this time,” he wrote in an email. Indeed, there is also the smaller Audi A4 allroad ($46,000), and it is scheduled for a redesign next year.
Details for a redesigned gasoline-powered A6 sedan are scarce. But there are industry reports of a battery-electric Audi A6 e-tron expected sometime in 2024. And there are online computer-generated images of a stunning A6 Avant e-tron concept wagon — which, with a subtle raised suspension, could be a new A6 allroad e-tron.
Audi’s ‘virtual cockpit’ — the gauge array — is a 12.3-inch color display.
What Makes an A6 allroad?
Audi uses “avant” to define its wagons. The “allroad” exploits the wagon with a reinforced off-road-capable appearance. Off-roading is relative to how the allroad is used. Its allroad-ing badge is about all-around toughness for the urban landscape or powering through the extremes of weather, with correct winter tires.
Among the allroad’s physical features are larger diameter tires than the A6 sedan. Bumpers and fender flares have a tough-wearing, matte finish. The roof, too, is coated in the matte finish, with four longitudinal ribs for increased strength. The bumpers also have integrated aluminum skid plates. Redesigned headlights, larger side mirrors, and a lack of door “rub strips” are unique to the allroad.
The A6 allroad has just two wagon-style competitors in the Mercedes-Benz E-class All-Terrain and the Volvo V90 Cross Country.
Welcome lighting.
2020 A6 Redesign
In truth, not much has been enhanced on the Audi A6 allroad since its complete redesign in 2019 for 2020.
Among the changes: A specially tuned adaptive air suspension with controlled damping was added to boost ride height. At the suspension’s maximum height, the allroad sits 1.8 inches higher than the A6 sedan. The air suspension can also lower the ride eight to just 6 inches above road level. In the lowest position, the suspension also has stiffer spring and damping rates for performance handling.
Also unique to the allroad is a specific grille with chrome vertical slats and optional 20-inch wheels.
Additions to the A6 allroad Prestige for 2023 include an optional ($3,000) black Dinamica headliner (suedelike microfiber) for the Prestige model. And the Prestige package also adds Remote Park-Assist Plus, which uses an array of sensors to seek out an appropriate parking spot.
The top view camera system with Virtual 360 view.
2023 Audi A6 allroad Pricing
The 2023 Audi A6 allroad quattro is sold in two trim levels of Premium Plus and Prestige, today’s tester.
The Premium Plus starts at $68,995, including the $1,095 freight charge from Neckarsulm, Germany. Premium Plus standard equipment includes adaptive air suspension, Matrix-design LED headlights, parking system-plus (front and rear acoustic sensors), Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, and a top view camera system with Virtual 360 view.
Of the nine paint colors, eight are metallic and are a $595 option. Only Brilliant Black is a no-cost choice.
For buyers who don’t care for the SUV look of the contrasting fender overriders, have them painted body color. The full paint finish option (for select colors) is $1,000.
The Prestige model starts at $74,495 (including the freight charge) and builds on the Premium Plus equipment. The Prestige tester was $83,940, with these options:
Prestige package, $5,500, adds: Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, animation for headlights and taillights, HD matrix-design LED headlights, ambient LED interior multicolor package, dual-pane acoustic side glass, four-zone climate control, heated rear seats, manual side window sunshades, power lumbar front passenger seat, power soft-closing doors, and ventilated front seats.
Safety tech upgrades include Audi side assist with pre-sense rear, intersection assist, and traffic sign recognition.
Luxury package, $2,850, adds more leather (on the dash, armrests, and center console), massaging front seats, passenger seat memory, and Valcona and Milano leather upholstery.
Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System, $4,900.
Dew Silver metallic paint, $595.
Black Optic package, $1,100, adds 20-inch five-arm-turbine wheels with a platinum-gray finish; all-season tires, black roof rails, and Manhattan Gray contrast paint.
Check here for current pricing and offers.
Valcona and Milano leather upholstery.
Audi A6 allroad Safety Awards
The 2022 Audi A6, A6 allroad, A7, Audi Q5, Q5 Sportback, e-tron, and e-tron Sportback have been named the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2022 “TOP SAFETY PICK+” in the large luxury cars, midsize luxury SUVs and large SUVs categories.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the A6 allroad a top five-star rating overall. The A6 allroad got five stars each for rollover and side-impact protection (for front and rear occupants).
In a frontal crash, NHTSA gave five stars for driver protection and four stars for the front passenger.
Driver assistance sensors, including adaptive cruise control, and intersection turning assist.
A6 allroad Driver-Assist Systems
The A6 allroad Prestige has a complete set of driver-assist systems to allow hands-on-the-wheel semi-autonomous driving. Among its technologies are:
Adaptive Cruise Assist. The “hands-on” system helps the driver with acceleration and braking. Cruise assist maintains speed and following distance, with lane tracking, over a speed range of 0-95 mph and during traffic jam situations;
Audi pre-sense front. The system detects vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in the vehicle’s path at speeds of 20 to 52 mph. The system can initiate braking when a potential collision is detected;
Intersection assist. Monitors cross traffic when pulling through an intersection or crossing lanes. The slow-speed system can apply the brakes at speeds of up to 6.2 mph or with visual and audio warnings at speeds of up to 18.6 mph;
Turn assist. Helps prevent a collision with an oncoming vehicle when turning left by applying the brakes and steering the vehicle within its lane;
Traffic sign recognition (part of the Driver assistance package), displays speed limits in the Audi virtual cockpit;
Audi side assist. Blind-spot monitoring via LED indicators on the exterior side mirror housings at speeds above 9 mph;
Audi pre-sense rear. Monitors the following traffic and can close the windows and sunroof and tension the seat belts in the case of a rear-end collision;
Rear cross traffic assist (as part of Audi side assist). When reversing out of a perpendicular parking space, the system will alert the driver with a brake jolt in certain situations.
The 20-inch turbine wheels in the Black Optics package, $1,100.
Driving the A6 allroad
American motorists have done so much with so little for so long that it is rewarding to enjoy the power of a V-6. The only engine offered for the A6 allroad is the 335-horsepower, turbocharged and direct-injected 3.0-liter V-6. The reward pays off with the engine’s 369 foot-pounds of torque that powers up at a low 1,370 rpm. Audi cites 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.1 seconds.
Technically, the 3.0-liter V-6 is a “mild hybrid” with brake-energy recuperation and engine stop-start at idle.
The seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch hooks up without hesitation. While Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system predictively modifies power as the driver or driving conditions require — on-road or off and in snow or dirt.
Fuel economy ratings with the recommended premium are 21/28/23 mpg city, highway, and combined. In a week of driving, I worked up to 32 mpg in extended highway driving and averaged 15 to 19 mpg around town. And with a 19.3-gallon tank, the A6 allroad is road-trip ready.
The 335-hp turbocharged and direct-injected 3.0-liter V-6.
4-Wheel Air Suspension
Some air suspensions I have tested can be busy trying to steady the ride, particularly on heavier vehicles. Not so the A6 allroad’s system. This air ride has such refined calibrations that there is no noticeable catch-up as the system sensors react to rough patches. And there is no chin scraping at driveways and dips in the road.
The ride is rail-steady at 75 mph. The solid allroad chassis and thorough soundproofing, with dual-pane side glass, create a traffic-calmed cabin.
Four-wheel-disc braking is absolute in response and without grab. At the front are six-piston calipers for 14.7-inch rotors with a rear 13-inch rotor and single-piston caliper.
Tires and wheels in the Black Optic package are 20-inch Continental ProContact TX 245/45 tires with attractive five-arm-turbine design wheels in dark silver.
The design treatment is contemporary but subdued with precise assembly and panel fit.
A6 allroad Interior Function
Nothing says luxury like power door closers (in the Prestige package). And then the delicious aroma of Audi leathers goes to my head. The upholstery is a combination of Valcona and Milano cowhides. The leathers and the stitching have the appearance of being made to last, like that of a classic overstuffed club chair.
The midsize cabin provides generous space, without design trendiness. The interior treatment is contemporary but subdued, with honed precision to assembly and panel fit.
There is no big, sightline-blocking billboard infotainment screen. The upper 10.1-inch display controls the infotainment, and its placement in the face of the instrument panel catches no sun glare. The lower 8.6-inch display controls climate, comfort, and convenience functions; its large text is easy to read at a glance while driving.
Audi’s “virtual cockpit” — the gauge array — is a 12.3-inch color display. It has modes of Classic or Infotainment and can display the navigation map and route.
Front headroom with the panoramic sunroof is 38.3 inches, with clearance for 6-foot-plus adults.
Driver sightlines are unobstructed across the hood and over the shoulder. The instrument panel has trim lines with an open display of features.
But the cabin design is showing its age. There are limited areas for small-item storage. And there is no dedicated space to rest a phone, except a cup holder or in the armrest console with the wireless charging pad. Nor is there a physical switch to activate the steering-wheel heat. Drivers must activate the heating function by voice command or access it through the vehicle settings on the infotainment screen.
The tall transmission tunnel creates more a 2+2 cabin.
Back Seat and Cargo Space
Back seat space is reasonably comfortable, with 37.4 inches of legroom. However, the tall transmission tunnel takes up center-seat foot room, creating a functionally 2+2 space. The seats are well stuffed but with a butts-down, knees-up position for legroom. The seat cushion cheats on length for legroom, and there is no seatback recline.
Cargo capacity rivals two-row SUVs. Entry is 42 inches wide by 29 inches tall, with about 6 ½ feet in length when the 40/20/40 back seat is folded. Unique among SUVs or wagons is the track system with cleats.
Fully functioning back seat controls.
Audi A6 allroad Reliability and Recalls
Now in its fifth generation, the A6 allroad is enjoying its best four years for solid reliability, according to CarComplaints.com. The website editors made this notation about the A6 allroad: “For now, there are no complaints on file for the Audi A6 allroad for any [fifth-generation] model year. “It’s either not very popular … or it’s very, very good.”
At NHTSA.gov/recalls, the 2020-2022 Audi A6 allroad had nine recalls:
1. Control Module Shutdown Can Reduce Engine Power. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down. (The problem included all variants of the A6 and A7.) The remedy is for dealers to install a protective cover, free of charge.
2. Rear Axle May Be Misaligned. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) to add lock nuts. To address, dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires free of charge.
3. Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Incorrectly. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly. Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line and repair it as necessary, free of charge.
Other 2020-2023 A6 allroad complaints include an Inoperative Rearview Camera Display; Fuel Gauge May Display An Inaccurate Fuel Reading; and Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction.
Learn more about vehicle recalls at NHTSA.
Unique cargo tracks, and about 6 1/2 feet in length the back seat folded.
Shallow storage under the cargo floor. Below is a full-size temporary spare tire.
Why Buy the 2023 Audi A6 quattro allroad?
I like the 2023 Audi A6 allroad quattro, a lot. But I like it even more when saving $20,000.
I’ve never recommended buying a certified used vehicle when the new model is an “all-new” design and engineering. My preference is to get the latest “architecture,” from electronics to body rigidity. But the current-generation A6 allroad is different.
As the lifespan of the A6 allroad winds down, there is a strong incentive to consider a Certified Pre-Owned model. After all, few enhancements have been done since the allroad’s 2020 redesign, and I expect no more major improvements that will exceed what is now on dealership lots.
A quick scan online brought up a local Audi dealer’s 2020 A6 allroad Prestige (same trim as my tester) with just 4,235 miles for $64,300.
The same local Audi dealer also listed a 2021 A6 allroad 55 Prestige for $67,330, and among its options was the Executive package, $3,250.
And Cars.com listed a one-owner, no-accidents 2020 Audi A6 allroad 3.0T Premium Plus with 34,903 miles for $56,981.
Audi Certified Pre Owned
A CPO Audi is often a lease-return vehicle with no accidents and low mileage. It is then put through a 125+ point dealer inspection and sold with a limited warranty of 2 years or 50,000 miles.
If you can live without a few interior conveniences, there is long-term ownership appeal to a certified-used A6 allroad. Its maintenance does not have the liability of a big expensive hybrid battery that will need to be replaced sometime. It is, however, packed with electronics and sensors that can go haywire. Replacing the 48-volt engine-cranking battery will cost upwards of $1,700 at the dealership, but it also requires new calibrations to function with the other electronics. Ask if the battery is near replacement, and then, check that the recalls have been performed.
When the A6 allroad is maintained according to the owner’s manual, the owner will enjoy a fully functioning dream car. And there might be time and miles remaining on the factory warranty of 4 years or 50,000 miles. The bumper-to-bumper coverage includes the powertrain, with roadside assistance.
Quattro all-wheel drive predictively modifies power as the driver or driving conditions require.
2023 Audi A6 quattro allroad Specifications
Body style: midsize 5-seat, 5-door all-wheel-drive wagon
Engine: 335-hp, 24-valve, turbocharged and direct-injected 3.0-liter V-6 with Audi valvelift and variable timing; 369 lb.-ft. torque at 1,370 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch and quattro AWD
0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
Fuel economy: 21/28/23 mpg city/hwy/combined; premium fuel recommended.
BY THE NUMBERS
Fuel tank: 19.3 gallons
Cargo space: 30 cubic feet
Front head/leg room: 38.3/41.3 inches
Rear head/leg room: 39.5/37.4 inches
Length/wheelbase: 194.9 /115.2 inches
Curb weight: 4,486 pounds
Turning circle: 40 feet
Aerodynamic drag co-efficient: 0.31 cd
FEATURES
Standard allroad equipment includes: Smartkey entry and push-button ignition, Audi Virtual Cockpit-plus, adaptive air suspension, heated steering wheel, wood inlay trim, Matrix-design LED headlights, parking system plus (front and rear acoustic sensors), Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, and top view camera system with Virtual 360 view, dual-pane acoustic side glass, electric parking brake, heated front seats, 40/20/40 folding back seat;
Prestige-specific equipment: remote park assist-plus (not available in New York or Vermont), HD Matrix-design LED headlights, power soft-closing doors, head-up display, front passenger-seat lumbar, manual rear sunshades, ventilated front seats;
Prestige safety technologies include: adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, side assist with presence rear; intersection assist, and traffic-sign recognition,
Safety features include: 10 air bags, front and rear parking sensors with surround-view camera, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning and avoidance assistance.
PRICING
Base allroad Prestige price: $74,495, including $1,095 freight charge; price as tested $83,940
Options on test vehicle: Prestige package, $5,500; Luxury package, $2,850; Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System, $4,900; Dew Silver metallic paint, $595; Black Optic package, $1,100
Where assembled: Neckarsulm, Germany
Warranty: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper, including powertrain, with roadside assistance
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