Audi’s New A6 Allroad May Be The RS6 Preview Nobody Expected
Key Points
- The 2027 Audi A6 Allroad debuts wider and higher, with distinct body and SUV features.
- Two powertrains offered: 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel and plug-in hybrid with all-wheel steering.
- Updated cabin, added off-road displays, U.S. launch is uncertain due to weak sales.
The Allroad Lives On
About a month ago, government files for the new-generation Audi A6 Allroad had leaked, confirming that the jacked-up wagon will be getting a new generation. Now, that time has come, and the redesigned model has just made its world premiere.
It’s totally new, but the formula remains the same. However, there are a few surprising things about the 2027 Allroad, and it’s effectively a preview of the RS 6’s body. Confused? Let us explain.
Wider than Ever
Each generation of car gets bigger, and the A6 Allroad is no exception. But what’s surprising here is that the lifted version is even wider than the standard A6. According to Audi, the all-new Allroad is, get this, 4.3 inches wider than an A6 Avant and sedan. That’s thanks to the wider fender flares on this tall wagon, and one can say that its body might just be used for the upcoming RS 6.
Of course, there are the typical Allroad touches of extra body cladding. This model also gets a different set of wheel options, a honeycomb grille, and taller roof rails to give it more SUV-esque elements. The new A6 Allroad sits over half an inch higher off the ground than the outgoing model, and its rear axle is unique to this model.
The Chassis
The redesigned A6 Allroad comes standard with adaptive air suspension. It has been given a wider range of adjustability, with a 2.1-inch range from its lowest to highest setting in the usual driving modes. However, the Allroad-specific Off-Road modes can further raise the body by up to 0.8 inches.
The Progressive Steering system is another standard feature, and the front axle has different settings over the lower-riding A6 models. All-wheel steering is standard in select versions of the high-riding wagon and optional in others. Its traction control system has also been recalibrated for greater off-road capabilities.
Powertrain Options
For now, there are two powertrain options available. The first is the 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel mill, which is also present in the Euro-spec Q7 that debuted about a week ago. It’s good for 295 hp, and more importantly, 428 lb-ft of torque. Audi claims the 3.0 TDI can do 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.4 seconds, so it’s a rapid oil burner. Estimated fuel consumption is 36.8 to 40.6 mpg.
A first for the Allroad is the plug-in hybrid option that comes standard with all-wheel steering, by the way. This arrangement pairs a 2.0-liter TFSI engine with a single motor, delivering a combined system output of 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The battery has a usable capacity of 20.7 kWh with an electric-only range of up to 59 miles. Despite the horsepower advantage, the plug-in hybrid is a tenth slower to reach 62 mph, at 5.5 seconds. As for fuel efficiency, it’s estimated to get up to 90.5 mpg.
Other Highlights
The cabin of the A6 Allroad is pretty much the same as the regular A6, although we did notice a different horn pad for this one. The Allroad also benefits from the recent user interface update, which adds more physical controls on the steering wheel. As this is a wagon, it’s worth discussing cargo capacity. For the diesel, it’s 16.4 cu.-ft. to 52.8 cu.-ft., while its 14.2 cu.-ft. to 50.2 cu.-ft. in the plug-in hybrid. Do note that Europe (and the rest of the world) measures cargo capacity differently from the U.S, and these are conservative numbers.
Exclusive to this model is an off-road display in the infotainment system. It shows the vehicle’s pitch and angle on the screen, which should come in handy when tackling rough terrain.
The question now is if it will come to the U.S. Audi North America doesn’t break down A6 sales, but it’s safe to say that its crossovers are easily outselling the current Allroad. With that, the odds of it coming stateside are on the slim side, although it would be a neat addition to the U.S. lineup.
