2023 Audi A6 allroad Review: Who Needs An SUV?

While their numbers have diminished greatly, station wagons are not yet extinct in the USA. The few that remain mostly bear the insignia of premium automakers, like the Audi A6 allroad and its main competitors, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain and the Volvo V90 Cross Country. The Audi relies on a turbocharged V6 to send 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels, giving it excellent traction and a fair amount of sportiness. Its added ride height gives it a little more off-road ability than the average sedan or wagon, too. Add to this a sublimely comfortable suspension and an excellent safety rating, and it's easy to see why the A6 allroad continues to hold its own in this niche segment, even with such strong competition. But is all of this enough to convince buyers that wagons are still viable in today's world?

What's the Price of the 2023 Audi A6 allroad?

When you have cheap options like the Subaru Outback, the high price of the 2023 Audi A6 allroad can seem unappealing. The base-model Premium Plus starts things off at $67,900, while the Prestige asks for $73,400 to unlock all its advanced driver-assistance tech. The Audi A6 allroad's MSRP does not include a destination charge of $1,095.

Looking at competitors for the Audi A6 allroad, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain is probably the main one and it begins at $68,400 for the cheapest 2022 model.

2023 Audi A6 allroad Handling and Driving Impressions

Unlike SUVs, wagons are built upon sedan underpinnings. This means they handle far more nimbly than their truck-based competitors. With quick and accurate steering responses and a tighter turning circle, they can be surprisingly fun to drive. The excellent traction provided by the quattro AWD instills the driver with confidence, even without the higher driving position many have become accustomed to. However, it is ride comfort where the Audi truly excels.

The adaptive air suspension adjusts to varying road conditions, ensuring that even the biggest of bumps are easily smoothed over. On the other hand, the suspension can also raise the height of the wagon slightly to make it possible to hunker over uneven terrain when needed. Despite this, the A6 allroad is not a true off-roader. It feels much more like a luxury family hauler that can handle wet or slippery road conditions without faltering.

Verdict: Is the 2023 Audi A6 allroad A Good car?

Even though there aren't many wagons left to choose from, that doesn't mean you should settle for just anything. Luckily, that's not something you have to worry about when it comes to the 2023 Audi A6 allroad. This is easily one of the best wagons you can buy, with a refined and well-appointed cabin. It boasts decent performance from its turbocharged V6 and excellent handling. It has a very high safety rating and is supremely comfortable thanks to a superb adaptive air suspension.

However, the cabin is not as spacious as you'll find in an SUV, and the overall headroom is not spectacular. The standard advanced driver-assistance suite is also disappointing, lacking many systems you'd find included even in cheaper vehicles. The price of the A6 allroad is also another concern, compounded by mediocre fuel economy. However, these factors don't really dissuade luxury consumers, since price doesn't matter much to them, and the top-tier trim has everything you could ever need or want. At this point, the fact that it's fun to drive, safe, and comfortable add up to a package that we can confidently recommend.

What 2023 Audi A6 allroad Model Should I Buy?

The starting price of the new Audi A6 allroad wagon is quite high, but you get a lot of value for the money, with loads of standard comfort and safety features. Upgrading to the Prestige doesn't improve comfort at all, and the additional luxuries like soft-closing doors aren't really necessary. That being said, the head-up display is only available at this trim level, as is the remote park assist plus. These are both highly desirable features that many consumers will be willing to spend extra for. Still, you can save a few thousand bucks by opting for the Premium Plus and ticking the box for the Executive Package. With this option, the A6 allroad will cost $71,745 including destination.