by Deiondre van der Merwe
It's hard to find a family-hauling wagon that's easy on the eyes, powerful, and kind to your fuel budget. The 2020 A6 allroad does just that, and wraps it in a truly stunning package. The wagon was only recently reintroduced to the US market, with the last one enjoying the title of Crowd Favorite in the early 2000s. With rivals including the Jaguar XF Sportbrake and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon, the A6 allroad definitely has its work cut out for it. We think it'll fare well thanks to a 335 horsepower V6 engine, an excellent attitude on the road, and an undeniably premium cabin.
The Audi A6 allroad returns once again as a 2020 model and Audi has added a 20th Anniversary Edition that pays homage to the very first A6 allroad that was sold in the United States in the early 2000s. The limited edition is coated in Gavial Green paint, reminiscent of the Highland Green that the allroad of yore came in. Valcona leather in a shade of Sarder Brown covers the seats of the special model, sealing off the walk down memory lane.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prestige 55 TFSI quattro |
3.0L Turbo V6 Gas
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$65,900 |
Premium Plus 55 TFSI quattro |
3.0L Turbo V6 Gas
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$65,900 |
The A6 allroad's off-road capability is commendable, thanks to the standard adjustable air suspension that has the ability to raise the wagon up by an extra 1.2 inches. The general handling of the Audi is a pleasure, though the allroad isn't likely to rank at the top of the "most thrilling drive" list. With that said, the allroad is undeniably dependable and comfortable. In fact, it's so large and trustworthy that it may be enough to soothe any parental abandonment issues, and the four-ringed family wagon does extremely well at providing a smooth ride without losing the characteristic of a car that's known to take the more adventurous path.
If this was a one-word answer, it would be yes. But it isn't, so let us delve into why it is a worthy choice. Starting with the first thing you notice about the A6 allroad, it has an exterior that's so attractive, it's close to unmatched in terms of aesthetics. We're talking about a car that offers enough space for the entire family without looking like it's reserved for the average soccer mom. It's not just a pretty face either, it's powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that not only delivers an impressive 335 horsepower, it boasts excellent fuel economy figures of 20/26/22 mpg. Power and beauty are important, but intuitive technology nears the top of the list for the modern shopper. The A6 allroad delivers with a two-screen central infotainment system and a large digital instrument cluster, and all the digital elements integrate seamlessly. Possibly the only fault of the Audi would be that its trunk is smaller than rivals, but the 30 cubes that it does have provides more than enough space for a camping trip or a trip to the coast. The A6 allroad is one of the strongest contenders in the segment, and deserves to be somewhere at the top of your shortlist.
Competitor | Horsepower | MPG | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|
Audi A6 allroad | 335 hp | 21/30 mpg | $67,900 |
Volvo V90 Cross Country | 295 hp | 22/29 mpg | $56,200 |
Audi Q7 | 261 hp | 19/25 mpg | $59,200 |
When you have to pit a wagon from Audi and a wagon from Volvo against each other, you're in for a battle of the gods. With both brands boasting a considerable amount of fame for producing wagons adored by the public, it's going to be a tough one. A considerable amount of money separates the Volvo from the Audi, with the latter costing nearly $10,000 more. It's worth noting that the V90 Cross Country employs a supercharged 2.0-liter twin-charged engine, resulting in lower power output figures of 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, but that isn't exactly a downfall considering that the fuel economy figures delivered by the Volvo are better than the ones offered by the four-ringed contender. Both offer impressive cabins, but the Audi's seamless integration between two infotainment screens and intuitive system makes it the winner for the best interior, considering that both offer premium materials of the same standard. The V90 Cross Country is the one to go for.
The family-focused relatives from Audi both have 3.0-liter V6 engines, the Q7 boasts 48-volt mild-hybrid technology that is absent from the wagon. They may share a badge, but the core ethos between the cousins is vastly different. While both share the same power output figures, the Q7 drops its EPA estimates down to 17/21/18 mpg, which makes it a lot less frugal than the A6 allroad. Notably, the Q7 is a brawny SUV and the A6 allroad is a sleek wagon, so the two will likely appeal to different shoppers. The interiors offered by both haulers are very similar and offer the same features, and though the Q7 is similarly priced to the allroad, we'd still pick the latter.
The most popular competitors of 2020 Audi A6 allroad: