2021 Audi A6 allroad Test Drive Review: Who Needs An SUV?
The wagon body style has become nearly extinct in the United States, but a recent resurgence has seen vehicles like the Audi A6 allroad emerge. Audi's second allroad model, the A6 allroad sits above the A4 offering a wagon body style with a slight suspension lift to appeal to crossover-loving American shoppers. Like the A6 sedan, the allroad comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 coupled to a mild hybrid system, producing 335 horsepower. And with a taller ride height, it can travel on dirt paths that might leave the sedan stuck.
Audi doesn't have the lifted luxury wagon market to itself though. Volvo continues to compete in this space with the V90 Cross Country and Mercedes-Benz has just introduced a new E-Class All-Terrain model. And, although it doesn't wear a luxury badge, the Subaru Outback dominates the wagon segment with more than 85% of all US sales. We tested a 2021 Audi A6 allroad Prestige to find out if it can carve out a significant sliver of this niche, but growing segment.
What's the Price of the 2021 Audi A6 allroad?
Having AWD, turbocharged power, and the extra space a station wagon affords does come at a cost: the price of the Audi A6 allroad starts at $65,900 for the Premium Plus trim level. That price goes up to $71,400 for the Prestige. It should be noted that these prices do not include tax, registration, and a delivery fee of $1,045. By comparison, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain starts at $67,600, and the Volvo V90 Cross Country goes for $54,900. You can find a low mileage used 2020 A6 allroad for sale at around $50k.
2021 A6 allroad Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 194.9 in | 115.2 in | 58.9 in | 74.9 in | 64.8 in | 63.4 in | 4,486.0 lbs |
2021 A6 allroad Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
It is worth remembering that the A6 allroad is more akin to a sedan than an SUV, so you get precise steering that feels every bit as responsive as its sedan sibling, the A6. On the road, the A6 allroad feels planted and confident. It goes about taking corners, thanks to its AWD quattro system, and the road comfort is excellent with the standard air suspension. We drove the allroad over some seriously cracked pavement, and the air suspension just chuckled while it absorbed every impact.
When you head off the beaten path, the air suspension system can be raised to give you extra clearance. We wouldn't recommend the allroad for any serious off-road work, but it seems like the ideal vehicle for snowy roads or a dirt path leading to a cabin or campsite. The optional dynamic all-wheel-steering makes the A6 allroad even more adept at spirited driving, and in its Dynamic mode, the car feels every bit like a sports sedan with intuitive body control. As for the brakes, they feel progressive and offer good stopping power in a hurry. As an SUV alternative, we prefer the spirited driving dynamics afforded by the A6 allroad. But we can see why some buyers might still prefer the higher ride height of a traditional crossover.
2021 A6 allroad Interior
2021 A6 allroad Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|
| 4/5 | 5/5 |
Verdict: Is The 2021 Audi A6 allroad A Good car?
The A6 allroad sits in a very niche corner of the market. With so many crossover SUVs flooding the market, a turbocharged AWD station wagon is a rare but welcome sight, and we have an unhealthy love affair with anything that comes close to that description. The 2021 car comes with more features than ever and is a true premium luxury vehicle. The exterior design is a handsome one, and the interior is a classy affair that feels worth every cent of the asking price.
On the road, this car performs beautifully and will surprise a lot of sports cars off the line. The best thing about the allroad's driving capability is the air suspension, which offers a cushy ride over rough pavement but keeps the car planted through corners. We must admit that its starting price of $65,900 is dear, but you get a lot for your money. The A6 allroad is an oddity that deserves more of the spotlight.
What new Audi A6 allroad Model Should I Buy?
Since the allroad is only offered in two trim levels - Premium Plus and Prestige - it makes things a bit easier for the prospective buyer. The Premium Plus starts off at $65,900, with the Prestige adding another $5,500 on top of that. Both cars are powered by the same turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and seven-speed DCT transmission. So which one should you go for? If we had the money, we would make the stretch for the Prestige, which adds a lot of features over and above the extensive list you get on the Premium Plus. We're talking about extras such as rear cross-traffic assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, a head-up display, heated rear seats, and much more. We'd also opt for the $2,850 Luxury package with full Valcona/Milano leather, massaging seats, and a memory passenger seat, and the $1,000 Full Paint option, which deletes the alternate-colored fenders. As-described, the A6 allroad comes in at $76,890. Skip the $4,900 Bang & Olufsen 3D Audio System (the base system sounds good enough) and the $2,500 Night vision package.
2021 Audi A6 allroad Comparisons
2021 Audi A6 allroad vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain is one of the lesser-known Benz models, and we understand why: as with the Audi, this AWD turbocharged wagon occupies a very niche section of the car market, and with Mercedes-Benz's mass crusade in the form of crossover SUVs, this car can get lost in the storm. Powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, the All-Terrain develops a healthy 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. That's more than you get in the allroad, but the zero to sixty times are precisely the same at 5.1 seconds. Gas mileage figures are slightly better at 22/28/24 mpg city/highway/combined. The All-Terrain has the advantage of being able to carry seven passengers, albeit in very cramped conditions, but in five-seater guise, it offers more or less the same space as the Audi. Its interior is a more lavish place to be, however, and is packed with the latest in Merc infotainment and driver assistance tech. On the road, it's more comfortable, but less dynamically capable. With a starting price of $67,600, it is more expensive, but we'd still consider it over the Audi.
2021 Audi A6 allroad vs Volvo V90 Cross Country
Volvo has been a champion of the station wagon scene for as long as we can remember, and while others have been flogging the crossover SUV, Volvo has, to a certain degree, remained true to this awesome body style. The V90 Cross Country is the Swedish manufacturer's take on an off-road luxury station wagon, and we think they get it pretty right. Powering this wagon is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that has been turbo and supercharged to produce 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque; not as much as the Audi, but still plenty for the daily grind. The V90 will use less fuel at 20/30/24 mpg. The interior of the V90 Cross Country is elegant and luxurious, and we prefer its overall design. Overall space is good, but passengers in the rear get less legroom, and trunk space is significantly less than what you get in the A6 allroad at 25.5 cubic feet. The Audi also offers more in-car tech. The Volvo is the cheaper car, and it shows it. We would likely choose the Audi.