2021 Audi A6 Allroad

Overview

So what if it's not the fire-breathing six-figure RS6 Avant? The 2021 Audi A6 Allroad is still a handsomely styled luxury wagon with its own party trick—an adjustable air suspension with better ground clearance for when adventures take a more rock-strewn path. It even earns a spot on our Editors' Choice list. The car's spacious cabin is borrowed from the A6 sedan and is an exercise in 2020s modernism with its many screens and displays. It's also well equipped with luxury features and comfortable enough for long road trips. The A6 Allroad's exterior has been slightly ruggedized, with gray plastic lower-body cladding, large 20-inch wheels, roof rails, and revised front and rear bumpers. Too large and too pricey for you? Check out the A4 Allroad, which offers the same adventurous image and many of the same features in a cheaper, smaller package.

What's New for 2021?

For its sophomore year, the A6 Allroad sees few changes. Audi added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to the optional Executive package on the Premium Plus trim. A Black Optic appearance package is now available, which adds black trim to the wagon's exterior.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2021 A6 Allroad is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system are both standard. At our test track, the A6 Allroad proved to be slightly slower than the A6 sedan with the same powertrain. Still, it managed a brisk 5.2-second zero-to-60-mph time. The A6 Allroad rides on an adjustable air suspension, which provides a plush ride and even greater control when venturing off-road thanks to a mode that lifts the car up an additional 1.2 inches.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that the A6 Allroad will return 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. The Audi's chief rival–the Volvo V90 Cross Country–carries slightly higher highway and combined ratings but the EPA rates it at the same 20 mpg in the city. Over our 200-mile highway fuel economy test route, the A6 Allroad delivered a stellar 34 mpg result while the V90 Cross Country returned only 29 mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The A6 Allroad's interior is comparable to the standard A6 sedan, meaning it's sleek, modern, and well-crafted from high-quality materials. The majority of the car's secondary controls, including climate control and driving modes, are adjusted via a touchscreen on the center console. This dual-screen setup works well and provides haptic feedback, but some drivers might find it distracting. The A6 Allroad offers more cargo space than the A6 sedan, which fit six of our carry-on suitcases in the trunk. The Mercedes-Benz E-class station wagon and the V90 Cross Country fit 11 and eight carry-on cases, respectively, inside their cargo areas with their rear seats in place; the Allroad fit nine cases behind its rear seat and held 20 in total with the seats stowed.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

In addition to the digital screen for controlling cabin climate, the A6 Allroad features a secondary display that sprouts from the dashboard. This one features Audi's infotainment software, which can be customized to suit the needs of the driver. An 8.8-inch screen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and onboard Wi-Fi comes standard. Audi's Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster and a larger 10.1-inch infotainment screen are options. Audi provides a 10-speaker audio system, but buyers can upgrade to a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system, if desired.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Audi offers a suite of driver-assistance features as standard, which includes automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning. For more information about the A6 Allroad's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi offers average coverage for the class, but its plan lacks the lengthy complimentary scheduled maintenance that comes with the V90 Cross Country. Station-wagon buyers who don't need the A6 Allroad's extra ground clearance may find the Jaguar XF Sportbrake the better choice, as it provides more value when it comes to warranty coverage.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs