SYDNEY: The 2015 Audi A6 Allroad has arrived with a generous price cut, more equipment and sharpened styling. Only one powertrain is offered a 3.0 litre turbo diesel V6 and the A6 Allroad’s mechanical package largely mirrors that of last year’s model. However, the rest of the package has seen some big changes.
For one, the price of entry is now $6000 lower. Starting at $111,900, the value equation is further sharpened by the addition of new standard equipment like LED headlamps, Google Maps-enhanced sat nav and an upgraded infotainment system.
The exterior has been jazzed up with new plastics, headlamps and grille, which echo those of the recently-updated A6 sedan. Though much of the sheetmetal is the same, the look is sharper, bolder and mimics fresher Audi designs like the new TT.
By the way, if you were after an A6 wagon (or Avant in Audi-speak), the Allroad is now your only option bar the hardcore RS6, which arrives later this year. It’s also pitched as an alternative to the high-riding Q7 SUV, despite its substantial price difference.
Powertrains
Only one engine is offered in the A6 Allroad, though with 160kW and 500Nm it’s probably all the engine you’re likely to ever need.
As with the same engine in the A6 sedan range, power and torque have actually been reduced compared to last year’s model by 20kW and 80Nm respectively. Countering that loss, fuel consumption has improved by 0.7 l/100km, resting at 5.6 l/100km on the combined cycle.
Power is taken to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro AWD system, with a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic sandwiched between engine and driveline.
By default 60 percent of drive is directed to the rear wheels, but torque split can vary by up to 70 percent to the front axle and 85 percent to the rear. Side-to-side torque vectoring also allows the A6 Allroad to maintain traction and improve handling in hard cornering.
19-inch alloy wheels are standard, and every A6 Allroad comes equipped with adjustable air suspension too.
At the press of a button the air suspension can raise the Allroad by 35mm, while it automatically lowers by 15mm at speeds above 120km/h. Hill descent control is also standard for when the going gets truly slippery.
Features
While the cabin furniture is physically the same, it’s received a subtle update through some trim changes, a new instrument panel with a new sat-nav display (which frees up the 8-inch main screen to display other info) and Milano leather upholstery.
Quad-zone climate control, heated and powered front seats, a powered tailgate, front and rear parking sensors plus a reversing camera are also factory-fit on all A6 Allroads.
The infotainment system also gains a faster graphics processor, and incorporates a 10GB music storage drive, USB audio inputs, Bluetooth phone and audio integration, CD/DVD player, AM/FM/DAB+ tuner and 10 speakers.
Standard safety gear is also impressive. Besides the usual complement of six airbags, traction control, stability control and ABS, the A6 Allroad comes with Active Lane Assist and a blind spot monitor.
Opt for the $4500 Technik package, and you also gain active cruise control, Audi pre sense plus, a 360-degree parking camera system, a self-parking function and the Audi Connect internet-enabled connectivity suite.
Pricing
2015 Audi A6 Allroad – $111,900
Technik Pack – $4500
Matrix LED headlamps – $2300
Bose premium audio – $1950
Panoramic glass sunroof – $2980
