2020 Audi A6 allroad Review

Audi continues to expand its lineup of station wagons in the U.S., this time with the arrival of the 2020 A6 Allroad. The Allroad is a raised and lengthened version of the A6 midsize sedan, with 1.8 inches of added ground clearance. Audi tells us it will go on sale in early 2020.

The A6 Allroad makes for three station wagons in Audi's U.S. portfolio, joining the smaller A4 Allroad and the high-performance RS 6 Avant. Similar to the A4 Allroad, the A6 Allroad is distinguished by matte gray fenders designed to protect against scrapes and scratches you might encounter on an off-highway trail. There are also standard roof rails, front and underbody protection, and a unique rear diffuser. Chrome slats in the front grille and 20-inch wheels complete the exterior look.

Every A6 Allroad packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, sending power through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A mild hybrid electric vehicle system works with the engine to produce the car's total 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The A6 Allroad also leans into its rough and rugged persona. It features an adaptive air suspension that can raise or lower the wagon's ride height based on the situation. Maximum ground clearance is a healthy 7.3 inches — though it can only hold it up to 21.7 mph — and for sporty driving it lowers to 4.9 inches. There are six driving modes: Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Individual, Offroad and Lift. Audi's famed Quattro all-wheel-drive system is standard. And hill descent control works to safely bring the A6 Allroad down steep or loose surfaces without the need for the driver to touch the brake pedal.

The company first sold the A6 Allroad in America beginning in 2000, but it kept two following generations of the wagon away from stateside buyers. Certain loyalists have been eagerly awaiting the raised wagon's return, and this time Audi appears committed. There will even be a Limited Anniversary Edition of the new A6 Allroad that pays homage to the original version. It offers Gavial Green exterior paint, a brown leather interior and wood inlays.

Wagons fell out of favor in the U.S. for quite a long time, replaced by SUVs. But while luxury wagons haven't found much traction, lifted wagons that occupy the space between cars and SUVs have a loyal audience. We'd be happy to see a resurgence in wagons on U.S. roads, and tweeners such as the A6 Allroad might tempt some shoppers to transition back toward regular cars.

There aren't many luxury station wagon competitors out there. Mercedes-Benz has the E 450 with standard all-wheel drive, but its plush nature is less suited for the great outdoors. The closest competitor is the Volvo V90 Cross Country, which also has body cladding, a raised ride height and skid plates to assist with off-highway exploring. One feather in the Volvo's cap is its maximum ground clearance, which at 8.3 inches is a full inch higher than the A6 Allroad's.

That said, the regular A6 is one of our top-rated midsize luxury sedans, and it offers more than the Volvo in terms of its powertrain, technology and other features. The V90 Cross Country might provide a bit more peace of mind off-road, but we expect the A6 Allroad to be a more desirable all-arounder.