Audi is expected to pull the wraps off its new Audi A6 Audi Allroad in the coming weeks, and new spy images show the model testing on the road with light disguise.
The jacked-up estate moves into its fourth generation this year, sticking close to the original brief of offering the same level of practicality as a standard A6 Avant, but with added off-road capability. It's closest rivals are the Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain and Volvo V90 Cross Country, alongside the wide variety of conventional SUVs.
Body camouflage on this test mule prevents us from seeing the bodywork additions, but expect protective plastic lower body cladding and metal skid plates front and rear. The car's ride height doesn't appear greatly increased, though this is likely because the air suspension has been set in a lower mode to help disguise the car.
Expect to see few changes to the standard A6's interior, bar some unique upholstery choices and new off-road modes for the Drive Select system. Engines will reflect the current A6 range, with a range of four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines making use of 12v or 48v mild-hybrid technology to boost efficiency. The firm's latest 'quattro with ultra' all-wheel drive system will feature, making use of the front wheels for the majority of the time but reacting quickly to traction changes.
Autocar understands the A6 Allroad is meant to be revealed globally in the coming weeks, so it looks increasingly likely that the car's first public debut will be the Geneva motor show. It will go on sale soon after the covers come off.
Read more:
Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain UK review
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Off-road irony
Why is it that the emphasis is being placed on being off-road capable or all-wheel drive for so many manufacturers when off-road capabilities are becoming less and less important. Road networks are larger than ever, weather is rarely a problem, and who ever takes their SUV off-roading for fun anyway? This sounds a bit silly coming from an absolute off-roader fan, but it puzzels me why they have taken over the market.
weather is rarely a problem, what a load of crap, weather problems depend on where you live. I live in Norway weather in winter is always a problem.
Nice PR stunt.
Other than draw attention to itself, can't understand the reasoning for camouflage. Surely the best camouflage of all is simply to drive the new car around as everyone will just think it's the current model.
You really have to be an Audi nut to spot the differences these days.
Backup.......
Nice to see an estate instead of the trad SUV being championed here...
Peter Cavellini wrote:
Agreed, now if only Autocar would put an 'Estate' section in their ' Top 10s The best cars on sale in the UK. They have Compact SUVs, Family SUVs, Hybrid SUVs, Luxury SUVs, Sports SUVs, and Super SUVs. But no estate car listing.