Audi A6 Allroad (2012 – 2018) Review
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Audi A6 Allroad (2012 – 2018) Verdict
Lighter and more economical than before. Available with immense 3.0 BiTDI engine. Superb quality interior. Refined and smooth ride.
High starting prices.
Find out more about the Audi A6 Allroad (2012 – 2018)
2012 saw the launch of of a new Audi A6 Allroad, now into its third generation 'all-terrain' version of the A6 Avant and an alternative to a full size 4x4.
It certainly looks the part. To make sure it has a suitably rugged look the A6 allroad has extended side sills, stainless steel underbody guards front and back while the wheel arches, bumpers and sills are painted in black.
It's discreet but if it's still to much you can get the black trim body-coloured as an option. The A6 allroad is simply more than just a jacked up A6 Avant though. It comes with adaptive air suspension so you can actually adjust the ground clearance. Useful for rutted tracks or muddy fields, although this is no serious off roader.
On the road the A6 allroad feels just like a standard A6 with the same good roadholding, impressive body control and nicely weighted steering. The air suspension also means the ride is impecabble with superb insulation from bumps and potholes making it incredibly refined and quiet in the cabin.
Inside the A6 allroad it's identical to the rest of the A6 range so you get a top quality cabin that's spacious, comfortable and has real attention to detail. All models get a good level of standard kit too including a 6.5-inch colour screen than neatly slides out of the dash top.
Audi describes this A6 allroad as the 'most versatile premium four-wheel drive estate car available today' and there's no doubt it ticks lots of boxes. It's a versatile high quality car that offers great performance and can cope with tricky conditions.
True you can go for an A6 Avant with quattro four-wheel drive but the allroad offers more. There's the image too. This is a car that's designed for outdoorsy people who drive to the Alps to go skiing when they aren't busy towing their horsebox to equestrian events (the allroad has a 2500kg braked towing weight by the way). It's all about a high-end 'lifestyle' and this is where the A6 allroad is unrivalled.
Reviews for Audi A6 Allroad (2012 – 2018)'s top 3 rivals
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Audi A6 Allroad (2012 – 2018) handling and engines
- Engines range from 3.0 TDI 204 quattro to 3.0 TFSI quattro
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 31–48 mpg
Originally there were four different variants of the A6 allroad - one powered by a 3.0 TFSI petrol engine and the others all using the 3.0 TDI diesel engine but with varying power outputs. Unsurprisingly not many people choose the TFSI as it's thirsty compared to the TDI. On top of that the diesels are much better suited to a big estate like the A6 allroad when it comes to everyday performance.
The entry level TDI is the 204PS version which in the standard A6 only comes as a front-wheel drive model with a multitronic CVT gearbox. It's very different with the S tronic gearbox fitted and feels more responsive, however the 245PS version is considerably quicker and with an extra 130Nm torque you can really tell the difference, especially when it comes to overtaking.
The stand out model in the new A6 allroad range is the BiTDI. As the name suggests it's fitted with twin-turbochargers which boost the power of the V6 diesel to 313PS along with an immense 650Nm of torque.
To put that into context an Audi R8 V10 has 540Nm. On paper it looks rapid - 0-62mph takes just 5.6 seconds - and remember this is still a big estate car. All that torque means the BiTDI can't be fitted with the S tronic gearbox so Audi has used the eight-speed Tiptronic from the Audi A8.
In terms of performance the BiTDI stands head and shoulders above any other diesel in the Audi range with huge amounts of low down grunt and incredible response. There's no waiting around for a turbo to kick in - the power comes on song instantly and propels you along effortless as the scenery goes all blurry.
It feels suitably sporty too and that's helped by an exhaust actuator. This is a speaker that makes the exhaust sound less like a diesel and more like a V8 petrol. It may seem like a gimmick but it works incredibly well and means the BiTDI has the sound - both inside the cabin and from the outside - to go with its performance.
Of course it's a given that the A6 allroad comes with quattro four-wheel drive as standard but it also has torque vectoring, a system that's becoming more common on powerful cars. It's all complicated stuff but basically this slightly brakes an inside wheel as you go round a corner which means sharper handling and more agility through bends. It also means you don't need as much steering input.
While the A6 allroad is no serious off-roader, it does have adjustable suspension. You can lower it by 15mm at high speeds or raise it by 35mm when needed.
And at low speeds you can even raise it a further 10mm for anything trickier such as deeply rutted tracks. To reinforce the off-road element, there's a new hill descent assist function which holds the speed (between 6mph and 12mph) on steep slopes. Very useful in the snow.
In late 2014 the A6 allroad was revised with a new engine line-up. The 3.0 TFSI was dropped and the 3.0 TDI updated with three versions now available - 218PS, 272PS and the top 320PS model. All are smooth and refined as before but with better performance and improved economy.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 BiTDI 313 quattro | 42 mpg | 5.6 s | 176 g/km |
| 3.0 BiTDI 320 quattro | 44 mpg | 5.3–5.5 s | 172–176 g/km |
| 3.0 TDI 204 quattro | 46 mpg | 7.5 s | 159 g/km |
| 3.0 TDI 218 quattro | 50 mpg | 7.1 s | 149 g/km |
| 3.0 TDI 218 S tronic | 50 mpg | 7.1 s | 149 g/km |
| 3.0 TDI 245 quattro | 45 mpg | 6.6 s | 165 g/km |
| 3.0 TDI 272 quattro | 50 mpg | 6.2 s | 149 g/km |
| 3.0 TFSI quattro | 32 mpg | 5.9 s | 206 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Audi A6 Allroad (2012 – 2018)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
84%
Real MPG
31–48 mpg
MPGs submitted
73
Audi A6 Allroad (2012 – 2018) interior
- Boot space is 565–1680 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4934–4940 mm |
| Width | 1898–2086 mm |
| Height | 1452–1521 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2905 mm |
There's a huge amount of adjustment in the steering column and seats so it's easy to get the right driving position no matter what size or shape you are. The seats are supportive too which you really notice on extended journeys - something the A6 allroad is perfect for.
The boot is usefully large with 565 litres of load space and there's hardly any load lip so getting heavy things out is easy. Plus the squared off sides are useful if you're moving big and boxy items. The rear seats don't fold down quite flat but there is a clever luggage fixing system available which includes a solid bar and an adjustable strap that can be moved along two rails in the boot floor.
As we've come to expect from Audi, the interior is exceptionally high quality with a lovely feel to all the materials along with satisfying-to-use switches and buttons.
The design is stylish but easy to get on with with most functions controlled through the MMI system via the dial and buttons behind the gear lever and displayed on the 6.5-inch screen that neatly slides out of the dash (an 8-inch screen is available as an option).
It's easy to get the ideal driving position thanks to a low slung seat and plenty of adjustment in the steering column.
There's a wide range of options available in the A6 sllroad with some advanced kit like adaptive cruise control (which maintains a set distance between you and the car in front), night vision assist, and a head up display which projects information such as speed onto the windscreen so it looks as though it's floating in front of you.
Audi A6 Allroad (2012 – 2018) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4934–4940 mm |
| Width | 1898–2086 mm |
| Height | 1452–1521 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2905 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1855–1955 kg |
| Boot Space | 565–1680 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 9000–18000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Collapsible spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £43,810–£58,340 |
| Insurance Groups | 31–43 |
| Road Tax Bands | F–K |
| Official MPG | 31.7–50.4 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until June 2019
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 3.0 BiTDI 320 Quattro Sport Tiptronic 5dr | £58,340 | 43.5 mpg | 5.5 s |
| 3.0 BiTDI 320 Quattro Tiptronic 5dr | £54,740 | 43.5 mpg | 5.5 s |
| 3.0 TDI 218 Quattro S tronic 5dr | £48,110 | 49.6 mpg | 7.1 s |
| 3.0 TDI 218 Quattro Sport S tronic 5dr | £51,710 | 49.6 mpg | 7.1 s |
| 3.0 TDI 272 Quattro S tronic 5dr | £49,355 | 50.4 mpg | 6.2 s |
| 3.0 TDI 272 Quattro Sport S tronic 5dr | £52,955 | 50.4 mpg | 6.2 s |
On sale until April 2016
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Allroad 3.0 BiTDI 320 Quattro Tiptronic 5dr | £52,130 | 43.5 mpg | 5.3 s |
On sale until January 2015
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 3.0 BiTDI quattro 313 5dr Auto | £50,115 | 42.2 mpg | 5.6 s |
| 3.0 TDI quattro 204 5dr Auto | £43,810 | 46.3 mpg | 7.5 s |
| 3.0 TDI quattro 245 5dr Auto | £45,350 | 44.8 mpg | 6.6 s |
On sale until November 2012
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 3.0 TFSI quattro 5dr Auto | £45,020 | 31.7 mpg | 5.9 s |
Model History
- January 2012
- January 2012
- April 2012
- September 2014: Audi A6 Allroad revised
- December 2015: Sport trim A6 allroad launched
January 2012
Third generation A6 allroad quattro unveiled With its customarily tougher stance and four-level adaptive air suspension the new A6 allroad is available to order for July 2012 delivery priced from £43,145 OTR.
At 4,940mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,470mm tall, the latest A6 allroad quattro sits six centimetres higher than the Avant. Like the saloon and ‘standard’ Avant, it has been constructed using the latest Audi ultra lightweight construction principles, with aluminium components making up roughly 20 percent of its body. Total vehicle weight has been reduced by as much as 70 kilograms compared with the previous model.
The 2012-2018 A6 allroad is fitted with bigger wheels and tyres of greater rolling circumfernence than standard A6s and A6 avants. These are: These are 235/55 R18; 245/50 R19 and 245/45 ZR20.
Distinguishing allroad quattro features include extended side sills, more widely flared wings and vertical slats within the single-frame grille. Stainless steel guards protect the underbody at the front and rear of the car, and the exhaust system ends in two large, flattened tailpipes. The roof rails are mounted on double bars.
The wheel arches, bumpers and sills are painted in a contrasting colour, but can be body-coloured if the optional aluminium exterior package is specified. The colour Java Brown is available exclusively for the new A6 allroad quattro.
The interior of the Audi A6 allroad quattro offers plenty of space thanks to the long wheelbase of 2,910 millimetres. It features a clean, elegant design, outstanding ergonomics and exemplary workmanship. A function that depicts the car’s pitch has been added to the MMI operating system, the soft keys of which are finished in aluminium. MMI is a standard feature, as is the Driver’s Information System with efficiency program. A comprehensive package of restraint systems helps to mitigate the consequences of an accident.
The luggage compartment has a capacity of 565 litres. Latches within it make it easy to fold down the rear seats, increasing luggage capacity to 1,680 litres, and numerous standard and optional features underscore its practicality. These include a rail system into which a load-securing kit for dividing the luggage compartment can be inserted, tensioning straps on the left wall and a double loading floor.
Audi offers a wide choice of options for the new A6 allroad quattro. A head-up display can project important information onto the windscreen, ambient lighting can bathe the interior with subtle LED light, and the widely adjustable comfort seats seats offer a ventilation and massage function. Additional highlights include four-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof and the advanced key, which enables access, start-up and locking without the need to remove the key from the driver’s pocket.
Topping the modular range of infotainment options is the hard drive-based navigation system MMI Navigation plus with touchpad operation (MMI touch) and whole-word voice control. Its power-retractable eight-inch monitor displays extremely sharp, high-contrast images. A Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 15 speakers can also be added for maximum listening pleasure.
The new A6 allroad quattro is also state of the art when it comes to connection technology. The Mobile Phone Preparation – High option connects it to the Internet via UMTS, and a WLAN hotspot lets passengers surf the internet and e-mail. Tailored services for the driver, such as the all-new Audi traffic information online function, which uses mobile phone signals to pinpoint traffic congestion or accident blackspots in real time, or Audi music stream web radio, are delivered right to the car. Attractive services from Google, including Google Earth, Google Street View and voice-activated POI search, are also available.
The Audi assistance and safety systems lend even more confidence to driving. The radar-based adaptive cruise control with stop & go function always keeps the new A6 allroad quattro at the proper distance from the car ahead. At speeds below 19mph, the system initiates maximum braking in the event of an impending collision. ACC stop & go works closely together with the Audi pre sense safety system, which is available in a number of configurations.
Audi active lane assist helps the driver to stay in lane; Audi side assist helps when changing lanes. The night vision assistant with marking of detected pedestrians reduces the stress of driving in the dark. The driver information system with rest recommendation function detects when the driver is getting tired and recommends taking a rest.
A variety of high-end systems help take the stress out of parking. The park assist system with 360° display takes over the steering; the parking system plus with 360° camera provides good vision in all directions. Four small wide-angle cameras record images of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings, which can then be displayed from a variety of perspectives on the MMI monitor.
The new A6 allroad quattro will initially be available in the UK with a choice of three powerful and highly cultivated V6 engines – one TFSI petrol engine and two TDI units. All are 3.0-litre engines with turbocharging and direct injection. They make use of important technologies from the Audi modular efficiency platform – the start-stop system and innovative thermal management. Their fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 20 per cent compared with the previous model.
The 3.0 TFSI, which is boosted by a mechanically driven supercharger, produces 310PS and 440 Nm of torque. It powers the A6 allroad quattro from zero to 62mph in 5.9 seconds on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Its combined economy figure is an impressive 31.7mpg.
The two variants of the 3.0 TDI produce 204PS and 245PS; torque values are 450Nm and 580Nm. The entry-level version achieves a combined economy figure of 46.3mpg, corresponding to 159 CO2 g/km. All three engines are paired with the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. With its wide ratio spreads, this transmission is a major contributor to the efficiency of the A6 allroad quattro. The driver can operate it manually, using either the gear lever or optional paddles on the steering wheel.
The quattro permanent four-wheel drive system is paired with torque vectoring. During dynamic driving this system brakes the wheels on the inside of a bend, which are under a reduced load, before they start to skid to further enhance traction and handling. The optional sport differential distributes the power in continuously variable proportions between the rear wheels.
The chassis of the A6 allroad quattro combines agility with comfort. The new electromechanical power steering is sensitive and highly efficient, and an optional dynamic steering system is also available to adjust the steering ratio to the speed driven.
With the Audi drive select system, the driver can vary the function of the steering, the air suspension, the throttle pedal, the automatic transmission, the sport differential, the automatic air conditioning, the lighting and the adaptive cruise control. In Efficiency mode, these systems work as economically as possible; their function can be very freely configured in Individual mode.
The adaptive air suspension, which combines air suspension with controlled damping, comes as standard. It lowers the body by 15 millimetres at high speed and raises it by 35 millimetres at the push of a button. This allroad mode is suitable for rough terrain. Furthermore, the driver can select a lift mode at low speeds. An additional ten millimetres enables the new Audi A6 allroad quattro to also handle major irregularities in the road surface. A hill descent assist function for steep downhill passages is also included. This limits the speed to between 6mph and 12mph, depending on the surface.
January 2012
New 313PS Biturbo TDI engine is now available for A6 Saloon, Avant and Allroad models. The new twin-turbo V6 is notable not only for being the most powerful six-cylinder diesel engine ever offered by the Vorsprung durch Technik brand, but also the sweetest-sounding. Available from January 2012 in A6 models priced from £43,810 OTR, and from £51,645 OTR in the A7 Sportback, it combines trademark Audi TDI refinement with an exhaust-mounted sound actuator that enables it to deliver its mighty 650Nm output to the tune of a distinctly sporting soundtrack.
Slotting in above the single-turbo 204PS and 245PS versions of the 3.0 TDI that already feature in the A6 and A7 Sportback ranges, the latest V6 has a two-stage turbocharger group that delivers a maximum boost pressure of up to 3.2 bar, helping the A6 3.0 BiTDI quattro Saloon to lunge at the horizon and pass the 62mph marker in as little as 5.1 seconds, and the A6 Avant and A7 Sportback to do the same in just 5.3 seconds. An electronically limited top speed of 155mph is common to all versions.
Like the existing TDI engines, the new star performer is backed up by technologies from the Audi modular efficiency platform, including start-stop and recuperation systems and the innovative thermal management system that quickly brings the coolant and oil up to their operating temperatures. With their help, combined economy in A6 and A7 Sportback models is on an equal footing at 44.1mpg – an impressive figure given the high outputs and low acceleration times involved.
Thanks to an innovative actuator in the auxiliary channel of the exhaust system, the BiTDI A6 and A7 Sportback models don’t sound like they should be capable of such level-headed economy figures. The actuator system essentially consists of a speaker which imposes a defined oscillation pattern on the exhaust flow and transforms the typical TDI exhaust note into a more sonorous roar that is closer to the output of a high-performance petrol engine.
Without exception, power is transmitted from the BiTDI engine via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission to the latest generation quattro all-wheel-drive system, which features a self-locking centre differential and torque vectoring for optimum traction and stability. A sport differential which distributes power in continuously variable proportions between the rear wheels is available from the options list to sharpen and quicken response even further.
The mighty new BiTDI engine is available in conjunction with SE and S line specification in the A6 Saloon, A6 Avant and A7 Sportback. The forthcoming A6 allroad quattro, due to open for order in February, will also offer this exceptional unit.
Stand-out features common to all these models include satellite navigation linked to a 6.5-inch retractable colour monitor, Milano leather upholstery, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system controlling throttle response, transmission shift points and steering feel, the Audi parking system plus, light and rain sensors, cruise control and keyless go push-button engine ignition.
April 2012
2012 A6 allroad quattro finally launched with quattro all-wheel-drive and four-level height adjustable air suspension. The new A6 allroad quattro with four powerful V6 engine options is priced from £43,150 OTR to £49,445 OTR and will reach its first UK customers in July 2012.
Audi A6 allroad quattro UK OTR Pricing
A6 allroad 3.0 TDI quattro 204PS £43,150
A6 allroad 3.0 TDI quattro 245PS £44,690
A6 allroad 3.0 BiTDI quattro 313PS £49,445
A6 allroad 3.0 TFSI quattro 310PS £45,020
September 2014
Audi A6 Allroad revised
Orders taken September 2014 for delivery late 2014.
Enhancements include: Styling revisions, xenon headlamps as standard for SE versions, LED headlights as standard for S line, Matrix LED lights optional for A6 and S6 and standard for RS 6 Avant; Interior decor improvements and upgraded infotainment system; EU6-compliant engine range benefits from emissions reductions of up to 22 per cent; Line-up includes 2.0 TDI ultra offering up to 64mpg with CO2 of as little as 114g/km.
The enhanced Audi A6 allroad quattro, which is based on the A6 Avant, features a raised body accentuated by wheel arch extensions and stainless steel protectors that encapsulate the underside of the front and rear ends. It rides on adaptive air suspension with allroad-specific settings and is powered by three 3.0‑litre V6 TDI engines with outputs of 218PS, 272PS and 320PS. The high‑performance diesel is paired with an eight‑speed tiptronic automatic transmission. Lower powered versions get the seven‑speed S tronic twin-wet-clutch transmission.
December 2015
Sport trim A6 allroad launched
Sport specification adds full LED headlights that replace the bi-xenon units of ‘standard’ A6 allroad models to further enhance visibility in the darkest conditions. A high beam assist function is also added as standard to automatically dip the beam when oncoming traffic is approaching. At the rear in Sport models, dynamic LED turn signals that operate in a sweeping motion increase safety and awareness for other road users.
What to watch out for
Problem reported with factory fitted optional extra panoramic glass sunroofs on Audi A6 Allroads. Reader had leak problem on 3 year old, send it back to the supplying independent dealer who attempted to get it fixed, but it still leaks.
15-10-2017:Report of warranty work carried out on April 2015 Audi A6 Allroad 3.0 V6 TDI: In June/July 2016, the timing chain became noisy. Strip-down and replaciment of parts took 6 weeks and apparent cost of warranty work was £1,368. Then, in September 2017, car went in for an oil service and an oil leak was found. Engine was removed, stripped down and rebuilt at an apparent cost of £5,900. The work took 6 weeks. No question of owner having to pay and courtesy cars provided on both occasions.
02-11-2017:Report of 24,000 mile 2014 Audi A6 Allroad suffering complete emissions system failure in France while towing a 1,900kg caravan. Owner had to spend €4650 to replace the DPF, EGR and Lambda sensor before it would run again. Audi UK and the supplying Audi dealer refused to offer any Customer Care Goodwill saying they are not legally required to do so.
09-11-2017:Series of catastrophes reported with 2015 Audi A6 Allroad used for high mileage. At 37,000 miles an engine noise developed which was diagnosed as a faulty camshaft. The engine was stripped and repaired under warranty and the bill was £2,000. At 77,000 miles the same noise returned and the garage has decided the timing chain tensioners need replacing. The car is now out of warranty, because of the mileage, and the repair bill for stripping the engine again is now £5,000 (why so much more?). After much complaining on my part they have offered 70% off the cost of parts which comes to a few hundred pounds. In addition the AdBlue injector needs replacing (£570) and the fuel cap release flap is faulty. (It's possible that the engine failures may be due to inadequate oil servicing under the 'longlife' regime.)
27-09-2018:Report of 2015 Audi A6 Allroad with 40,000 miles and full Audi service history needing 4 new camshafts?
09-11-2018:Complaint of persistent squeal from brakes of 2014 Audi A6 Allroad, there since new and still there at 18,000 miles. Caused by the minure metal particles in the brake pads. Cleaning off accumulated brake dust with an airline might help.
15-11-2019:Another report of leaking panoramic sunroof on a 2014 Audi A6 Allroad. Local garage confirmed that the roof drains are working correctly but there appears to be a crack that is letting water between the sunroof fitting and the roof above the drivers side strut.
