Thanks to the unrelenting popularity of crossovers, practical wagons are becoming practically extent in America. But if you’re getting tired of driving a Subaru Outback, which is one of the few mainstream wagons sold in America right now, there could soon be an alternative.
Spy shots have emerged showing Audi testing a prototype of the new A6 Allroad at the Nurburgring. An unusual choice of location perhaps, since this isn’t the car’s natural habitat. Essentially a jacked-up version of the A6 Avant sold in Europe, the prototype looks practically production-ready as only model-specific components such as the fenders, side sills and bumpers are covered in camouflage. A new front grille with six vertical strips will also make it look more rugged than other A6 models.
Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system will be offered as standard, we also expect some off-road driving modes to help the car trudge through tricky terrain. Engine options haven’t been confirmed, but the new A6 Allroad is likely to adopt the regular car’s 3.0-liter TFSI V6 gasoline engine with 335 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque and the 3.0-liter TDI V6 diesel with 282hp and 457lb-ft of torque.
At this point, we would normally rant about America being deprived of yet another German wagon, but the A6 Allroad could be an exception. According to a report by Quattro Daily, the unexpected popularity of the A4 Allroad over here has persuaded Audi to sell the A6 Allroad in America.
Sources claim it will go on sale in late 2019. Expect the final production model to have a taller ride height than the regular A6, some rugged plastic body cladding and possibly some roof rails.
