Audi is giving beleaguered U.S. wagon fans (I’m one) another reason to smile, confirming that the A6 Allroad wagon, a ruggedized version of its A6 Avant wagon sold in Europe, is coming to America for 2020.
Related: Hey, Cool Dad! The Audi RS6 Avant Wagon Is Coming Stateside
While the wagon is not sold here in its basic form, Audi also already has confirmed that the 2020 RS6 Avant performance model with a nearly 600-horsepower V-8 will be sold here. The wagons are based on the new-generation A6 sedan that got a stylish and tech-loaded redesign for 2019 — and they wear the new look well.
But while the RS6 is a go-fast wagon that will rival the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon and Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, the Allroad is a more practical mix — part luxury car, part sports sedan, part SUV. It will compete against Volvo’s V90 Cross Country as well as possibly the high end of Audi’s own A4 Allroad, and the Volvo V60 Cross Country and Subaru Outback lines. All are wagons with more SUV-like cladding, all-wheel drive with some light-off-roading tech and more ground clearance, but still with carlike manners and driving dynamics.
And 2020 revives the original A6 Allroad that came to the U.S. in 2000 and was sold through 2005, developing a small but loyal following.
Low and Sporty or Riding High
The 2020 Allroad will be offered in high-end form at launch with a lot of standard equipment. Power will be from Audi’s turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 putting out 335 hp and 369 pounds-feet of torque with mild-hybrid technology for better mileage. It is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. All-wheel drive and an adaptive air suspension system are standard.
The air suspension can vary ride height from 4.9 inches up to 7.3 inches (nearly 2 inches higher than the sedan). Height varies among six drive modes: Auto (the most balanced) and Comfort (lighter steering and throttle) both dial in a 5.5-inch clearance. Dynamic tightens up the steering, throttle and transmission, and lowers the wagon 0.6 inches. Offroad adds 1.2 inches of clearance and Lift adds 0.6 more, both only at up to 21.7 mph. There also is an Individual setting that lets you mix and match.
Also standard are hill descent control, tilt angle assist and all-wheel steering, and extra configurable instrument screens that show longitudinal and transverse tilt angles.
Mildly Ruggedized Design
The vertical slats of the Allroad’s grille set it apart from the blacked-out RS6 grille and the horizontal slats of the A6 sedan. The Allroad gets wheel arches, lower body panels and lower bumpers in a contrasting matte gray (though you can specify body color if you like). The roof rails, as well as the front and rear bumpers, get aluminum-finish trim, and 20-inch wheels are standard.
Inside, the Allroad gets a well-equipped version of the new A6 interior with the sedan’s multimedia, and safety and driver-assistance tech features, as well as a standard panoramic moonroof, ambient lighting and Bang & Olufsen premium audio.
Anniversary Edition
The A6 Allroad launch will include a special 20th Anniversary Edition with an exclusive Gavial Green paint color option (similar to the original’s Highland Green), a brown leather interior, ash wood trim and stainless-steel pedals.
The Allroad’s pricing and on-sale date are still to be announced. The 2019 A4 Allroad starts at $46,695 (all prices include destination). The 2019 A6 sedan starts at $55,095 with the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and $59,895 with the 3.0-liter V-6.
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