Overview

Using the A6 sedan as a starting point, Audi added an adjustable air suspension, rugged styling cues, and a station-wagon shape to create the 2023 A6 Allroad. All-wheel drive is standard and the A6 Allroad has extra ground clearance to help it go places the standard A6 cannot. This formula isn’t a new one, as other rugged wagons such as the Mercedes-Benz E-class All-Terrain and the Volvo V90 Cross Country also target this niche. But the Audi uses its superb road manners, tech-forward interior design, and upscale curb appeal to float to the top of the class. A smooth turbocharged V-6 provides ample power and the A6 Allroad’s ride is plush on all but the most potholed roads. The extra space behind the rear seat afforded by the wagon body style also gives the A6 Allroad a chance to attract would-be SUV buyers looking for something a little different. The downside is the A6 Allroad’s starting price, which is higher than the regular sedan model. If the A6 Allroad is out of reach, you could also consider the smaller but more affordable A4 Allroad.

What’s New for 2023?

Audi has made few changes to the A6 Allroad for 2023. The top Prestige trim now includes a remote parking feature and a black faux-suede headliner is now available as an option on that trim. Otherwise, Audi’s largest station wagon carries over unchanged from last year’s model. We’d stick with the base Premium Plus model, as it comes with a plethora of luxury items— navigation, Audi’s cool Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, a 360-degree exterior camera system, and 20-inch wheels—that will satisfy all but the most overindulged among us. The Prestige model comes with more standard driver-assistance features, but we can do without those.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The A6 Allroad is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system are both standard. At our test track, the A6 Allroad proved to be slightly slower than the A6 sedan with the same powertrain. Still, it managed a brisk 5.2-second zero-to-60-mph time. The A6 Allroad rides on an adjustable air suspension, which provides a plush ride and even greater control when venturing off-road thanks to a mode that lifts the car up an additional 1.2 inches.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that the A6 Allroad will return 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. The Audi’s chief rival—the V90 Cross Country—carries slightly higher highway and combined ratings but the EPA rates it at the same 20 mpg in the city. Over our 200-mile highway fuel economy test route, the A6 Allroad delivered a stellar 34 mpg result while the V90 Cross Country returned only 29 mpg. For more information about the A6 Allroad’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The A6 Allroad’s interior is comparable to the standard A6 sedan, meaning it’s sleek, modern, and well-crafted from high-quality materials. The majority of the car’s secondary controls, including climate control and driving modes, are adjusted via a touchscreen on the center console. This dual-screen setup works well and provides haptic feedback, but some drivers might find it distracting. The A6 Allroad fit nine carry-on suitcases in the rear cargo area with the seats raised, giving it more cargo space than the A6 sedan, which fit six. It’s also more spacious than other station wagons including the E-class, which fit 11, and the V90 Cross Country, which fit eight carry-on cases. The A6 Allroad also held 20 cases in total with the seats folded.