Visually, the new A6 Allroad is set apart by the single-framed grille with vertical slats, underbody protective plates in stainless steel front and rear, plus roof rails and bumpers/sills in a contrasting colour. It also sits 60mm higher than the standard Avant (while the extensive use of aluminium components reduces weight by as much as 70kg), and the standard four-wheel drive makes for rapid progress on poor roads – but doesn’t turn the Audi into a genuine off-roader.

There are no fewer than four 3.0-litre turbocharged engines to choose from: three diesel (offering 204HP, 245HP and 313HP), plus one 310HP TFSI with 324lb ft of torque. The top-of-the-range diesel is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox, whereas the other three engines come with seven-speed S tronic transmission.

Standard features include adaptive air suspension (which raises and lowers the body), roof rails and Audi’s Drive Select system. The options list includes four-zone air-conditioning, a panoramic glass roof and a B&O audio system. UK prices have not yet been announced but, in Germany, the A6 Allroad is expected to start at 54,600 euros – a 4,150-euro premium over the corresponding four-wheel-drive estate.

Photos: Audi