The latest version of Audi's popular Allroad Quattro is making its debut at Geneva. Four engines will initially be available, with the top 4.2 FSI V8 developing 350 bhp. The others are a petrol 3.2 FSI V6(255 bhp), and two six-cylinder diesels; 2.7 litre (180 bhp) and 3.0 litre (233 bhp).

The second-generation car promises to be "even more spacious, luxurious, striking and versatile" than the last model, and builds upon the success of the standard A6 Avant. Ride height can be varied by selecting any one of five different driving modes, In the most extreme 'Lift', the body hovers 185 mm above the ground to negotiate rough terrain at slow speeds. In the 'dynamic' mode, which is the equivalent of a sports suspension, the body is lowered to a ground clearance of 125 mm.

The new Audi A6 allroad quattro is smaller than the Audi Q7 performance SUV. It has a length of 4,934 millimetres, a width of 1,862 mm and, depending on the setting of the standard adaptive air suspension, a height of 1,459 to 1,519 mm. The last figure exceeds the A6 Avant by up to 64 mm; all other measurements are identical. Compared with its predecessor, the new A6 allroad quattro is longer by 124 mm, wider by 10 mm and has a wheelbase lengthened by 76 mm.

The new Allroad Quattro has sill panelling that protects the car from gravel impact, as well as flared wheel arches that are painted in a contrasting colour or optionally in the colour of the vehicle and, depending on the engine, house 17-inch wheels or – standard on the 4.2 FSI – 18-inch wheels in three special designs. The tyres are slightly larger in diameter than those on the A6 Avant.

At the rear, the A6 allroad quattro can be recognised by an underride protection made of stainless steel, large exhaust tailpipes and an aluminium-look trim strip in the area of the bumper. The car also debuts three new colours; Polar Blue, Condor Grey and Lava Grey. The rear lights, in conjunction with the xenon plus headlights, incorporate an LED unit for the brake lights and taillights.

Inside the car the passengers are greeted by new door entry strip made of aluminium. Four interior colours are available to choose from – paranut brown and cardamom beige being new – and can be combined with five seat fabrics and five decorative inlays. The new inlays are the standard material, Aluminium Axial, and the optional Californian Vavona wood assam grey (standard on the 4.2 FSI). The standard seat fabrics combine elements of material and leatherette. Sports seats in conjunction with Valcona leather feature a two-colour design.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Audi