Review: Audi C7.I A6 Allroad quattro (2012-14)

Overview

Released in October 2012, the Audi C7 Series I (C7.I) A6 Allroad quattro was a four-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany, the Audi A6 Allroad quattro was powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine that was mated to a seven-speed double clutch transmission. Over the combined ADR 81/02 test cycle, the A6 Allroad quattro achieved fuel consumption of 6.3 litres per 100 km.

Audi C7.I A6 Allroad quattro specifications
	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
A6 Allroad quattro	3.0-litre CDUD turbo-diesel V6	7sp DCT	180 kW at 4000-4500 rpm	580 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm

Dimensions and body

Compared to the Audi C6 A6 Allroad , the C7 A6 Allroad quattro was 6 mm longer (at 4940 mm), 36 mm wider (1898 mm), 52 mm lower (1474 mm) and had a 66 mm longer wheelbase (2912 mm). Furthermore, aluminium components were used for approximately 20 per cent of the C7 A6 Allroad quattro body, resulting in a 70 kg mass reduction for a kerb weight of 1930 kg. Inside, the A6 Allroad quattro had a luggage capacity of 565 litres, though this increased to 1680 litres when the rear seats were folded down.

Relative to the Audi C7 A6 Avant on which it was based, the A6 Allroad quattro could be identified by its trim sprints on the side sills, flared fenders and single-frame grille with vertical slats. The A6 Allroad quattro was also fitted with stainless steel covers for underbody protection and had roof rails mounted on double bars.

Suspension

The A6 Allroad quattro had five-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal link rear suspension (both with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and anti-roll bars). The A6 Allroad quattro also had adaptive air suspension with variable damping fitted as standard. The default ground clearance was 130 mm, though the body could be lowered by 15 mm at speeds above 80 km/ and raised by 35 mm for the selectable ‘Comfort’ mode. Furthermore, a low speed lift mode provided an additional 10 mm of ground clearance (for 175 mm).

quattro

The Audi C7 A6 Allroad quattro’s four-wheel drive system utilised an Audi-developed ‘Crown Gear’ centre differential. In normal conditions, the system provided a 40:60 front:rear torque split. If traction was lost, however, up to 85 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the rear axle, and up to 70 per cent to the front axle. The system also included open front and rear differentials with electronic differential locks which could brake spinning wheels to enable cross-axle torque transfers.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi C7 A6 Allroad quattro included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a 2011 C7 A6 sedan received a five star safety rating with a 91 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 83 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver. In the side impact test, one point was deducted because the driver door unlatched. Under ANCAP’s methodology, this testing resulted in an adult occupant protection rating of 34.91 out of 37.

Features: Audi A6 Allroad quattro

Standard features for the Audi C7.I A6 Allroad quattro included 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/40 R20 tyres (with a space-saving spare tyre), a ten speaker 180 watt sound system with a CD player, MP3/WMA-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, Multi Media Interface (Audi’s ‘MMI’) with an eight-inch colour touch screen and hard-drive navigation, four-zone climate control air conditioning, Milano black leather upholstery, power adjustable and heated front seats, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity (mobile phone and audio streaming), front and rear parking sensors, a rear view camera, xenon headlights with daytime LED running lights and washers, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, steering wheel gearshift paddles split and folding rear seats, remote central locking with proximity key, an electromechanical parking brake, power windows, power adjustable and heated mirrors with auto-dimming and folding functions, cargo net, driver memory settings (for the driver’s seat and mirrors), a 12 volt power outlet, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

Review: Audi C7.II A6 Allroad quattro (2015-18)