The interior elevates the well-executed A6 cabin with a number of show-friendly touches, such as unique steel-gray plastic, almost an entire glass roof, and power-folding rear seats. The real trick features lay in the electronics. Front and center is a large, relatively high-resolution display screen with onscreen instrumentation showing compass, pitch, and roll. The 1024x600 screen can display a video-game-style third-person navigation perspective that displays contextual 3D terrain mapping. In a demonstration, the allroad could be seen crossing valleys and approaching mountains -- a wonderful concept limited most by available maps. While exploring, the driver can snap a picture with a camera mounted behind the rearview mirror, preserving visual landmarks and capturing trip remembrances.
On the safety front, Side Assist uses radar to warn of vehicles in the blind spots, signaled by side mirror indicators. The concept car is also fitted with Lane Assist, a system that uses a video camera to detect unintentional drifting caused by a sleepy driver. A warning is issued through steering wheel vibration, feeling like a PS2 dual-shock controller. The coolest such onboard technology is the Road Vision system, which uses infrared light to read the upcoming terrain and make continuous adjustments to the electronic stabilization program and adaptive cruise control.
We drove the car briefly for photos, all the while cognizant that the allroad was riding on its only set of logo-emblazoned, laser-cut 255/45R19 tires. The 4.0L/286-hp TDI V-8 rumbles with a powerful certainty, joined by minimal underhood diesel thumping. With 480 lb-ft of torque at just 1600 rpm, the allroad concept felt ready to pounce at idle. The car itself felt supremely solid, from closing doors to transmitting road feedback. Rowing the six-speed Tiptronic transmission manually through the gears, shifting at a low 3500 rpm, there was always generous power on tap. The ride is firm, but not harsh, and steering weighted to the heavy side of lux. Altogether, exactly what was expected, based on experience with the hunkered and refined current generation allroad.
Audi readily admits that several technologies on this vehicle remain science-fiction cooked up by an internal think tank, but several pieces may see life in the future. Most notable is the powertrain, which is under strong consideration in the U.S. once the 2007 diesel fuel regulations make these Euro-developed more viable.
Insiders suggest that the allroad will be nudged uplevel in the product range, creating space for the Q7 sport/ute to fall between it and the more conventional A6 Avant. Clearly an advance over the current, respected car, the 2007 allroad promises to improve on the established formula without blazing new trails.