Audi allroad quattro – EU 🇪🇺 (C5 / type 4B, 2000-2005)

What: Audi allroad quattro (C5)
Era: Audi modern era
Model Family: A6 / A6 allroad
Market / Zone(s): Global (EU, UK, USA, others)
Model Years: 200o, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Debut: 2000 Geneva Motor Show
Production Span: May 2000–2005
Number Produced: 88,174 (first generation)
Model / Generation Code(s): type 4B
Chassis / Matrix: C5 / Volkswagen Group C-platform

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Body Style(s): Avant (station wagon, raised crossover configuration)
Drivetrain Configuration: Longitudinal front engine, all-wheel drive
Engine(s): 2.5-liter V6 TDI; 2.7-liter V6 Biturbo petrol; 4.2-liter V8 petrol
Power:
Torque:
Transmission(s): 6-speed manual (selected markets); 5-speed Tiptronic automatic
All-Wheel Drive Type: quattro permanent all-wheel drive with Torsen center differential
Suspension: Four-level adaptive air suspension with height adjustment
Low-Range Gearbox: Optional (early European models)
Front Brake Diameter:
Rear Brake Diameter:
Wheelbase: 2,759 mm
Length: 4,793 mm
Width: 1,852 mm
Height: approximately 1,544 mm to 1,592 mm
Curb Weight: approximately 1,865–1,915 kg (4,110–4,220 lbs)

PERFORMANCE

Acceleration for 2.7T (0–100 km/h / 0–62 mph): 6-speed manual: ~6.7 seconds, 5-speed Tiptronic automatic: ~7.0–7.1 seconds
Top Speed:

OTHER DETAILS

Predecessor: N/A
Successor: Audi allroad quattro (C6)
Platform Mates: Audi A6 (C5), Audi S6 (C5), Audi RS 6 (C5)
Concept Cars: Audi allroad quattro concept (Detroit Motor Show, 1998)
Assembly Location(s): Audi AG Neckarsulm
Designer(s):
Motorsport Homologations:

WHEEL / TIRE DETAILS

Wheel Size(s): 16-inch standard; 17-inch optional
Tire Size(s): Market dependent
Bolt Pattern: 5×112
Offset:

OVERVIEW

The Audi allroad quattro (C5) entered production in 2000 following the debut of the Audi allroad quattro concept at the 1998 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Developed from the C5-generation Audi A6 Avant, the allroad quattro combined the comfort and high-speed capability of a premium estate car with enhanced off-road functionality.

Audi positioned the model as a crossover before the segment became mainstream. Rather than engineering a highly specialized off-road vehicle, the objective was to create a fast, comfortable passenger car with genuine all-weather and light off-road capability.

Visually based on the A6 Avant, the allroad featured widened wheel arches with contrasting fender extensions, unpainted protective lower body cladding, reinforced bumpers and an aluminum skid plate. Its defining technical feature was a height-adjustable air suspension system offering four ride levels, allowing increased ground clearance for rough terrain and a lowered stance for high-speed driving.

Early European models were optionally available with a low-range transfer gearbox, further expanding off-road versatility.

Engine availability varied by market and included a 2.5-liter V6 TDI diesel, a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine and a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 at the top of the range. All versions were equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

Between May 2000 and 2005, a total of 88,174 first-generation Audi A6 allroad quattros were produced. The model established Audi’s early presence in the premium crossover estate category and laid the foundation for subsequent allroad generations.

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