Feature

New Audi A6 Allroad vs Volvo V90 Cross Country: interiors

These posh estates have more go-anywhere ability than most. But which is better: the new Audi A6 Allroad or Volvo’s V90 Cross Country?

Audi A6 Allroad interior

Behind the wheel

Driving position, visibility, build quality

Both cars have excellent driving positions with a wide range of steering wheel and seat adjustment (the latter electric). However, we’d take the V90 for its more comfortable seat and extra space for your left leg. The V90 also gives you a head-up display that beams essential information onto the windscreen, so you don’t need to look down at the instrument panel as much.

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Volvo V90 interior

The A6 is noticeably easier to see out of, though, with thinner front pillars and a bigger rear glass area that makes reversing and changing lanes easier. Both cars have front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera to help with low-speed manoeuvring, and they come as standard with LED headlights that adjust the shape of their main beams automatically to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers.

Our contenders score equally highly for interior quality, with plush materials and a similar sense of solidity. However, they compromise on usability by incorporating some major features, such as their climate controls, within touchscreens –the V90 on its main infotainment screen, the A6 on a second screen below. These are more distracting to operate while driving than dial controllers and physical buttons, such as those in the BMW 5 Series.