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New Audi A6 Allroad vs Volvo V90 Cross Country: practicality

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 rear

Space and practicality

Front space, rear space, seating flexibility, boot

Up front, there isn’t much between our contenders in terms of space; both are easily big enough to accommodate occupants of most shapes and sizes. In the back, two 6ft-tall adults will be able to lounge about in both cars, but the V90 is particularly well endowed for leg room. Its optional panoramic glass roof (£1295) reduces head room a little, but it’s still fine, and the V90 is better for seating three abreast in the back – again, mainly thanks to that extra leg room. Both cars have a sizeable hump in the floor for the middle passenger to straddle, though.

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Used Volvo V90 16-present rear

Our contenders’ boots can each swallow a respectable eight carry-on suitcases below their tonneau covers, but there’s more space left over in the A6, which also has a lower floor for easier loading of heavy items. Rear seatbacks that split 40/20/40 in the A6 are more flexible than the V90’s 60/40 configuration.

Steve Huntingford

Updated: 8 October 2019

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Volvo V90 front cornering

Volvo V90

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Audi A6 Allroad

Audi A6 Allroad boot

A6 has handy levers inside its boot for dropping the rear seatbacks, plus a bit more cargo space and a lower floor; rear seats are spacious for two adults but not as good as V90’s for three abreast; both cars have electric tailgates.

Boot 565-1680 litres Suitcases 8

Volvo V90 Cross Country

Volvo V90 boot

V90’s boot is a similar shape to the A6’s and comes with a handy load divider, but the rear wheel arches eat up a bit more space; rear leg room is even better than in the A6; door pockets and cubbies are bigger and more useful.

Boot 560-1526 litres Suitcases 8

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