If you’re in the market for something that combines comfort, practicality, and a little off-road capability, odds are you’re combing through a seemingly endless number of crossover models. But while the crossover’->ke288s popularity is unrivaled in the U.S., its jack-of-all-trades disposition is far from perfect, especially when it comes to things like maneuverability, ride quality, and driving dynamics. So what if you want all the advantages of a crossover, but in a decidedly more car-like package? Audi->ke14 has the answer, and it’s called the 2017 A4 Allroad. Unveiled at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show,->ke222 this next-gen vehicle brings a revamped drivetrain, revised suspension, and even more features for the occasional jaunt into the rough stuff, making it a real alternative in a sea of CUVs.

Audi first offered the A4 Allroad in 2009, but the philosophy hasn’t changed – take the style and familiarity of a wagon, and infuse it with maximum functionality. To that end, Audi starts with the A4 Avant (a model that’s sadly reserved only for non-U.S. customers) and adds new styling cues and beefier hard bits. The result is something that keeps the easy-driving, good-looking wagon->ke143 stuff, but adds a little extra for ski runs or traversing the dirt path to that hidden trailhead.

It’s a tempting combination, but is it enough to entice buyers away from the crossover status quo?

Updated 07/26/2016: Audi just released info on the U.S.-spec A4 Allroad Quattro, so we’ve updated the Drivetrain and Prices sections with the latest.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Audi A4 Allroad.

2017 - 2018 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 - 2018 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 252
  • Torque: 273
  • Transmission: seven-speed S tronic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Dimensionally, the A4 Allroad is similar to the A4 Avant. It’s a little longer and taller, measured at 15.6 feet in length and 4.9 feet in height, but the overall width (6 feet) and wheelbase (9.2 feet) are identical to its wagon originator.

Stylistically, however, the Allroad stands out thanks to a variety of traditional off-roader cues. Look to the corners and you’ll see puffed-up fenders, which come finished in an unpainted matte grey, just like previous Allroad models. You can also get the fenders painted to match the body color, just so long as you get your Allroad in Argus brown, floret silver, glacier white, Manhattan grey, or mythos black. In total, there are 14 different hues to choose from when selecting a paint color.

Underbody protection is in place in the front, and there’s a diffuser in the rear, both finished in selenite silver. Roof rails come standard. There’s also a unique front fascia, which sports a restyled bumper and tweaked air intakes. Audi’s signature Singleframe grille is present as well, but it comes with vertical chrome slats on the Allroad, rather than the A4 sedan’s horizontal slats.

The headlights, however, are the same units as those used on non-Allroad models. They come with integrated DRLs and turn signals, plus a Xenon lighting element as standard. Options include LEDs with dynamic rear turn signals, as well as Matrix LEDs with dynamic turn signals front and back. There’s also a traffic sign glare reduction feature on top-spec models.

Punctuating the rear end is a leading-edge roof spoiler, while a variety of “allroad” badges pepper the exterior. An optional aluminum exterior package adds a little flash, if desired.

Compared to the traditional box-on-wheels that is the modern crossover, the A4 Allroad is sleek and slippery. The stance is taller than a typical passenger vehicle, but not awkwardly so. The lines are purposeful, but not brutish. All in all, it’s hard to deny just how good it looks.

Interior

Anyone concerned with practicality will be eager to learn that the A4 Allroad offers 17.8 cubic feet of luggage space in the rear. Fold down the rear bench and that number expands to 53.3 cubic feet. A standard power luggage compartment cover and electric tailgate make things easier, while a foot sensor for hands-free tailgate access is an available option.

Beyond the increase in space, the A4 Allroad’s interior is quite similar to its wagon and sedan siblings. Layout, materials, and colors are all pretty much a carryover, as is the central dash display, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and large digital instrument cluster.

Tech-wise, buyers will enjoy standard features like a convenience key, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 7-inch MMI screen with rotary pushbutton operation. Options include a larger 8.3-inch display, a heads-up display, and a 12.3-inch screen with Audi virtual cockpit. Passengers in the rear get an Audi tablet for entertainment.

Bang & Olufsen provides the tunes with an optional 19-speaker stereo system equipped with “3D” sound, which manages to vary sound “height” for an enhanced aural experience. There’s also optional “deluxe automatic air conditioning” that uses capacitive controls and high-resolution displays for an even more luxurious feel. Finally, there’s the optional interior lighting package that offers 30 shades of non-grey ambient lighting.

Connectivity comes via 4G LTE as standard, and includes roadside assistance, smartphone calendar integration, remote function control, status reports, and media streaming. After pairing your iOS or Android device (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included), a Qi wireless charging function keeps the battery topped off.

Drivetrain

First and foremost, the A4 Allroad comes standard with quattro AWD, the most obvious choice when it comes to maximizing vehicle capability. Updated for the 2017 model year, this mechanical system uses wheel-selective torque control for better traction in slippery conditions.

Looking to haul a lot of stuff? Audi is offering an optional rail and load securing kit to make the most of the space. There’s also an optional pivoting trailer hitch that will electronically extend with the push of a button, and Audi says you can actually tow up to 4,630 pounds.

A range of engine options provides the motivation, including one gasoline-powered TFSI engine and no less than five diesel-powered TDI engines. Unfortunately, given the current public perception of diesel-powered vehicles hailing from the Volkswagen Group umbrella (including Audi), U.S. customers are limited to just the TFSI gas unit.

Not that it’s a bad powerplant. It’s more powerful and more efficient than the outgoing 2.0-liter four-cylinder, creating 252 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 273 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. That’s a significant jump from the current model’s 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox, the only transmission option for the U.S., the new engine will propel the car from 0-to-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Top speed is rated at roughly 150 mph. Official mileage numbers are still forthcoming, but expect a figure between 33 and 37 mpg.

That’s all well and good, but I can’t help but feel cheated when looking over the oil burners going to Europe.

Like the TFSI, the TDI engines are also more powerful and more efficient than their predecessors. Starting it off is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder offered in two states of tune. The first makes 163 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm, while the second makes 190 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. Mate either one to the seven-speed S tronic transmission, and you’re looking at 48 mpg, with the 190-horsepower variant propelling the A4 Allroad to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and topping out at 137 mph.

Next is a 3.0-liter TDI six-cylinder, which is also offered in two states of tune. The first makes 218 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque between 1,250 and 3,750 rpm. Most exciting, however, is the top-spec TDI, which makes 272 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. Properly motivated, this engine boosts the A4 Allroad to 60 mph in a mere 5.5 seconds, all while getting 44 mpg.

Finally, Audi says it will add another 2.0-liter TDI with 150 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque sometime after market launch.

Additional transmission options include a six-speed manual and a redesigned eight-speed tiptronic, which vary in availability depending on engine choice. Again, these are just for the Europeans, while U.S. customers must make do with the seven-speed. But don’t fret – like the TFSI engine it mates to, the seven-speed gearbox is still very solid.

Newly updated for the 2017 model year, this dual-clutch unit offers reduced friction, lower weight, higher efficiency, and a dual-mass flywheel with a centrifugal force pendulum for lower idle speeds. Gear changes are measured in hundredths of a second, and Audi says there’s “virtually no interruption” in power delivery between shifts.

Chassis And Handling

Thanks to a taller ride height and larger wheels, the new A4 Allroad adds an extra 1.3 inches of ground clearance compared to the A4 Avant. While not necessarily ideal for rock crawling, the extra clearance should be about right for the kind of light off-roading most owners will run into.

Up front is a redesigned five-link suspension, which cuts 11 pounds compared to the outgoing model. There’s a new five-link in back as well, which replaces the old trapezoidal-link and cuts an additional 15.4 pounds thanks to the use of lightweight materials. All told, the new model is nearly 200 pounds lighter than the old.

The updated electromechanical power steering system is part of the diet, cutting 7.7 pounds on its own. The new system also improves feel, and buyers can go for dynamic, variable-ratio steering is an available option.

New for 2017 is active damper control, which uses sensors to monitor things like wheel movement, and lateral and longitudinal acceleration for smarter suspension settings. Drivers can also alter suspension behavior with the push of a button.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch five-V-spoke wheels, while optional wheel designs can be had in diameters ranging up to 19-inches. In front are large 13.3-inch ventilated brake discs.

Audi also updated its drive select system to offer new settings. On top of auto, comfort, dynamic, efficiency, and individual, the list of drive modes now includes an offroad setting, altering things like engine and transmission control, the steering, the suspension, and various driver and assistance systems for more fun off the paved stuff.

Safety

Audi brought in the same safety and driver assistance technologies as can be found on the A4 sedan and Q7 SUV. There’s adaptive cruise control with a Stop&Go traffic jam assistant, which will take over throttle, braking, and even steering duties up to 40 mph. There’s also predictive efficiency assistant, park assist, rear cross-traffic assist, collision avoidance assist, turn assist, side-exit assist, electronic stabilization control, and Audi Pre Sense.

There’s also trailer maneuver assist, which is newly available for 2017. This lets you steer your trailer using the MMI controller, making life much easier with a tow.

A tire repair kit comes as standard.

Prices

The Audi A4 Allroad arrives in European dealerships this summer, starting at 44,750 euros ($49,192 at current exchange rates, 07/25/16).

U.S customers get three trim levels to choose from. The base-model Premium starts at $44,000, while the mid-range Premium Plus starts at $47,000. Finally, the range-topping Prestige goes for $51,400. Each of these prices does not include destination charge, taxes, title, options, or dealer fees.

Look for the 2017 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro in stateside dealers this fall.

2018 Audi A4 Allroad Prices

Audi A4 Allroad Premium

#44,500

Audi A4 Allroad Premium Plus

$47,200

Audi A4 Allroad Prestige

$53,000


Competition

2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country

When it comes to crossover station wagons, the Volvo XC70->ke3036 might still be the prototypical offering (along with the Subaru Outback),->ke1052 but in terms of styling and size, the new Audi Allroad will be competing against the Volvo V60 Cross Country. Even though it’s smaller than the XC70, the V60 Cross Country is priced higher than its wagon-based sibling and closer to the current Audi, with a starting price of $41,000.

Read our full review of the Volvo V60 Cross Country here.

2018 Mercedes Allroad Competitor

A Mercedes-Benz->ke187 board member recently stated that the German automaker will continue to evolve and expand its current lineup of crossovers and SUVs, and a good bet to fill one of these niche segments is a high-riding, 4Matic-equipped station wagon designed solely to take on the Audi Allroad. Although nothing has been confirmed (or even captured in spy photography), it is very likely that a Mercedes rival to the Audi Allroad lineup could be based on the C-Class->ke1593 and E-Class->ke373 wagons, offering an extremely versatile one-two punch.

Read our full review of the 2018 Mercedes Allroad Competitor here.

Conclusion

The crossover craze has never been hotter in this country, which makes a model like the A4 Allroad a bit of an oddity. It’s one of the few remaining wagons slated for U.S. consumption, but that shouldn’t be seen as a detriment. The A4 Allroad offers all the same benefits you’d expect from a light utility vehicle, but in a truly car-like package. And therein lies its strength – its ability to deliver comfort, practicality, and capability, but from a totally different approach. It's different, both in the way it drives and the way it looks, and anyone who buys one should be proud of that.

Too bad about the diesels, though.

Spy Shots

July 20, 2015 - first testing session

Update History

Updated 01/12/2016: Audi unveiled the 2017 A4 Allroad Quattro at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show.