This fall, an all-new Audi Allroad wagon arrives based on the most recent generation of the mid-size A4. Like the new A4, it gets new power, new chassis, and a lot of new technology to go with its fresh styling.
The Audi Allroad is to the A4 as the Subaru Outback is to the Legacy, or the Volvo Cross Country to their V90. It’s a off-road fortified version of the road going estate wagon with additional ground clearance and a healthy dose of heavy duty underpinnings.
You can tell it apart visually with its robust cladding around the bottom including the lower fascias, rockers and wheel arches. It will be available in black patterned plastic standard but optional in a body color painted finish. The fascias front and rear also get the expected brush guard under plate styling treatments as well.
Standard equipment on the A4 Allroad are xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, full LED headlights are optional. Standard wheels are 18-inch alloys with a unique finish, but other wheels choices will be available.
The cabin enjoys a standard panoramic sunroof, heated leather seats, and three-zone automatic climate control. There’s the new Audi MMI infotainment interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional will be the hot new virtual cockpit instrument cluster that’s making all the headlines this summer.
Powering the A4 Allroad exclusively is the third generation 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine with 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Audi says even with the extra weight of the Allroad, it will spring from 0-60 mpg in 5.9 seconds.
Standard gear changing comes by way of a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with all-wheel traction provided by a new generation of Audi’s well known Quattro system called Ultra. The big difference is an electronic de-coupler than can allow front-wheel drive operation to save fuel when all-wheel traction isn’t needed, but can connect instantly when it is.
An electronic multi-plate clutch along with a decoupling rear axle differential together allow for infinite levels of torque distribution either automatically divvied up or settable by the user drive modes, a set that is expanded for the off-road nature of the Allroad. The suspension has just over an inch of extra lift for extra ground clearance.
Pricing for the new 2017 Audi A4 Allroad starts at $44,000 for the Premium model and ranges up to $51,400 for the Prestige. Of course another $10,000 or more of options await should you choose them.
It will be arriving in dealerships of North America later this fall with final EPA estimates to be released closer to that time. We will bring you a far more detailed review when we get our first chance behind the wheel.
