2017 Audi A4 allroad quattro
The new Audi A4 allroad quattro* is the most expressive form of driving an A4. It combines extroverted, individual design with maximum functionality. Its standard quattro drive in combination with the powerful and efficient engines makes it the perfect companion in any situation.
Exterior design
The new Audi A4 allroad quattro* rolls off the assembly line with more ground clearance and a charismatic look. It shows a distinctly V-shaped front end with a unique bumper and model-specific air inlets. Vertical chrome slats adorn its sculpted Singleframe grille; the robust underbody guard and the rear diffuser are finished in selenite silver. The powerfully flared wheel arches and the rear bumper are finished in matt structure gray or optionally in the body colors Argus brown, floret silver, glacier white, Manhattan gray or mythos black. A total of 14 exterior colors are available for the new A4 allroad quattro.
The headlights with their distinctively jagged lower edge create unmistakable lighting graphics. A light guide forming two acute angles provides for the daytime running lights and – at the upper edge of the housing – the turn signals. Xenon plus units are standard. Audi also offers LED headlights with dynamic rear turn signals and Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signals all around. The top version features traffic sign glare reduction, giving the driver an optimal view of road signs at all times.
The roofline begins to descend early, flowing into flat D-pillars. The standard roof rails are black. With the optional aluminum exterior package, they together with the window trim strips and the sills add a further touch when viewed from the side. The exterior mirrors are mounted on the shoulders of the doors; “allroad” badges decorate the front fenders, the tailgate and the front door sill trims.
2017 Audi A4 allroad quattro
Thanks to a sophisticated insulation concept and a wide variety of aerodynamic solutions, the A4 allroad quattro features luxury-class acoustic comfort. At its aerodynamic rear end it sports a low-drawn roof edge spoiler with side fins. Depending on the engine, the exhaust system is either a single- or dual-branch system and terminates either in a twin exhaust tailpipe (TDI) or two separate tailpipes (TFSI).
4,750 millimeters (15.6 ft) long and 1,842 millimeters (6.0 ft) wide, the new Audi A4 allroad quattro resembles its technical foundation, the A4 Avant*. It measures 1,493 millimeters (4.9 ft) in height. The wheelbase measures 2,818 millimeters (9.2 ft).
Body and luggage compartment
Despite the larger dimensions, the new Audi A4 allroad quattro* has a curb weight that is up to 90 kilograms (198.4 lb) less than that of the previous model. With the 2.0 TFSI engine, it tips the scales (without driver) at just 1,580 kilograms (3,483.3 lb). Geometric lightweight construction and an intelligent mix of materials have trimmed 15 kilograms (33.1 lb) from the body.
The luggage compartment of the new A4 allroad quattro offers 505 liters (17.8 cu ft) of storage space in the standard configuration. Total capacity with the rear seats folded down and loaded to the roof is 1,510 liters (53.3 cu ft). An optional rail and load-securing kit makes it easier to transport individual objects. The power luggage compartment cover and the electric drive for the tailgate are standard. With the optional sensor control, the driver can open and close the lid via a foot gesture. The optional trailer hitch unlocks electronically at the push of a button. The new Audi A4 allroad quattro is certified for towed loads of up to 2,100 kilograms (4,629.7 lb) (with an eight percent grade).
Engines
The strong-pulling TFSI and TDI engines in the new Audi A4 allroad quattro* offer improved performance with better efficiency. The TFSI and five TDI units produce between 110 kW (150 hp) and 200 kW (272 hp), which is up to 20 kW (27 hp) more than in the previous model. At the same time, the engineers have reduced CO2 emissions by up to 21 grams per kilometer (33.8 g/mi) (2.0 TDI 140 kW). All engines satisfy the limits of the Euro 6 emissions standard.
The standard, updated start-stop system 2.0 offers changes that further reduce fuel consumption. When the driver approaches a red light, it can already deactivate the engine at speeds below 7 km/h (4.3 mph) (3.0 TDI with tiptronic: 3 km/h (1.9 mph)).
The newly developed 2.0 TFSI produces 185 kW (252 hp) and delivers 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. In combination with the seven-speed S tronic, the new Audi A4 allroad quattro sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 6.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 246 km/h (152.9 mph). NEDC fuel consumption is 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.8 US mpg), corresponding to 147 grams CO2 per km (236.6 g/mi).
Audi is initially offering the 1,968 cc 2.0 TDI in two versions with different outputs. The first produces 120 kW (163 hp) and 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm; the second version produces 140 kW (190 hp) and 400 Nm between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. With either version and with the seven-speed S tronic, the new A4 allroad quattro consumes on average 4.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (48.0 US mpg), corresponding to 128 grams CO2 per kilometer (206.0 g/mi). The 140 kW (190 hp) version of the 2.0 TDI reaches the 100 km/h (62.1 mph) mark from a standing start in just 7.8 seconds. Top speed is 220 km/h (136.7 mph).
The A4 allroad family will grow further following the market launch. One addition will be the 2.0 TDI with an output of 110 kW (150 hp) and maximum torque of 320 Nm (236.0 lb-ft).
Audi also offers the 3.0 TDI in two variants with different outputs, either 160 kW (218 hp) or 200 kW (272 hp). The two six-cylinder TDI units with a displacement of 2,967 cc are special engines combining supreme power with refined smoothness and efficiency. The first variant of the 3.0 TDI produces 160 kW (218 hp). Its torque of 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft) is available between 1,250 and 3,750 rpm.
The top version of the 3.0 TDI delivers 200 kW (272 hp) und 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft), the latter between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. It accelerates the new A4 allroad quattro like a sports car. The standard sprint takes just 5.5 seconds; the governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph) is just a formality. NEDC fuel consumption is just 5.3 liters per 100 km (44.4 US mpg), corresponding to 139 grams CO2 per km (223.7 g/mi).
Drivetrain
quattro all-wheel drive is standard with the new A4 allroad quattro*. Depending on the engine, there is a choice of the manual six-speed transmission, the seven-speed S tronic and the eight-speed tiptronic.
Audi offers the manual transmission and the new S tronic for the 2.0 TDI. The dual-clutch transmission is standard with the 2.0 TFSI and the 3.0 TDI with 160 kW (218 hp). The most important improvements are further reductions in friction, the low weight, a highly efficient oil supply and dual-mass flywheel with a centrifugal force pendulum, which allows for very low idle speeds. Gear changes are performed within a few hundredths of a second and with virtually no interruption in the power flow by changing the clutches. Power flows from the drive shaft to the front-axle differential via a spur gear stage.
This also marks the first time that the eight-speed tiptronic is available in the A4 allroad quattro. It is reserved for the 3.0 TDI with 200 kW (272 hp). The soft, quick and spontaneously shifting torque-converter transmission has been completely redeveloped. Its high number of gears enables the engine to operate close to the ideal load point very often. Both automatic transmissions are state-of-the-art and feature a wide gear spread. Their lower gears feature short, sporty ratios, while the upper gears are long to reduce revs and fuel consumption. Drivers can choose between the modes D, S and E, and change gears manually at any time using either the selector lever or the standard shift paddles on the steering wheel.
quattro all-wheel drive from Audi represents the ultimate plus in dynamics, traction, driving safety and straight-line stability. It is purely mechanical and thus operates with zero delay. quattro drive is partnered with the updated wheel-selective torque control system, which is active on any surface.
Chassis
Ride height, which has been increased by 23 millimeters (0.9 in), and larger wheels compared with the Audi A4 Avant* provide an additional 34 millimeters (1.3 in) of ground clearance. The new Audi A4 allroad quattro* is thus equally at home on the road or in light terrain.
As an alternative to the standard suspension, the A4 allroad quattro is available for the first time with optional suspension with damper control. Sensors measure the movements of all four wheels plus lateral and longitudinal acceleration. The damper characteristic adapts accordingly to the surface conditions and the driving situation. The results are enhanced handling with even greater comfort and good off-road properties. Furthermore, the driver can push a button to choose the default setting of the suspension in Audi drive select and thus call up the desired handling characteristics at any time.
The new Audi A4 allroad quattro features a new version of Audi drive select with an expanded range of functions. In addition to the familiar comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual (only in combination with the navigation system) modes, offroad mode is available for when the driver leaves paved roads behind. It optimally adjusts the engine and transmission control, the steering, the optional adaptive suspension and all relevant driver and assistance systems to operation in light terrain.
An updated five-link suspension is used on the front axle. It offers optimal comfort combined with a high degree of agility. The developers reduced its weight by five kilograms (11.0 lb) compared with the previous version.
Audi has also turned to a new, compact design for the electromechanical power steering that shaves 3.5 kilograms (7.7 lb) from the weight of the previous model. It provides the driver with more direct feedback about the road conditions and offers improved steering precision. Dynamic steering with a variable steering ratio is available as an option.
In the back, a five-link construction replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used previously. Audi used an intelligent mix of materials to reduce the weight of the axle components by an additional seven kilograms (15.4 lb).
The new Audi A4 allroad quattro comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design. Audi and quattro GmbH offer optional variants in sizes from 17 to 19 inches. A repair kit and a tire pressure indicator are standard.
The internally ventilated brake discs on the front axle measure up to 338 millimeters (13.3 in) in diameter. The electromechanical parking brake is integrated into the rear axle. The Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) follows specific characteristics in the Audi drive select modes dynamic and offroad.
Interior and equipment
The new Audi A4 allroad quattro* is generously spacious. The interior design features a clear architecture with a consistent focus on horizontal lines. This principle is best illustrated by the low instrument panel and continuous air vent strip. The optional deluxe automatic air conditioning with capacitive controls and high-resolution displays underscores the interior’s overall premium impression. Audi offers an optional interior lighting package with ambient lighting in 30 different shades. The comprehensive range of colors and high-grade materials for the seats and inlays corresponds to that of the A4 model series.
The focal points of the innovative cockpit are the new MMI operating concept with rotary pushbutton including MMI touch, the large MMI display of up to 8.3 inches and the optional all-digital, 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit. The new voice control system can recognize input made using everyday language, such as: “I want to call Peter Miller.” A head-up display adds to the list of options.
Audi connect brings tailored online services to the car via the fast LTE standard. Services include online roadside assistance, smartphone calendar integration, remote control functions and status reports via smartphone, plus apps for streaming media. The Audi phone box connects cell phones to the on-board antenna and charges them inductively according to the Qi standard. The new Audi smartphone interface integrates iOS and Android devices. For discerning hi-fi fans, the Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System is available, tapping into the spatial dimension of height. The Audi tablet also functions as flexible Rear Seat Entertainment.
All driver assistance and safety systems for the A4 model series are available for the new A4 allroad quattro. One of the highlights is adaptive cruise control Stop&Go including traffic jam assist. At speeds of up to 65 km/h (40.4 mph), it takes over acceleration and braking and helps with steering. The driver receives additional support from the trailer maneuver assist, which is available on the A4 allroad for the first time. This makes it easier to maneuver a trailer. The driver steers via the MMI controller. Other new features include the predictive efficiency assistant, park assist, cross-traffic assist rear, exit warning, collision avoidance assist, turn assist and the Audi pre sense systems.
The Audi A4 allroad quattro is coming to dealerships in Germany and other European countries in summer 2016. Compared with the previous model, the list of standard equipment is even more generous. Among other things, it includes xenon headlights, convenience key, a Bluetooth interface, Audi drive select (from 140 kW) and a 7-inch MMI color display.
