Used 2018 Audi A4 allroad

The 2018 Audi A4 Allroad fulfills the promises made by the original Allroad, but with better technology, a more car-like ride and improved quality. Based on the excellent A4 sedan, the A4 Allroad wagon provides more space for cargo and a more capable suspension for traveling unpaved roads. With only 6.5 inches of ground clearance, the 2018 Audi isn’t designed for difficult off-road adventures, although it can tackle light off-road duties and snow-covered roads with ease. The moderate ride height also improves the Allroad’s cornering abilities. Wagons have always been a tough sell in the U.S., but with new competitors like the Volvo V90 and Jaguar XF Sportbrake, the Allroad might just be on the winning side of a niche segment about to take off.

Audi’s 2018 Allroad wagon suffers from the Goldilocks effect, where it splits the difference between the sometimes too-firm ride of a BMW and the softer suspension setups found with Lexus, Lincoln and some Mercedes-Benz vehicles. As a result, the Allroad proves a very comfortable daily driver that dispatches potholes and broken pavement with ease, yet can still illicit thrills when the freeway is exchanged for twisting mountain passes. The Allroad’s turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is a magnificent dynamo of power, and the 7-speed S tronic transmission shifts quickly and always at the appropriate time, although we did experience some roughness at lower speeds. Audi’s selectable drive modes adjust the adaptive suspension and steering feel, allowing for a softer ride in Comfort setting and sportier one in Dynamic mode. Leaving the system in Auto mode allows the Allroad to decide for itself, something most people will be just fine with.

The 2018 Audi Allroad’s 5-passenger cabin is one of its best assets. Behind the rear seats is over 24 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the 40/20/40-split rear seats, and there’s an SUV-like 58.5 cubic feet of space. North of the transmission lever is the MMI interface, a dial and auxiliary controls for audio, navigation and other functions on the central display screen. We give bonus points to the volume control just to the right, redundant to the knurled one in the steering wheel. Harder to reach are the ignition button and drive-mode controls. The CD player? It’s in the glove box.

If you don’t think station wagons can look good, rest your eyes on the 2018 Allroad. In one svelte shape it’s able to pull off rugged, athletic, practical and luxurious — the very traits it embodies as a whole. Up front is Audi’s pronounced Singleframe grille with vertical slats, while side sills, underbody protectors and roof rails give it an outdoorsy vibe. The newest Allroad has 6.5 inches of ground clearance, which is slightly lower than its predecessor, moderately less than the Volvo V60 Cross Country’s 7.9 inches, and quite a bit lower than the 8.7-inch figure of a Subaru Outback.

VIRTUAL COCKPIT
Without question one of our favorite Audi features, the Virtual Cockpit replaces the analog-instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch configurable digital display that can show virtual gauges, a huge Google Maps navigation display, audio setting and driving data.

THE SWEETEST SOUNDS
Who doesn’t love a good audio system. In the 2018 Audi A4 Allroad wagon, you can opt for a 755-watt, 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen unit. Standard on the Premium Plus and Prestige, the B & O system is one feature that sets Audi vehicles apart from more pedestrian cars.

The 2018 A4 Allroad comes in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Even the base model Premium is well equipped with leather seating, 8-way-power driver’s seat with 4-way lumbar support, 7-inch color display with rearview camera, tri-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof and HomeLink garage-door opener. The basic audio system brings 10 speakers, AM/FM/CD player with two USB ports, and CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The mid-trim Premium Plus comes with its excellent 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, heated front seats, power tailgate and LED headlights. All Allroads get the Pre Sense safety system that automatically brakes to prevent a collision.

The top-line Allroad Prestige model adds a larger 8.3-inch color display with navigation, the slick Virtual Cockpit, an upgraded MMI system with handwriting-style input, head-up display, and the side-assist blind-spot monitoring system. With this trim you also get adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist. This top trim also can be outfitted with ventilated front seats, while the other trims can be had with navigation and the Audi Connect Prime and Plus system with Wi-Fi connectivity and Google Earth mapping.

The 2018 Audi Allroad uses a recently redesigned turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine linked to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All Allroads have Audi’s latest version of Quattro all-wheel drive, called Quattro Ultra, which also helps efficiency efforts. The system works by powering the front wheels when possible, with the ability to instantly send power to the rear wheels when extra grip is needed. In addition to Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Individual driving modes, the Allroad has an Offroad setting that adjusts the powertrain and disables the Pre Sense systems. Note that the Allroad drinks premium unleaded.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
252 horsepower @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg