Overview

Arguably the Audi A4 Allroad is the exact opposite to many so called SUVs that are available today. Instead of being a slightly raised hatchback pretending to be an off-roader, the Allroad is essentially an Audi A4 Avant with some genuine capability off the beaten track.

Sure, there are some plastic wheelarch trims, a raised ride height and other styling queues that smack of SUV, but you won’t find a front-wheel drive poser here. All Allroads get Quattro four-wheel drive and a modest 35mm increase in ground clearance to further help the Allroad in tricky conditions.

Because of the standard four-wheel drive, there are only three engines to pick from. At the bottom of the range is a 2.0-litre diesel badged 40 TDI that develops a handy 204hp, with a 2.0-litre petrol 45 TFSI sitting above it. This develops a punchy 265hp, but it’s another diesel that sits at the top of the tree. Indeed, the 50 TDI is a 3.0-litre V6 with 286hp and sports car-like performance.

Similarly, there are far fewer trims available in the Allroad than the Avant. Sport trim is the entry-point and gets lots of equipment, and there’s no sporty S Line model, apt given the rough and tumble image. At the top of the range is Vorsprung which gets every bell and whistle going, but has a price beginning with a five. Ouch.

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The only real direct rival is the Volvo V60 Cross Country, although if the budget is bigger, Audi will sell you an A6 Allroad, or Mercedes-Benz will sell you an E-Class All-Terrain.

However, because of its body style and capabilities, the Allroad needs to impress with a breadth of talents. Audi gave it a refresh in 2019 alongside updates to the regular A4 models to keep it as competitive as possible. To find out if it’s worth considering, keep reading over the next few pages for our in-depth review.