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2017 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro Offers a Refined SUV Alternative in Motor City

With the Audi A4 Allroad Quattro now being in its second generation, many can't help but wonder what this stylish SUV alternative has to offer over its predecessor. We walked the NAIAS floor to find out.
2017 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro 17 photos
Photo: Chris Doane
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We'll start with what makes the Allroad Quattro special compared to an A4 Avant. Ingolstadt engineers have increased the suspension-induced ride height by almost one inch, which, coupled with the larger wheels, means the Allroad Quattro sits 1.3 inches (34 mm) higher than your new A4 wagon. Since we mentioned the wheels, we have to explain the standard unit comes in a 17-inch size, while the list of options takes things up to 19 inches.

The leave-the-road-behind model is further differentiated with the help of elements such as beefier fenders, underbody guard plates, a new rear apron and roof rails.

Returning to the differences compared to the previous generation, you should expect nothing but Audi's steady evolutionary pace here.

For instance, the engine compartment now houses TFSI and TDI units delivering between 150 and 272 hp, a 27 hp increase over the past generation. On the transmission front, this Audi can be had with a six-speed manual, a seven-speed dual-clutch or an eight-speed automatic. Still, Audi hasn't announced the US market powertrain availability yet.

Oh, and you should know this Audi doesn't let anybody cut corners and embarrass themselves in front of car people - you can't have a front-wheel-drive model, since the quattro hardware is standard.

Since the suspension is so important for the Allroad Quattro, we'll mention the rear axle ditches the trapezoidal setup in favor of a five-link setup.

The front axle offers an updated five-link setup, which, together with that employed at the back, brings a weight saving of 26.4 lbs (12 kg), while also improving comfort by reducing unsprung mass. As an option, you can order adaptive dampers.

Given the model's rugged ground potential, the Audi drive select offers a dedicated Offroad mode, but Audi talks about using this to operate the car in light terrain.

There is one thing we don't appreciate about the 2017 A4 Allroad Quattro, though - in the quest to save weight and show improved efficiency figures, a plaque that is affecting more and more new cars, this Audi packs a tire fix kit instead of a spare wheel. Explain that to the rocks that cut your tires.

While the automaker hasn't mentioned the US market launch date, European Allroad customers will meet the fresh model this summer.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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