You’ve got to hand it to Audi — I have yet to find a blemish in their lengthy fleet of German-built vehicles.
My latest ride was the 2018 Audi A4 Allroad 2.0T Quattro S tronic luxury wagon. And it, too, hits the mark.
Powered by a 2.0-liter TFSI engine mated to a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission with Quattro all-wheel drive system, the A4 Allroad is designed to withstand everything the inclement Pacific Northwest winter weather can throw its way.
A4 Allroad Quattro combines great ride comfort with off-road qualities, allowing it to enjoy a special position in its segment. Thanks to the standard Quattro drive and the greater ground clearance, the car keeps on driving with ease even where the paved road ends.
The engine generates 252 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque while simultaneously reducing C02 emissions. It spoils up to five adults in a cabin loaded with comfort, technology, safety and convenience features. And it provides owners with an EPA-estimated 30-miles-per-gallon fuel economy down the highway.
A power tailgate opens with the push of the fob, delivering plenty of room for groceries, overnight luggage or even golf bags with one side of the split-fold rear seats deployed. And a panoramic sunroof allows light to flood the interior and brighten everyone’s mood.
My tester was equipped with a Prestige Package ($8,500) that added numerous safety features and even more luxury attributes. The highlights included a Bang and Olufsen system with 3D sound, heads-up display in full color, parking system with rear- and top-view camera, Audi virtual cockpit with MMI navigation that utilizes Google Earth and adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist.
A Cold Weather Package ($650) adds heated rear seats and steering wheel to the heated front seats and power-folding exterior mirrors.
A touchpad is integrated in the MMI control panel for the top infotainment system, the MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch and 8.3-inch monitor. It can be used to zoom in and out as well as to input characters.
The whole MMI control logic is similar to that of a smartphone, including the intelligent free-text search function. The new, natural voice control system can also recognize easily understandable input in everyday language, such as: “I want to call Peter Miller.”
Standard equipment has become even more diverse compared with the predecessor models. It includes Xenon headlights, keyless engine starting, Bluetooth interface, Audi drive select, leather seating and an adaptive damping suspension.
Other new and important safety features include the park assist, rear cross traffic assist, exit warning, collision avoidance assist and turn assist as well as the Audi Pre-sense systems. Camera-based recognition of traffic signs is also offered.
Base Price: $45,475
Price As Driven: $55,200
Destination charge is included in the base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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