We have confirmation from Audi USA president, Johan de Nysschen that we will indeed see the upcoming 2013 Audi A4 allroad here stateside. I can’t wait to see the allroad back on these shores and I’m excited to get behind the wheel. Earlier today we released the full details on the new A4, allroad and S4 which are updated and refined, and feature impressive updates both inside and out. One question that remains is whether or not we will get the option for adjustable air suspension which was a hallmark of the previous generation A6 based allroad. Enjoy these details photos and a nice video highlight reel!
smallroad.
No manual transmission in the picture gallery. Better bring that option to North America or many of us will keep our old MT Audis and pass on the A4 allroad.
it’s not an ‘allroad’ without the proper air supension. TDI would be a huge bonus.
The U.S. needs a TDI Quattro with a 6-speed MANUAL transmission!!!
@firefox250, you are on the mark. Audi should give us a TDI A4 avant with Quattro option. Manual transmissions should be offered across the board. An automatic, front wheel drive A3 TDI should not be worthy of the Audi badge. This is an enthusiast driving car, not a Camry.
That second to the bottom middle pic sure has the allroad sitting higher then the others…makes me think it will indeed have air suspension? Aren’t the new A4′s nearly as big as what the 1st gen allroad is anyway? Car looks really nice I think.
Like the six speed manual & TDI truly the way go.!!! I hope the us gov. has common sense!!
The bad news: We won’t get TDI for this version…
The good news: In 2014/2015 we will be getting an all new B9 chassis A4 that will hit the states with TDI available in all versions of A4! Probably even a hybrid as well!
Please! Allroad needs manual transmission, TDi, Quattro! I want to drive! Please listen!
1. TDI
2. Quattro
3. Manual
That’s the only combo that would make me buy another Audi. Adjustable Air suspension is a nice bonus too.
The only reason I won’t buy it is no air ride suspension. That is going to turn about 80% or even more of us current A6 Allroad owners away. If I didn’t want air ride suspensions I would have bought an S6 avant. In USA this cars big competition is the Volvo XC70. Since both have no air ride I will go Volvo. But I do like the smaller size of the A4 based Allroad
As a current, original owner of a 6 speed allroad, I really hope this comes available with a 6 speed manual transmission. TDI would be great too. We need Diesels!
Without height adjustable suspension, isn’t it just an odd looking A4?
Agree with previous post; without air suspension, skid plate, etc, isn’t it just an A4 avant with grey fender flares?
It needs something to make it truly an Allroad, and not a cosmetic option package on an A4 Avant.
The Allroad had air suspension, skid plates, two-tone more durable leather interior, 6-speed, etc.
Calling it an Allroad has to refer to more than cosmetics. Make the Allroad package more substantial. Air suspension, manual, TDI, build in a cool rack system, some sort of outdoor activity package, and/or something else to make it unique in the model range.
I also think the A4 is a small chassis to build it on, but I guess Audi sells plenty of A4 Avants, much more than A6 Avants, and it appeals to younger crowd which would embrace the Allroad. But a car for lugging gear and being outdoorsy could be too small in an A4 chassis.
Bruce
First of all – Thanks to Josh for keeping the allroad’s name in lower case, very much appreciated
If Audi really listens to us allroad veterans then they should know by now after numerous requests to AoA what we would like to see here in the U.S. for the next Generation allroad – adjustable suspension (steal it from the Cayenne if necessary
, Turbo Diesel power plants throughout the variety of selected engines with manual transmission options and Quattro of course.
It would also be nice to see if Audi can design the rear seats to sit flat in the car when folded down, as you may know, it doesn’t do it in our older models.
The more intriguing challenge would be to re-work the suspension, camber or caster corrections are nearly impossible, and most alignment shops have difficulties with the rear axle since there isn’t anything to correct except throwing in new, expensive parts.
And throw in one of these fancy cigarette lighter LED flash lights…just as a nice gesture, the allroad should remain the most versatile vehicle out there w/o having to step up to an SUV.
Audi has done a great job with the original allroad and should follow this tradition. Even though it may just have been an experiment to get into the SUV market, well Audi, it worked! So please keep at it!
The Bugatti Veyron may have been a Concorde moment in Automotive history, but in all honesty, for the every day run to the office, Starbucks coffee drinking average person, it was the allroad that deserved this title.
Sincerely,
a proud allroad owner
As the first original owner to have broken the 200,000 mile mark in the original allroad, I have a true affinity for the allroad. For me to drive the A4 allroad it would need to have; Height Adjustable Suspension, a turbo or supercharged motor and a true 6 speed manual transmission and the ability to tow a boat and handle mild off road treks and a day at a driving school track. This is the uniqueness of the allroad…its ability to handle all roads.
The allroad is more than a standard audi with plastic body parts added, its a heavy duty car, with power and luxury and the unique ability to drive in varied conditions. Even more than a typical Audi.
Build it and I would rive it.
Needs air suspension. If one wanted a tall wagon, they’d get the Q5.
I want a wagon 75% of the time, offroad vehicle 25% of the time. I would buy another A6 allroad tomorrow to replace my totaled ’03. For now, my 4.2 Touareg (with air suspension) will have to do, as even they are no longer available with a/s in the US. This will force me into a Land Rover once the Touareg is done.
Even the new Grand Cherokee has an air suspension. Sad.
I kind of think with the new Grand Cherokee ad stowing it auto lowers its self at speed to save MPG is poking fun of what we are posting about. I would like to see Audi offer the option for us to special order an A6 allroad from germany and have it shipped here.
A lot of us allroad owners love our air suspensions. However, I think there is a good compromise avialable. While I do at times use the allroad off-road on Level 3 or 4, usually I just like the usability of the self-levelling. Keeping the car in the same place regardless of load, particularly when towing or full of stuff allows the suspension to be more capable for a given ride height.
How about self-levelling helper springs in the rear? No fancy control system needed. Coil springs could do most of the work, or the airsprings could do it all. My family’s 1981 Mercedes 300TD did this well. That could preserve the higher gross axle weight ratings and towing capacity of the vehicle, while allowing a lower stance overall; not needing to prop the rear up high or use overly stiff rear springs to achieve the same result.
I know a lot of allroaders use the suspension adjustment for the height, but I, for one, would be 90+% as likely to be happy with a car that can handle full loads and towing when needed, and not be too stiff when its empty.
Whether part of a 4-wheel and adjustable height suspension or not, rear spring rate and pre-load adjustment via rear airsprings could be great.
Also, the manual transmission is a must. There are few options for those who want a big luxury car with a manual. My next car, like my current three, will be a manual. Please, don’t make me go elsewhere for it. Brands like MINI are benefitting from enticing people into buying manuals for all the right reasons. Audi should join in that fight and reap the rewards of doing something different from the “others”.
The biggest inhibitor to bringing the A6 allroad, or avant for that matter, is price. Audi is only concerned about their monthly or annual bottom line. Unfortunately, all the things that you guys want only add to the impossibility of getting an allroad stateside. And it’s not just air suspension that distinguished the C5 allroad; different control arms and engine mounts, towing capacity. Of course the A4 allroad will have none of those things because the “allroad body cladding package” itself will probably push the price of the A4 to 55k.
I do hope the A4 allroad sells well, but I won’t be helping as I’m not going to plop down a couple grand for plastic pieces. For that money, I’d go for a prem+ S4 avant. Is it really that impossible to sell more S4 avants than a4 allroads or TTS’s?
I’m hopeful now that the A4 allroad is here, but for someone who has had a C5 allroad and A3 3.2, I would like to have something more…more as in an avant that hits 5 secs or has a hefty TDI option. But something is better than nothing. I should probably just shut up now.
I’d want my 6mt, my adjustable height and my trailering capacity. The flatter cargo area with seats folded would be nice, but not totally necessary. If it can’t go on really rough roads and pull more than a 2000 pound trailer, I might as well buy a Jeep.
I am now on my second allroad – the original and only allroad in my opinion. My first was a 2001 2.7T and the second, still going strong, a 2004 4.2. We have a variety of Volkswagen/Audi products in our immediate family, including 2 S4s, an A4, a Q5, 2 Jettas (one a TDI), plus my allroad, of course. Everyone loves the allroad, with the combination of power (love that engine sound) and versatility – what other car could you use to pick up the boss from the airport in a snowstorm and then lug home a huge load of building supplies from Home depot and still feel that you are driving a real car and not an SUV?
In the absence of anything in the market (from Audi or anyone else for that matter)to replace the allroad, I have concluded that I will most likely be buried in mine. I have upgraded it with RNSE and bluetooth to make it feel like a newer car and spent lots of time and money on suspension and other refinements for handling and comfort. I live in Northern Virginia and often drive past the new Audi corporate offices, wondering if they will ever be able to come up with a suitable replacement for my car that deserves the title “allroad”. Thundering along the autobahn (OK, more often stuck in traffic on the Dulles Toll Road) I still have a huge grin on my face every time I drive in this unique vehicle, this coming from someone who used to change his car every 2-3 years.
For me the “A4-llroad” really doesn’t do it for various reasons that other posters have given such as skid plates, adjustable suspension etc. The A4 is a fine car and my wife has a sedan as her daily driver. As a wagon, cosmetic allroad trappings or not, it really cannot fall into the überwagen category and give one that feeling of driving something really solid, luxurious and extra special.
I will remain a loyal Audi customer, but if you want to get me into a new allroad, please give us an A6 version with all the real allroad trimmings and maybe even a nice beefy TDI.
An A4 Avant with a body kit is not an allroad !!
If you are going to make an allroad, keep with the tradition of the original, very well thought out car. The only issue with the original allroad was you guys were about 3-4 years ahead of the market in launching the car.
I have no doubts the original allroad would have been a much bigger seller if Audi stayed in the game with the C6 in the US market.
People in the US are getting over their huge SUV affection and the choices for an avant are very limited.
What I’d love to see is:
Proper manual transmission (hell I’d even pay extra for it)
A good motor (NOT THE 2.OT), ideally a TDI w/ 6spd (Jetta has it!)
Quattro
Towing capability
AIR SUSPENSION
Lastly, the C7 version.
I’d like to get the 3.0TDI engine with 7-speed DSG!
On the fantasy list (since these configurations aren’t even available in Europe):
1) Optional air suspension
2) 3.0T engine; that would combine the two Audis I have now — the S4 and allroad — into one car!
P.S. For all the traditionalists clamoring for a conventional manual, I’ll just point out the Ferrari 458 has gone automated-manual only, and I’ve heard rumors the Porsche 991 Turbo will do the same. It seems the VW/Audi diesels are being paired only with DSG in the U.S. (e.g., A3 TDI, Jetta / Golf TDI, Passat TDI). If that’s what it takes to get a TDI allroad, I’m fine with that.
I just purchased an 05 allroad in hopes of getting me by until Audi gets us a reasonable replacement. This really stands to be it as long as it meets a few key requirements. It MUST be available with the 3.0T. The allroad has always fit somewhere between an A and S model and that should continue. It also MUST have a towing option. The air suspension is also high on my list. Especially with large loads and towing it really helps out. At minimum it should be an option.
Wagons as an alternative to SUV’s are finally catching on here in the states so please Audi, bring us an allroad worthy of it’s name.
1. TDI-any size!
2. manual tranny…I’d take a DSG if forced
3. quattro-do I even need to ask? (A3 TDI front hooker, WTH?) without all the nanny-state electronics. My UrS4 goes thru the snow like no other. Let me switch off the electronics and get quattro to work.
4. towing capabilites with hitches available at the dealer
5. air suspension
Ideally this should be in the latest A6/C chassis, but I’ll swing thru the dealer to look at an A4 chassis. They’re just about as big as my allroad anyway!
Good luck Audi, you have a tall order to fill. There are many current Audi owners with money in hand waiting to spend it with you. But until the proper allroad hits US roads, current allroaders will continue to fix their allroads to keep them going, rather than buy new.
1. Manual transmission
2. Adjustable suspension
I own a 6-speed C5 allroad. Most versatile car I’ve ever owned, and most fun to drive. If TDI is already on the map for future Audis, that’s great, but for any allroad-tagged vehicle three pedals and the suspension are a must.
I’ll drive the C5 allroad till it’s dead, and would be thrilled to see a real replacement available, whenever that might be.
I am now on my 7th Audi, and on my second allroad 4.2.
Please remember what makes these cars unique.
They are large, spacious, eminently capable, and are unlike anything else offered in the US.
I love the size of the C chassis. Spacious without being an SUV.
It tows my race car and trailer effortlessly.
The air suspension is a HUGE selling point for me, as I take it offroad.
Audi, in your quest for volume, please don’t forget the vocal, passionate minority who loves to drive an Audi for all the right reasons. Bringing back the A6 allroad will never be about huge volume, but about remembering the core audience who would never consider buying anything else.
Dear Audi,
I am 27 year old, upwardly mobile professional, first time Audi owner (’05 allroad, second owner), and I am the future of your NA customer base.
I and many of my contemporaries have seen every Top Gear (UK) episode and have been extremely jealous of Audi’s offerings to the European market. The A4 allroad is a step in the right direction but in my opinion falls just short of the mark.
The air suspension system was the reason I bought this car over the competition. Without the air suspension people will likely just by a Volvo or a Jeep GC. Most significantly, this car is extremely well rounded. It can hunker down for tearing up mile upon mile on the highway (level 1), out accelerate and out handle many cars on the twisties (twin turbos), and then plow through my snow covered driveway (level 3) or make it up the jeep trail to the cabin in the woods (level 4).
Second, make sure that the allroad has sufficient cargo space in the rear. I want a wagon not a subcompact. The A4 version appears a bit small for my taste.
The new daylight running lights are a substantial improvement over the current model line offerings (aka the Christmas lights).
Full body paint is a necessity.
In closing, I think Audi would be better served with offering the A6 allroad over the A4 allroad.
I’m a current allroad owner and agree with many of the current owners above. what sets the allroad apart is the adjustable suspension, size of the C5 platform and an engine that is closer to an S-car than a A-car.
With two kids and passions for skiing, surfing, mountain biking and spirited driving there is no car that has fit us better than the allroad.
My initial impression of the A4 based allroad is that of a B8 Avant with fender flares/body kit, a high stance and an uninspiring 2.0 engine. Since I prefer avants (Q7 and Q5 just don’t appeal) and the A6/S6 Avant will not be coming stateside anytime soon I’ll be holding onto my allroad for a bit longer.
For me, I would be most interested in an allroad with a TDI that has some at least as much power as the 2.7T motor. I became a big fan of Audi Sport due to the TDI innovation of great gas miles with serious power used in the R10, R15 and R18. I see bio fuels as the future for the auto industry and want a car that can utilize it. Also, the allroad does not seem the same in my mind as modified A4 that has been badged as an allroad.
My 2002 6Mt 2.7t allroad is just about perfect, except it is getting old. And I have a hard time spending 50k+ to replace it. Quite frankly, I’m not sure Audi wants me as a customer since I am not buying a new car every 3 years. But here is what I want…
Manual trans
Wagon – mid sized
Turbo/supercharger
Quattro (the fwd a3 is a joke)
Luxurious
I like the air suspension, but could live without it. Very few cars can meet this package. I was out test driving wrx/sti a few Weeks back because it is one if the few things that might meet most of my criteria.
Amazing feeback you guys!! Audi USA representatives already contacted me saying “Awesome feedback”. So keep it up, and perhaps you will see your voice be truly heard!
He also told me that the final details for the USA version of this car won’t be released any time soon and that we can expect to hear more in late Q1 or early Q2 of 2012.
I agree with most, but I am actually going to say this, I prefer the A4 chassis now for the allroad. I think that you would be shocked at how much bigger the C7 is than the C5. It’s just too big for most and I’d rather have a Q7 at that point. You also must agree that the A4 based allroad would likely sell much better, and thus giving a higher likelyhood for more of the options you guys are asking for based on a higher sales volume.
If they can put the 3.0 TDI engine in the B9 A4 allroad, I think we will have a true winner on our hands. I’ll be first in line! For now, a 2.0T powered A4 allroad would be nice (but I would be a bit bummed about the underpowered engine). For those wanting a TDI based platform, you will simply have to wait until the B9 is released. There is zero possibility for them to put it into the B8.5 because it is not feasible as the car was not crash tested with this setup and the entire undercarriage of a TDI A4 is different. It will come though for sure with the next generation.
If they can put the 3.0 TFSI petrol engine in there for now, then they won’t be able to make enough of them! Maybe they can put the detuned 3.0 TFSI like they have in the A6. Also, if they do this, don’t be surprised if the price is near or equal to the S4. I’d happily pay the same price as an S4 for a 3.0 TFSI powered A4 allroad with air suspension!
Thanks again for participating, and keep up the great feedback!
Josh (QuattroWorld)
First off, needs to have adjustable ride height or it simply is not an allroad. That is the key feature that makes the allroad different from an “armored” A6. Secondly, TDI with manual transmission is an absolute must.
A few more observations:
1. What happened to the sunroof?
2. Please split the exhaust tips. I know in the UK the four cylinder version has the tips to one side while the six keeps them split. I think having the tips split between each side of the car is much more aesthetically pleasing.
3. I would much rather buy a Jeep GC than a Q5 or Q7.
4. I am a fan of the MMI in the center console area.
5. Make sure there are some seriously comfortable but sporty seats. I’m talking side bolsters and adjustability. I don’t want to be sore and I don’t want to slide around my car when taking a corner.
“I’d happily pay the same price as an S4 for a 3.0 TFSI powered A4 allroad with air suspension!”
Agreed. Wasn’t this the case with the original? It isn’t about price. It’s about features. The allroad customer is different, loyal and willing to pay for a realistic replacement.
“smallroad” is genius. Well done.
After owning 2 A4′s and my allroad, I have to say that the allroad is in every way a better car than the B5 and B6 A4′s. Not to mention a truck, SUV and most importantly a safe vehicle for my family to ride in.
I would love to entertain the idea of a Dealer new allroad but, I would not be willing to pay the money to have another A4, If it is an allroad lett it be an allroad. Meaning that it needs to have the full package, everything that made the C5 allroad better than the C5 avant.
1. Manual transmission option
(any car I buy will need to have one)
2. Widebody/ functional body panels, bumpers, skid plates etc…
(the c5 was not just an avant it was wider car car that looked substantially different from the bread and butter avant)
3. Forced Induction 3.0T, maybe the TTRS 5 cyl something that differentiates it from the regular A4
4. TDI would be great, but it wont happen till the newest B9?
5. Adjustable air suspension, maybe just 3 heights coil/helper bag setup but added ability to go farther than quattro alone will take you.
THe best quote that I received about my car was from a service manager who asked if i liked the Q5 loaner and I said no. “allroad guys are different and you will keep those car alive at any cost”
that says how devoted of followers the group is, just look to the allroad forum here it is very active for a niche market vehicle.
I can get a manual transmission AWD wagon from BMW, but not from Ingolstadt? Audi’s automatic-Prestige Plus–FWD lineup the last few years has been uninspiring.
Agree with others… Make it a 6-speed manual with the TDI engine and I’ll be there!