Used 2015 Audi allroad

Station wagon lovers can rejoice that Audi’s 2015 Allroad wagon retains all that makes wagons great and then tosses in exquisite luxury and all-weather driving ability. Think of it as a beefed-up A4 with more cargo space and a cache. While the latest Allroad lacks the adjustable suspension of the original car, it’s still capable of tackling heavy snow and light off-road trails, very much in line with the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC60 Cross Country. Favoring comfort over utility, the Allroad offers many of the same attributes as luxury crossover SUVs without the additional roof height. Then again, the Allroad only offers one engine choice, and it’s not as fuel-efficient as the Q5’s diesel, nor as powerful as a V6-powered Cadillac SRX or Infiniti QX50.

We’re not going to lie and tell you the 2015 Audi Allroad luxury wagon performs like an S4, but it does measure up to the exacting standards expected of a vehicle wearing the 4-ring badge. We experienced all that the Allroad had to offer when Old Man Winter threw everything but the kitchen sink at us during our test drive: enough rain, sleet, wind and driving snow to terrify most motorists into pulling over for the night. But in the Allroad, our confidence remained unshaken. As a daily driver, the Allroad rides a bit stiffer than we’d like, but this seems to be a trend amongst all luxury brands, so it’s not a detriment in our eyes. Audi doesn’t advise taking the Allroad off-road, however, but with its 7.1 inches of ground clearance and quattro all-wheel drive, we’re fairly sure it can safely deal with sandy desert trails and dusty logging roads.

The 2015 Audi Allroad wagon may not look as roomy as the Q5 SUV, but an additional 3.5 inches in length give it similar cargo volume at 27 (Allroad) vs. 29 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, the difference grows to 50 vs. 57 cubic feet. The Allroad does, however, give up a couple inches in rear legroom to the Q5, which is something to consider if you regularly transport adults in back. Moving to the front seats, the Audi Allroad offers the same magic mix of materials, quality and design that keeps Audi interiors at the top of the rankings.

Like Samson drawing power from his long locks, Audi’s 2015 Allroad sport wagon also derives much of its strength from an aesthetic source: contrasting, matte-finish wheel arches. Yeah, there are the raised ride height and stainless-steel skidplates, but the arches are the Allroad’s black turtleneck. Of course, Audi will gladly paint the whole car one color – but only if you give them another $1,000 (and only on silver, black and white models).

GOOGLE EARTH
One of the best features of Audi connect (requires a monthly fee) are the detailed Google maps complete with Street View of your impending destination. You can also program the navigation route from your computer, connect up to eight Wi-Fi devices or use voice commands to enter a destination.

BANG & OLUFSEN AUDIO
Although not as powerful or fun to watch as the B&O system in the A8 (there are no tweeters that magically rise up from the dash top), the system in the Allroad sounds amazing and for just $850, it costs roughly $5,500 less than its big brother.

In addition to leather seating and other luxury basics, the 2015 Audi Allroad wagon includes a panoramic sunroof, HID headlights with LED running lights, heated front seats and a 6.5-inch color screen with audio/climate/vehicle controls. Also onboard are Bluetooth pre-wiring (but not Bluetooth itself), 3-zone climate control, a power rear liftgate and Audi’s music interface that allows accessing music from an iPod or iPhone and control of said device via the car’s audio system.

A loaded 2015 Audi Allroad runs close to $60,000 and includes the world-class infotainment suite detailed in our Favorite Features section of this review, plus an impressive set of driver assistance and personalization technologies, including side-assist blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and navigation with Audi connect. Other options of note include Advanced Key keyless entry with push-button start, Bluetooth for phone and streaming audio (hard to believe this is not standard), sport front seats, rear side airbags and the Bang & Olufsen audio upgrade.

Other than unremarkable fuel economy, we like everything about the Allroad’s familiar powertrain. The renowned 2.0T engine is matched with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic routing power to all four wheels via Quattro all-wheel drive. Audi says the 3,900-pound Allroad will scoot to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, which is quicker than we might have guessed based on our initial drives. On one hand, those drives took place at altitude, where thinner air can affect power output. On the other hand, turbocharged engines take less of a hit at altitude. Curiously and disappointingly, the Allroad’s rated fuel economy is almost identical as the heavier (by 200 pounds) and taller (by seven inches) Audi Q5 crossover. Top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
220 horsepower @ 4,450-6,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 mpg (gasoline), 15/21 mpg (E85)