German Car Zone

Every 4Matic Mercedes and "Xi" BMW sit at least an inch higher than their standard rwd counterparts. I can spot a 4Matic Benz a mile away because of this. Audi is the only that doesn't sit any higher.

M

That's the problem. The car is overpriced. It starts at 44k and goes all the way to 62k for the 4.2 Quattro version. 62k is a whole lot of money for a raised station wagon, that dough will get you just about any SUV you like.

The car would be a whole lot more attractive if it wasn't priced like a SUV. I doubt that the resale value is any good either.

Τhe Allroad was never a success in US (in fact the exact opposite) but in Europe sales are pretty good.

I agree about the price though.

I think that's due to technical limitations with the current RWD platforms from BMW/MB, not an intentional thing. You cannot, for example, specify the M suspension when you choose a BMW xi or xd model. There are rumors that's supposed to change (at least in BMW's case) with the next generation where 4WD is more than an afterthought with their car platforms.

This is likely true because the S550 4Matic doesn't visibly sit any higher than the regular RWD S550. The E 4Matics do though, older platform so this may be true. Just like with BMW and their Xi models and limitations on suspension options, you can't get 4Matic and ABC on a S-Class either.

M

How does this compare to the Allroad?

I'm sorry, I was rash in responding... What I meant was that the ground clearance ranges between 12,5 cm and 18,5 cm for the Allroad, not the standard Avant, which has a standard ground clearance of 12 cm, if I recall correctly. Also, I'm not certain, but I think that regular versions of A6 don't feature the air suspension and hence cannot regulate their ground clearance. The more expensive A8 does, however.

You're right, I searched Audi's German site and found that the ground clearance ranges from 10,5 - 13,5 cm for the A6 Avant equipped with adaptive air suspension (which isn't standard(?)). Those allroad figures are correct too.

Spy shots of a car which appeared to be an A4 Allroad test mule had surfaced last month , now AutoBild has more information which suggest that A4 Allroad has very good chances to see the green light for production.

Of course since Audi is debuting the Q5 crossover vehicle later this year , the A4 Allroad will probably not make it in US soil.

Read more details here...

Motor Authority Audi considers A4 Allroad quattro