The Audi A4 Allroad is something of a sweet spot in the used car market. It's the kind of car that handles the school run on Monday and a muddy country lane on Saturday without breaking a sweat. Part estate, part off-roader, it blends Audi's signature refinement with genuine versatility — and on the used market, it represents seriously good value.
Whether you're upgrading from a standard Audi A4 or switching from a full-blown SUV, this guide covers everything you need to know before buying.
The short answer? Yes. The longer answer involves quattro all-wheel drive, a raised ride height, and an interior that feels genuinely premium without trying too hard.
The A4 Allroad sits between Audi's conventional A4 Avant estate and its dedicated SUV lineup. It offers more ground clearance and all-weather capability than a standard estate, without the bulk and fuel penalties of a full-size SUV. For buyers who want practicality, style, and a car that handles variable British road conditions with ease, it ticks a lot of boxes.
It's particularly well-suited to families, professionals, and anyone who spends time between city driving and rural roads. The combination of a spacious boot, composed handling, and understated good looks makes it an easy car to live with every day.
The A4 Allroad has been offered with a strong range of engines across its production life, with something to suit most driving styles and budgets.
The diesel options are the most popular choices on the used market — and for good reason. The 2.0 TDI (available in 163hp and 190hp outputs) delivers strong real-world economy, often returning over 45mpg in mixed driving. For those who cover higher mileages, this is the engine to go for. The 3.0 TDI, offering around 218hp to 272hp depending on the variant, brings more performance into the mix without drastically compromising economy.
The 2.0 TFSI petrol produces around 252hp and offers a more spirited driving experience. It's quicker off the mark and suits buyers who prioritise performance over running costs. Less common on the used market, but well worth considering if low mileage isn't a priority.
Later models (post-2019) introduced mild hybrid (MHEV) technology on select engines, improving efficiency and reducing emissions. These are worth seeking out if you're after a more modern specification.
All A4 Allroad models come with quattro all-wheel drive and, from the second generation onwards, are paired exclusively with a smooth seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox.
The A4 Allroad is visually distinct from the standard Avant. It sits around 35mm higher, features body cladding around the wheel arches and sills, and comes with roof rails as standard. It looks purposeful without veering into aggressive territory — a difficult balance to strike, and Audi pulls it off well.
Inside, it's unmistakably Audi. The cabin is well-built, logically laid out, and lined with quality materials. Depending on the trim and model year, you'll find Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, MMI infotainment with navigation, dual-zone climate control, and a range of driver assistance systems. Higher trims add Bang & Olufsen sound, heated seats, and a 360-degree camera.
The second-generation model (B9, 2016 onwards) brought a significant tech upgrade, including compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on newer examples.
The A4 Allroad offers 505 litres of boot space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,510 litres with them folded. That's generous by any measure, and the load area is well-shaped with a low loading lip. It's a proper family hauler.
When viewing a used A4 Allroad, a full service history is non-negotiable — especially on higher-mileage diesel examples. Check for signs of timing chain wear on the 2.0 TDI (a known issue on older units), and ensure the quattro system engages smoothly. Look at the condition of the air suspension if fitted, as repairs can be costly.
A thorough test drive should include low-speed manoeuvring, motorway cruising, and — if possible — a section of unpaved road to check the all-wheel drive system is working as expected.
The A4 Allroad operates in a fairly niche segment, but it does have meaningful competition.
The Volvo XC40 offers a more SUV-like experience with a taller driving position, though it sacrifices some of the Audi's driving refinement and boot space. The BMW X3 is a more direct rival in terms of premium positioning, offering similar performance and technology, though at a higher used price point. The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is mechanically related to the A4 Allroad and offers a more affordable entry point, but lacks the premium feel and badge appeal.
Against all of them, the A4 Allroad holds its own on refinement, practicality, and driving dynamics. It tends to be priced competitively in the used market relative to its on-paper spec, making it excellent value for money.
The A4 Allroad is available with a range of petrol and diesel engines. The most popular is the 2.0 TDI diesel, available in 163hp and 190hp outputs, offering an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. A more powerful 3.0 TDI is available for those who want more pace. On the petrol side, a 2.0 TFSI producing around 252hp is offered. Later models introduced mild hybrid technology on select variants, bringing improved efficiency to both petrol and diesel options. All engines are paired with quattro all-wheel drive.
The A4 Allroad sits in a niche between traditional estates and crossover SUVs. Compared to the Volvo XC40, it offers more boot space and a sharper driving experience. Against the BMW X3, it's typically more affordable on the used market while matching it closely on interior quality and technology. The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is the most budget-friendly alternative, sharing much of the Audi's underpinnings, but the A4 Allroad surpasses it on interior premium feel and available tech. For buyers who want a do-it-all car without fully committing to an SUV, the A4 Allroad is a compelling choice.
Not as standard. The A4 Allroad comes with conventional coil spring suspension as standard, but adaptive air suspension (Audi's adaptive ride control) was available as an optional extra on B9-generation models. When fitted, it allows the driver to adjust ride height and stiffness through different drive modes. If air suspension is present, check its condition carefully during a test drive — repairs can be expensive if the system has been neglected. Many buyers find the standard suspension perfectly adequate for the car's intended use.
Generally, yes. The A4 Allroad benefits from Audi's well-regarded build quality and shares its platform with several other models in the group's lineup, meaning parts and expertise are widely available. The 2.0 TDI diesel has a good long-term reliability record when serviced properly, though early versions of this engine can suffer from timing chain issues if oil changes are skipped. The quattro all-wheel drive system is robust and rarely causes problems. As with any used premium car, a full service history and a pre-purchase inspection go a long way toward ensuring you get a trouble-free example.
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