by Aiden Eksteen
Sophistication, class, and utter refinement are implicit to the Audi brand and no style of car carries these distinctly Audi-esque qualities better than it's very own station wagons - in this case, the exquisite 2021 Audi A4 Allroad. Though not very popular in the USA, wagons are actually phenomenal vehicles for their balanced performance, commodious versatility, and utile practicality. With the A4 Allroad, Audi's penchant for refinement is met with these inherent wagon qualities, plus, with its raised ride height and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive, the A4 Allroad also brings some mild off-road dexterity and all-weather competency. This year, the A4 Allroad's turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine is supplemented by a 12-volt mild-hybrid system for outputs of 261 horsepower, up 13 hp over last year, and 273 lb-ft of torque. The A4 Allroad is a charming business partner and ideal family cruiser, but the Volvo V60 Cross Country, Buick Regal TourX, and even the Subaru Crosstrek carry are rather alluring competitors, too.
The 2021 production cycle of the A4 allroad doesn't see the vehicle completely overhauled, but it has received some noteworthy updates. The most important of these are under the hood, where the powertrain has been supplemented by a 12-volt MHEV system, adding 13 horsepower to the overall outputs. Performance has been improved with quicker acceleration, but any change to the fuel economy has not been made clear. Beyond this, the list of specifications across the trim levels has been updated. Standard features now include lane-departure warning and a new ITM - integrated toll module. The base trim also gets access to front and rear parking sensors, as well as a heated steering wheel via the Convenience Package. Adaptive cruise control, a top-view camera, hands-on steering wheel detection, and lane-keep assist have rolled down from the Prestige to now be standard on the Premium Plus. The only addition to the top-tier trim is standard heated rear seats.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Premium 45 TFSI quattro |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$44,600 |
Prestige 45 TFSI quattro |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$44,600 |
Premium Plus 45 TFSI quattro |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$44,600 |
Unlike many automakers out there, Audi has managed to master the art of wagonry, as proven by the 2021 A4 Allroad's undeniable competency. Audi's masterful design and engineering talents combine with the niche but really attractive and pragmatic design of the classic 5-door station wagon to create an exceptional vehicle. It's difficult to deny the Audi's handsome and classy aesthetic, though some may want something sportier or more rugged. Climb into the cabin, however, and you'd be hard pressed finding a desire for anything more or in finding any deficiencies.
Though the 2021 Audi A4 Allroad hasn't undergone review by either the NHTSA or the IIHS, it does still form part of the third-generation, of which the 2020 model did undergo review, earning top scores in all categories. That consummate safety rating is augmented with an equally reassuring reliability track record, which, along with all the A4 Allroad's other qualities, make it a really attractive business wagon and/or family cruiser.
There are three trims that comprise the 2021 Audi A4 Allroad lineup: the Premium, the Premium Plus, and the Prestige. At $44,600, the starting price of the 2021 Audi A4 Allroad station wagon is already relatively expensive. Even so, we'd recommend going for the mid-tier Premium Plus as it comes with a good selection of desirables over the entry-spec and at not too much extra. These include Audi's stunning 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, a heated steering wheel, and a host of advanced driver-assist features such as active lane assist, Audi side assist, and Pre Sense rear with rear cross-traffic alert.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Audi A4 allroad: