Audi A4 B9 Allroad Quattro (2016–2020): Style, grit, and that just-right everyday luxury
I’ve always had a soft spot for wagons that don’t flinch at a muddy trailhead or a slushy ski lot. The Audi A4 B9 Allroad Quattro is exactly that sort of car—part premium estate, part light-duty adventure buddy. Over a damp weekend upstate, it shrugged off broken tarmac, soaked highways, and a rutted gravel driveway like it was built for it. Which, frankly, it is.
From 2016 to 2020, the A4 Allroad took the clean, tailored lines of the A4 Avant and added more ride height, protective cladding, and standard Audi quattro all-wheel drive. It reads like a spec-sheet remix, but on the road it feels cohesive—sure-footed, refined, and quietly capable in that very Audi way.
A brief backstory: how the A4 became the A4 B9 Allroad Quattro
Wagons were never the flashiest corner of the showroom, but Audi understood the assignment early. The Allroad formula—extra ground clearance, subtle armor, winter-ready hardware—started with bigger cars and filtered down to the A4. The B9 generation, launched for 2016, sharpened the A4’s chassis, added modern tech, and kept the brand’s signature calm-quiet cabin. It was the sweet spot: city-smart, trails-hardy, and still elegant enough for a downtown dinner reservation.
Driving the Audi A4 B9 Allroad Quattro: planted, polished, and quicker than you think
I noticed right away how buttoned-down the Allroad feels. The steering’s calm at highway speeds, the chassis keeps things tidy over ripples, and you can carry a surprising amount of pace on a twisty back road. Even on the rough stuff—think frost-heaved two-lanes and gravel switchbacks—the Allroad never went sloppy.
- Engines: In most markets, the Allroad leaned on a 2.0-liter turbo four (about 248–252 hp, 273 lb-ft). Some regions also saw efficient diesels. Power figures vary a touch by model year and market.
- Performance: 0–60 mph typically in the 5.9–6.1-second window. That’s “faster than it looks” territory for a family wagon with roof rails.
- Economy: Around 22/30 mpg city/highway (about 26 mpg combined), depending on tires, spec, and year.
- Ride and handling: A little extra ride height without the wobble. Optional adaptive dampers, if fitted, help soften the sharp edges of broken city streets.
- Quattro confidence: Point it at a wet on-ramp or a snow-dusted lane, and it just goes. No drama. That’s the whole point.
Minor gripes? With 19-inch wheels it can thump over cratered potholes, and while road noise is impressively low for a “soft-roader,” the Allroad can transmit a hint of tire slap on coarse asphalt. Also, the cargo cover takes a second hand to wrestle when your arms are full of groceries. Not deal-breakers—just real-life notes from living with it.
Inside the Audi A4 B9 Allroad Quattro: everyday luxury that’s actually usable
Slide in and it’s classic Audi: clean lines, high-quality switchgear, and a driving position that suits long stints. On a late-night interstate slog I could hear the faint hiss of rain on the glass—nothing else. Quiet enough to hear your kids arguing about who touched whose tablet. Useful, that.
- Tech: Available Virtual Cockpit, crisp MMI navigation, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Earlier cars use a rotary controller; 2020 models moved to a 10.1-inch touchscreen interface.
- Safety assists: Adaptive cruise, lane-keep, blind-spot monitoring, and a very good camera suite—helpful when that parking garage gets tight.
- Space: About 24 cubic feet of cargo room with seats up, more than double with them folded. Perfect for skis, strollers, or a golden retriever named Baxter (the hair vacuums right up from the cargo mat, trust me).
Make it yours: smart accessories for your Audi A4 B9 Allroad Quattro
When I tried it on muddy trails, the first thing I regretted not having was a set of fitted floor mats. The Allroad is too nice to risk with slush and salt. That’s where proper, model-specific mats earn their keep—easy to hose off, and tailored so they don’t bunch under the pedals.
Best interior add-on: custom-fit mats for your A4 B9 Allroad Quattro
If you’re shopping, I’ve had good experiences with the fit and finish from AutoWin. They offer floor mats designed precisely for the A4 B9 Allroad, which means no curling edges or annoying slide. Nicely stitched, durable, and they lift the cabin a notch.
Where to buy: AutoWin eshop for Audi floor mats and more
The AutoWin eshop carries a range of accessories tailored to the A4 B9 Allroad Quattro. Worth a browse if you’re kitting out for winter, a new pup, or the next family road trip.
Audi A4 B9 Allroad Quattro vs the competition
| Model | Power (hp) | 0–60 mph (sec) | Ground Clearance (in) | Combined MPG (est.) | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A4 B9 Allroad Quattro | 248–252 | ~5.9–6.1 | ~6.5 | ~26 | Luxury feel, balanced ride, superb AWD |
| Volvo V60 Cross Country | ~250 | ~6.4–6.7 | ~8.3 | ~25 | Scandi comfort, extra clearance, relaxed pace |
| Subaru Outback XT | 260 | ~6.1 | ~8.7 | ~26 | Rugged, roomy, value-packed |
| BMW 3 Series xDrive Wagon (F31) | 248–255 | ~5.4–5.7 | ~5.5 | ~28 | Sportier feel, lower stance, limited off-pavement |
Figures are approximate and vary by model year and equipment, but the gist is clear: the Audi splits the difference between plush premium wagon and competent soft-roader, without going full crossover.
Feature highlights: why the Audi A4 B9 Allroad Quattro works so well
- Quattro traction that feels invisible—until you need it.
- Cargo-friendly wagon shape without SUV bulk.
- Quiet, high-quality cabin that stays fresh on long trips.
- Strong turbo torque for easy passing and merging.
- Available driver aids that take the sting out of traffic.
Ownership notes I’d tell a friend
- Road-trippers will love the long-haul comfort. I did Boston to Montreal and got out feeling oddly fresh.
- Winter tires + Allroad = unstoppable. Just add those fitted mats to catch melted ice and salt.
- Infotainment: earlier cars’ rotary MMI is intuitive but can be a beat behind on voice commands. 2020’s touchscreen is snappier.
- Options add up quickly. Shop carefully and you’ll land the sweet spec without paying for shiny things you’ll never use.
FAQ: Audi A4 B9 Allroad Quattro (2016–2020)
- What engines and specs did the 2016 A4 Allroad offer? Depending on market, you’ll find turbocharged gasoline and diesel options. Most cars feature a 2.0-liter turbo four, quattro all-wheel drive, advanced safety tech, and a roomy, flexible wagon cargo area.
- Is the A4 Allroad a good car for daily use? Yes. It blends wagon practicality with premium refinement and all-weather confidence. It’s easy to park, comfortable on long trips, and unfazed by bad weather.
- What model years cover the A4 B9 generation? For the A4 Allroad, the B9 run spans 2016 through 2020 (with a refresh landing for 2020).
- How long will an A4 Allroad last? With routine maintenance, many owners see well past 100,000 miles. Keep up with services and it’ll happily stretch much further.
Conclusion: the Audi A4 B9 Allroad Quattro nails the brief
In a world drowning in crossovers, the Audi A4 B9 Allroad Quattro (2016–2020) is the elegant alternative: a luxury wagon that thrives in real life. It’s quick when you need it, calm when you don’t, and tough enough for ski weekends without turning into a truck. Pair it with quality, model-specific accessories—like fitted mats from AutoWin—and you’ve got a premium SUV alternative that feels special every day, not just on the brochure.
