I have an S4 avant ordered, should be here soon. I am taken by the allroad though. I saw one at the dealer, MSRP of 49,000 +. What are your thoughts on your allroads, are they great? I mountain bike a lot, heve a child, the size may fit me better, but the price?

This should be no surprise....Depends how and where you drive/want to drive, and how much space you want in the vehicle. The S4 is going to give you a harder/firmer ride, and won't give you much on ground clearance- it'll also be more fun to drive. The Allroad is a bit of a comprimise- it's bigger, more comfortable on a long trip or stuck in traffic, softer ride (not soft but softer) and unless you are planning on serious 4 wheeling, it'll give you plenty of ground clearance when you ask for it....

I currently have an A4 2.8 sedan with sports suspension and am about to place an order for an Allroad. I considered an S4 Avant, but opted for the allroad for two reasons.

1) Space- On long trips, I found the A4 to be a bit too snug for my liking. Especially on long trips or in bad weather where you do get a bit cramped....

2) Clearance- I drive to VT from NYC fairly regularly during the winter months. Even with the limited amount of snow we've had in the North East over the past few years, I have had a few occasions where clearance on the road was an issue- Also, living in manhattan, potholes are an issue.

The S4 is going to be more fun to drive - no question - it's more of a sports car with a back seat and a hatch... The Allroad is a bit more practical-it gives up some of the sports car feel for a bit more of practical vehicle without sacrificing too much- its still fun to drive but it's more of what you'd expect when you combine an SUV with an A6. You still have better performance than most cars on the road and almost all SUVs.... With a child, or a passenger in the back, the Allroad will fit you better, but I'm not going to say you can't get by space wise with an A4Avant...

They are both great cars but you'll have to decide for yourself.....

Thanks for your opinions, every bit helps when trying to make this decision. I live in south. CA and don't deal with the snow, maybe once a year on a trip. I only have one 13 year old daughter, so she'll fit in back. I think two adults can suffer in back for to dinner and back.
Thanks again

I have dreams of an RS4 killer S4 with APR's twin GT25 turbo kit...when it comes out. Unfortunetly...they are just dreams.

Glad I could help... I just put in my order this evening for the Allroad, was a tough choice, but with my requirements, the Allroad made alot more sense -
.... good luck- I think you'll be very happy... just watch the groved pavement on I-5....