I guess my questions are mostly performance related. I love the performance of my S4 but am feeling the need for a car that's better at hauling my bikes, dogs, etc. Right now I do all that sort of stuff with my Jeep (TJ) which is more that a little short on space even with a moster roofrack, Yakima box, and Yakima bike rack on the back. The problem is I don't want a big slug of a car which rule out all SUVs. I'm thinking that the Allroad with the 2.7T and 6spd and maybe a chip and/or exhaust would give me all the performance I need.

Any comments?

As for practical all around fun (fitting your dog and bike needs) the allroad is an excellent compromise. It is a strong, smooth and well equipped road warrior. You'll blow away all the SUV crowd, and surprise many a "sports sedan".

My standing comment is if I were forced into one vehicle it'd be an allroad.

Good luck...

Staying with a 6-speed will help although I got a Tip to handle traffic and because I knew I would be towing. It was pretty hard to find anywhere to use the S4s abilities on a regular basis (except on track :-), so I don't miss it too often. I don't miss the noisy rough ride on poor roads or the notchy, balky shifter dark interior and cramped back seat either!

I agree with mpm - allroad is a great compromise

I drove an M3, and before getting that, test drove the S4 about 5 times. Today I drive an Allroad, and it is the favorite car I have owned to date. Get the 6 speed. It is far nicer than the shifter in the S4 strangely enough.

Space wise it is awesome. We have 2 dogs, and bikes, etc. You can just throw them in and travel in comfort, with much of the fun of the S4.

Maybe when the ar is modded a bit more I will like it more then the S4 but right now, can't beat that power of the S4 and the handling.

The styling of the ar is much nicer then the boring S4 however. Thus I love to drive the ar, for nothing more then the looks :)

She replaced a '95.5 S6 Avant (which she loved). She feels the power is OK but no faster than her S6. She finds the suspension too soft and too much roll, prefers a more connected to the road feeling. Absolutely hates the seats, and never fails to comment on them. The shifter needs shorter throws, that was the first thing I did with my S4. It is somewhat more luxurious, and certainly larger, your happiness will directly depend upon how much sport you are willing to give up. Good Luck

02 allroad. If I could only have one I'd take the allroad hands down. The space and comfort are great and it's still very quick, the 6-speed is a good idea, wish my wife would shift gears. Good luck!

I never regretted it. I clearly enjoy the extra space the allroad affords. It's pretty sweetly styled, too. One key for me was to get the 6 speed.

I consider the allroad equal parts utility, luxury and sportiness. For me, that's a good way to go.

Let us know what you decide.

Mike

I loved the idea of space for bikes but the ar felt like a Buick compared to the S4 so I compromised and got a bike rack instead with the S4. It really depends on how many there are in your family and what you're used to. There's only She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed and myself and my previous car was an Audi A4. Would like the perfect compromise: 911 cabrio + ar. Now what ever happened to my Enron stock...

I did it b/c I moved to the city and wanted the Avant, cladding, clearance, and Tiptronic.

I miss the S4, but the allroad is much quicker and nimbler than I expected, and feels much more sustantial than the S4 on the road. If you only have one car (like we do) it is the perfect compromise.

I never drove the Allroad before buying my S4 Avant. Had I road tested the Allroad, I would have picked it as the best all-purpose vehicle.
I still love driving the S4 Avant. Nothing beats the S4 for the tight steering and cornering but the allroad is amazing considering the extra weight and size. I'm looking forward to driving the Allroad from LA to San Francisco, it's a great highway cruiser. Good luck in your decision. Take a long test drive in both before you decide.

if you are a performance guy, keep the S4, if you want the both of both worlds, get the AR.