Parsec

Took in my 2012 Q5 2.0T for servicing and got a 2014 Allroad with 300 miles. Is there anything different about this car that I should try playing with on my way home from work?

On the drive in, it felt like my Q5 but that's to be expected considering all I did was drive for 1 hour in traffic on the highway. Inside the cabin wasn't all that different from the Q5 either, except there was a button or indicator light next to the component speaker grill in the driver side A-pillar. Anyone know what that is?

Q5 Bob

I'll be interested in any follow up reports on the AR. I'm intrigued with them.

spijun

A4 allroad quattro and the Q5 is built on the same platform.
Use the same engine, gearbox and quattro drive

JGA5Cab

the button is the Side Assist power button. Didn't you notice yellow lights glowing in the mirror housings?

Parsec

Thanks, I noticed the yellow light while driving but didn't realize you could turn it on and off w/that button. Redundant feature for me because no amount of technology will untrain me to check my blind spots manually.

JGA5Cab

It's pretty easy to check the right side behind you but the left side poses challenges and it's quite helpful. It's really nice when you want to make a split second maneuver and you are assured that it's clear.

I have the feature on my Cabriolet and not the Q5. If I had a choice of one car having it, the Q5 would be the winner.

soonerfan

The Side-Assist feature isn't meant to "untrain" one from habitually checking the mirrors. It is very useful especially in heavy freeway traffic, alerting one with approaching vehicles from the rear when one is concentrating on the traffic ahead. Peripheral vision assistance as it were. I've been very pleased with the feature…..and I'd bet I've been checking my mirrors a LOT longer than most on this forum.

Parsec

I'll have to play around w/it on the way home. Maybe it's just a matter of getting used to it. As you said, I can see it being useful in split-second situations.

Q5 Bob

I like the tried and true drivetrain in the AR, I'm interested primarily in the aesthetics. Stylish (IMO) and you don't see many of them on the streets.

idale

The allroad is basically the wagon version of the Q5, with how much is the same or almost the same between the two. Very hefty "avant tax" on the allroad, though, but I see a surprising number on the roads around Austin given that (and the prevailing opinion that Americans don't like wagons).