Audi ALLROAD 4.2 V8
We all take it for granted that there arent too many sound, logical reasons for buying a huge 4x4. Theyre heavy, often dull to drive, can be a nightmare to manoeuvre through cities and they chug out more CO2 than most of us care to countenance. There has to be a better way. At least thats what Audi thought when they launched the Allroad range of 4x4 estates.
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After all, with many customers quite willing to part with over £50,000 for an upspec Mercedes M-class, BMW X5, Range Rover or Porsche Cayenne, it makes sense to offer an equally well-appointed 4x4 estate to remind these high living larrikins that a more socially acceptable alternative does exist. Already available in either 180bhp 2.5 TDI guise or 250bhp twin-turbo petrol 2.7-litre V6 form, the Allroad has carved out a small niche for itself as the premier all terrain estate, above more modest pretenders such as the Volvo XC70 and the Subaru Forester.
The 4.2-litre car moves the game on in several key respects. The first is power. With 300bhp on tap, the Allroad 4.
2 puts a clear 50bhp between itself and the 2.7T version, and the end result is a car that can cover the sprint to 60mph in 7 seconds flat and knock on the door of 150mph. The V8 engine has huge reserves of torque, serving up its full quota of 380Nm at just 2,700rpm, which means that you wont need to rev the engine furiously. Its a very different engine to the twin-turbo 2.
7-litre six, feeling more relaxed yet capable of delivering a hefty wallop when called upon. Whilst the extra-urban fuel economy figure of 27.7mpg and the CO2 emissions of 331g/km may not sound wildly impressive, when put up against the big 4x4s that Audi post as the Allroad 4.2s opposition, they do stand up extremely well.
Besides, if youre that concerned about emissions and fuel economy, the Allroad 2.5TDI will salve your environmental conscience still further.
"The engine note is a good deal more melodious than other Allroad versions, offering a characteristic V8 thrum as it comes on song"
The V8 engine as seen here isnt exactly the same engine used in the A6 and S6 models. The redesigned engine is 52mm shorter and around 5kg lighter due to the repositioning of certain components and the extensive utilisation of lightweight magnesium. Take a look at the 4.2-litre A6 and youll see where Audi have had to extend the nose of the car to accommodate the engine.
No such requirement with the Allroad 4.2, helping to preserve its surprisingly capable off-road capacity. Now for the rough stuff. Real offroad experts will tell you that ground clearance is everything, so let's start there. This car has more (208mm) than apparently 'proper' off roaders like Jeep's Cherokee or Mercedes' M-class. Not even a Discovery or a Range Rover sits much higher. As for traction, well again, it's no problem. Thanks to a Torsen (torque-sensitive) differential and an electronic diff lock (EDL), drive is maintained even if only one wheel has grip. It will tow almost anything - and carry a heavy payload. Plus you can hurl this Audi at the nearest mountain with relative peace of mind, thanks to side cladding and bumper-mounted front and rear undertray protection plates.
The Allroads party trick is definitely its ingenious adjustable air suspension system, which can automatically (or manually) raise or lower the car to four different ride heights, using air springs on each wheel. The lowest is just 142mm from the tarmac and is automatically activated over 75mph to improve high-speed handling. The standard 167mm ride height is activated at 50mph, while at speeds below that the car rides at 192mm. The final top setting - up to 208mm - is one you select yourself, via a couple of small dashboard buttons before attempting particularly difficult terrain.
You can also manually jack the car up and down, plotting your progress via a series of four warning lights. However, this takes rather a long time and there's not much point. Better to leave the system in auto and let it do its own thing. If the prospect of doing so leaves you visualising the car jumping up and down like a jack-in-the-box as speeds vary, then don't worry. A delay circuit waits several minutes to establish a continuous speed before activating the suspension. It's really very clever. Like its 2.7-litre stablemate, the V8-engined car lacks the rugged edge of the entry-level Allroad 2.5TDI insofar as it does without the manual gearbox with low range option.
In place of the manual box, the Allroad 4.2 campaigns with a five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. A Sport function changes down earlier and changes up later, a welcome feature for those looking to wring the ultimate performance from the 40-valve V8 engine. Another benefit of this big engine comes when you press hard.
The engine note is a good deal more melodious than other Allroad versions, offering a characteristic V8 thrum as it comes on song. As big 4x4s have moved progressively upmarket, the Audi Allroad has been forced to keep pace. Taken in isolation, the 4.2-litre V8 version looks a rather extravagant tool, but its important to view it in the context of its target audience.
As a more sensible alternative to a 4x4 leviathan, the Allroad makes a lot of sense. For the well-heeled customer who wants the looks, the equipment, the elevated ride height and the extended capabilities, the Allroad 4.2 V8 offers a powerful argument.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Audi Allroad 4.2 V8
PRICE: £41,660 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 19
CO2 EMISSIONS: 331g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 7s / Max Speed 149mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (extra urban) 27.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags / ABS/ ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 4810/1852/1526mm
